I am one who usually poohahs "contests" but I've also seen how it can motivate students and even teachers! So just like how I teach - I discount nothing as "horrible". If it works, it works. Pragmatism and a focus on outcomes, keep me healthy. In this vein, I've started a contest and hope some Fireside members will participate OR even get their students participating. I find this to be the apex of all great teaching - when the students are making the content. In doing so, they are learning so m… Continue

I think many American educators but also teachers everywhere, should be VERY concerned about how governments and large corporations are trying to limit and filter the access to information online by students. This is happening at a rapid pace and I'm horror struck. Please read the article below about pending Communication Commission regulations. The author makes the very sane arguement that not only is this against any notion of freedom of speech but it is "dumbing down" our students. In a word… Continue

I just spent a well deserved 4 day holiday on an island with me, myself and I. Also, books, magazines, sunshine, the beach, mountains and very few people. Perfect! One of the articles I finally got to was this one below -- One Year as a Kaplan Coach. A very good read and insiders view of how we just throw money at "testing" and teaching to the test. Vast waste as companies like this - just like Haliburton in another field, make BILLIONS. Money that could go to create better environments for our… Continue

We talk a lot as teachers about learning style but not so much about teaching style.

Most teachers agree, we all have our own unique "style" . Some of us are quiet and calm. Some of us are loud and energetic. Some of us have desks all neatly organized, clear and many of us have desks that appear chaotic, tired, as old rag and bone shops of the heart. Some of us teach from

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