Sunday, March 05, 2006

ActivitiesThat Teach--Final Post

Great Comments!

Please take the time to complete the assignments located in your course syllabus. Remember that you may send them to me via email or snail mail.

I look forward to seeing how your lessons went and reading your journals.

If you have any questions please give me a call at (920) 540-2538

Dan Slowey

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Chapter Four--Overcoming Objections to Active Learning

"If teaching were only telling, my children would be incredibly brilliant; I've told them everything they need to know."
-Howard G. Hendricks

Please list any aha moments you experienced while reading Chapter Four--
Please also reflect on the following questions:

  • Have you had any negative experiences with supervisors when it comes to active learning
  • Have you had any positive experiences with supervisors when it comes to active learning
  • Have you experienced any personal struggles trying to integrate active learning in your teaching style

Please click on comments to share your thoughts and feelings

Powerful Benefits of Active Learning Pg. 17

After reading the following benefits of active learning--which are amazing!!

Please reflect on the following thoughts/questions....

  • What additional benefits of active learning have you witnessed in your classroom
  • Share a success that you have experienced with active learning
  • Share your biggest challenge
  • Share a challenge you have witnessed for students with active learning

  1. Active learning involves everyone in the group.
  2. Active learning is student oriented, not teacher oriented.
  3. Active learning is process, not outcome oriented.
  4. Active learning is reinforced and directed through a discussion time.
  5. Active learning allows teachers to observe students as they interact with each other.
  6. Active learning puts the burden of learning where it belongs-on the students themselves.
  7. Active learning allows students to have fun while they learn.

Laugh Lines

From The Book Laugh Lines For Educators

By: Diane Hodges
  1. Things I Have Learned From My Children
    A king-sized waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 square foot ranch house 1/4 inch deep
  2. A 3 year olds voice is louder than 200 adults in a restaurant.
  3. You should not throw baseballs up when a ceiling fan is on.
  4. The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
  5. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh'" it's already too late.

Please feel free to add to this list by clicking on comments

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Chapter 3

"Knowledge cannot be passed like a material substance from one mind to another; for thoughts are not objects which may be held and handled...Ideas must be experienced."
--John Milton Gregory


After reading the comments so far from Chapter 2, I believe the next two chapters are vital if we are to take active learning to the next level! We need to deeply understand the benefits of this teaching style and be prepared to defend the objections we will encounter.

After reading Chapter 3--

1)Please list your AHAS (points of interest) and relate the readings to your experiences either as a teacher or student.

2) Name one of your favorite teachers from your childhood--describe their teaching style and what made them leave such a lasting impact on your life.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Chapter 2

"The only learning that really sticks is that which is self discovered." -Carl Rodgers


In chapter 2 John D. Rockefeller was quoted as saying, "I will pay more for the ability to deal with people than any other ability under the sun."

Please respond or give examples to the following:
-Do you think John D. Rockefeller's quote is still accurate today?
-What do you do in your classroom to give students the skills to deal with others? - Review and comment on the Advantages of Active Learning on pages 9-12.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Chapter One: Activities That Teach

"For most students academic learning is too abstract. They need to see, touch and smell what they read and write about."
--John I. Goodlad

After reading Chapter One, please reflect on your thoughts/feelings and share them with the class.

The following questions were created to be thought provoking:

a.) What were some of the AHA's that you encountered?
b.) How can this information make you a more effective teacher/administrator?
c.) Share a few active learning lessons that you have already utilize in your classroom.

**Click on comments to read and leave your personal ideas**

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Introductions

Please introduce yourself to the rest of the class by answering the following questions:
1) Your Name
2) School/City
3) Grade level and subject that you teach
4) What hobbies do you have that create laughter and joy in your life

Click On Comments To Leave Your Post