When I started my current position one of the projects being worked on was a redesign of the district science fair. It seemed everyone was frustrated with the status quo- a collection of cardboard tri-folds and volcano models. Not much had changed in decades, and no one felt it was a good example of whatContinue reading “Goodbye to the Science Fair”
Tag Archives: learning
My Edu-Hero
This last week I was invited to attend some presentations in one of our elementary schools. The invitation was an opportunity to go and see how technology is being used in schools. On Tuesday morning I made my way over to the Primary Years Academy, pushed my way through a crowd of proud parents outside Ms.Continue reading “My Edu-Hero”
Learning is not quiet.
“It should be quiet in here. You should be studying for the quiz!” “Sit down and do your work, I want it quiet in here!” I have heard these directions, and others like them many, many times through the years, and I just do not get it. When I am trying to learn something, especiallyContinue reading “Learning is not quiet. “
Breaking Stuff and Other Problems
I have a problem. My students are doing great work. So great they are working on projects and doing things none of my classes have ever done before. They are taking the projects we do to places I have not seen high school students do before. It is a great problem to have, but IContinue reading “Breaking Stuff and Other Problems”
Being proud and actually saying it.
I was able to attend Fall Cue this year again. It was, as usual, a great experience. It was a little different this year in that I didn’t come home with a great new tool. Usually I learn of a great tool that is new to me; an app, a web site, or a gadget.Continue reading “Being proud and actually saying it.”
Is it Good Enough?
Something different is happening in my classroom this year. To start with my students are moving along faster, doing much more complicated work than I have ever had happen before. They are working through difficult technical issues with good, positive attitudes. Lots of “well that didn’t work, lets try this” types of things are happening.Continue reading “Is it Good Enough?”
Mom’s on the phone
This year our school district changed a policy concerning cell phones used by students. While there seems to be some contradictions, my understanding is that it is ok for students to have and use cell phones on campus, as long as they do not disrupt instruction. While some teachers are still taking phones from kidsContinue reading “Mom’s on the phone”
Paper, scissors, and glue. In high school.
For the last several years I have been on a one man campaign to end the use of scissors, glue, and cardboard trifold science fair type project boards in high school. It hasn’t been a very successful campaign. I reasoned that kids in high school should be creating things that look like those they willContinue reading “Paper, scissors, and glue. In high school.”
Giving Feedback
I have committed this year to do a better job of providing timely feedback for my students. I know that timely feedback is what makes or breaks a learning experience. When I was a child learning to ride a bike, I knew immediately when I made a mistake. I knew because I crashed and itContinue reading “Giving Feedback”
wmarkhall 