Entries from December 2011 ↓

“When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is a choice unto itself.” ~ William James, American Philosopher _________________________________________ The depth vs. breadth debate roils on in education. The depth party says, “kids need to learn important big ideas deeply… make personal connections… apply the content.” The breadth party says, “kids [...]

Note: This post is part of the Teaching 2.0 Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. My current classes are about Project Based Learning and Assessment. _____________________________________________________  For grades to be valuable, they must be meaningful to all stakeholders. Teachers, parents, administrators, and students all have a vested interest in the [...]

Project Summary: My chemistry students completed a project in which they selected an element to research and relate to themselves. They used Animoto to create videos about their element and themselves. Along the way we did several labs and class activities to help them learn about properties of elements, atomic structure, and the organization of [...]

Note: This post is part of the Teaching 2.0 Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. My current classes are about Project Based Learning and Assessment. This synthesis essay is intended to focus on group work and is based upon readings from Productive Group Work by Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher and [...]

“Ultimately, human intentionality is the most powerful evolutionary force on this planet.” ~George B. Leonard (American author b.1923) Next time I have the opportunity to talk to a new or pre-service teacher about improving their teaching (like tomorrow in my PLC), I will give them the following 2 thoughts to consider: #1 – Reflection You will do a [...]