I would say that like anything else, it is how it is used. Technology is not a magic wand but the possibilities are endless. I always tell my students that it like having a worldwide library at your fingertips.I think we are in the CTER program to learn how to make better use of technology in our schools. Thanks for your comments.
Ann
Ming
I think teacher use sticker charts because studnts like something concrete to hold. It gives them a sense of ownership of their behavior.Stickers are always a favorite with the younger children and they seem to reinforce good behavior. You made good points in your wonderments.
Ann
Scott
"I wonder how discipline problems in U.S. schools compare to other industrialized nations--or even regionally within the United States, and from decade to decade"
I have been almost teaching for three decades. Your statement made think about the different discipline problems over the years.Sometimes I believe there are more issues today than when I first began teaching.Home structures are sometimes different. Students are basically the same but the way I deal with discipline is different. I think the more you teach the more you learn.Being a parent also changes the way you look at discipline.As a parent and a teacher, I realize that their are no absolutes in life.Your wonderments were interesting to read.
Ann
Matt
"Finally, after watching both debates this week, I wonder where the candidates stand on this issue of how a classroom should be run, and what their true feelings on education are"
I like your wonderment. I wonder the same thing.Do these debates teach kids to argue and belittle others? Is name calling ever appropriate.I think we expect better behavior of our students than our politicians.I wonder if they voted in NCLB.I wonder if they really thought about NCLB before they put it into practice.Political behavior is a wonderment in itself.
Ann
Jimmy
I really liked your analogy. Maybe not giving up in educating your reading student can be compared to a Cub's fan never giving up hope of winning the world series.I liked how you used sports.Sports are easy to relate to and show comparison with the idea of Metacomprehension.Thanks for sharing your ideas to a Sox fan.
Ann
Ron
I liked your wonderments.I often wonder about number 8.Maybe a way to reach kids that don't like to write is to use digital tools as suggested in #14.The alternative digital tools might give students with a different learning style a way to communicate, when the idea of writing can be a roadblock.Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Ann
Pam
Great wonderments.I like the think out loud protocols in #2.One of the students in my class does the think aloud.The principal of our school was in my room one day when he did a think aloud.She was very impressed with him. A think aloud is a wonderful thing to see in action.A teacher feels that if a student can do this he will successful in learning anything.Thanks for sharing your insights.
Ann
Susan
Your wonderment #3 brought back painful memories of grade school English class.I guess diagramming taught the parts of speech but it was truly a tedious experience.I haven't seen diagrams in years.I also wonder if is around anymore.Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Ann
Marcy
I liked your choice. I always liked Enchanted Learnig.I thought it was worth the yearly fee.They have a lot of pictures to print which are very helpful for younger learners. Thanks for sharing the websites.
Ann
Marcy
Thanks for the website. I'll share it with the English teachers. I guess you answered the question that diagramming is alive and well.
Thanks
Ann
Marcy
Thanks for sending the link. My school was thinking of getting Brain pop.I signed up for the free trial.Thanks for sharing this. I am always looking for new ideas and websites to use with my classes.
Thanks
Ann
Julie
Your #7 wonderment made me think about when I started teaching inquiry based science, which uses guided discovery.At first the students had to adjust to this new way of learning but eventually they caught on.I know in Pre school guided discovery is used but seems to stop in some of the grammar school. I think if students and teachers are trained to use it properly it will become second nature to them.
Good wonderments.
Ann
Marcy
You bring up a good point in #11.I wonder because there is so much emphasis on standardized test and multiple choice that hands on is not the main focus of some text.I wonder if the NCLB is taking the joy out of learning.Very good wonderments.
Ann
Scott
For the wonderment on Head Start, I think it was part of Lyndon Johnson War on Poverty program. Sargent Shriver was involved in starting the program. It was supposed to break the cycle of poverty. Lady Bird Johnson also was involved in staring the program.By meeting the needs of the Head start students, it was supposed to give them a good start and eventually a good future. Good wonderments.
Ann
Jimmy
I also wonder about #3.I sometimes think that these over complicated problems turn off the students.This frustration doesn't seem to increase learning. Many are just turned off and would rather not deal with such problems.
Your comments on Head Start make one wonder if the Pre School for all is the Head Start replacement in Illinois. I wonder if there is a study on why Head Start is not the success first envisioned in 1965.
Your wonderments are well thought out.
Ann
Michael
I wonder the same thing that is discussed in # 2. The emphasis on word problems challenges poor readers.One can almost see the student shutting down when faced with a word problem.The students can do the math but the words can confuse them on how to set up the problem. Good ideas in your wonderments.
Ann
Lorikay
I wonder how many brave teachers out there are willing to give any control of learning over to a student.
Your #8 made me think about how I changed the way I teach science after many years. I don't know if I was brave ,but I was willing to try something different. I teach inquiry based/hands-on now and I would never go back to the other way.I think if one is willing to listen and try new ideas,learning will improve.Good job on your wonderments.
Ann
Michelle
Thank you for the link to the Addison Trail High School list of pathfinders.You are right when you say that the internet is a mass of unorganized information.I tell my students that it is like having a huge library at your fingertips.The pathfinder is a good organizational tool.
Thanks
Ann
Nic
Your wonderment #4 about what grade level use cooperative learning daily made me think about the pre school and primary grades in school.Cooperative learning is the key in theses grades. I often wonder if cooperative learning lessons because of the emphasis on the standardized test.Individual learning seems to be stressed instead of the group. It is too bad cooperative learning isn't used more as students advance in grade level.Good wonderments.
Ann
Trish
I agree with your number 15.I too believe that the grade isn't as crucial as the progress the student is making.The trouble is that many parents and administrations don't buy into this.I think NCLB has caused a grading frenzy.Teachers have to be so accountable for everything they do that the true progress of the student gets lost.Keep grading like you do.It is good for the student.
Ann
Brett
I think teaching geography is like pure discovery that you mention in your wonderment #5.I am always amazed that many students don't know where certain places in the world are at. With the world wide web at their fingertips one would think they would enjoy the discovery of the world.7th grade is a difficult time for kids to get excited about school.Discovering the world around them would be a great adventure if they would only realize it.Good wonderments.
Ann
Jennifer
I wonder how well cooperative learning would work in a classroom with behavior management problems.
This wonderment made me think of my 8th grade science class. I use cooperative learning in this class, which is known for some behavior issues.I have found this class to be one of my favorites.I don't have the behavior issues that this class has had with other teachers.The class has taken to cooperative learning and I find it keeps them so involved that behavior problems are few.Good ideas in your wonderments.
Ann
Brian
I have noticed that your number 12 wonderment
If reading and writing are connected, does it make sense to continue having separate reading and writing courses in Middle School and High School?
has been changing.A lot of classes are now Language Arts where English and Reading are combined.Many kids really enjoy writing stories but they aren't always given the oppurtunity.You bring up good ideas in your wonderments.
Ann
Rebecca
I agree with your #12.I believe fatigue plays a big role in younger students not finishing.Even keyboarding exercises geared for younger children can tire them out.Their hands are not big enough for the keyboard or strong enough for holding the pencil for a long period of time.Good ideas.
Ann
Dave
Your wonderment about handwriting is true.There is much debate in my school about the necessity of cursive.Many students dislike using it.I have noticed that a lot of schools hardly cover handwriting anymore.I guess it might eventually fade away because of the speed of word processing and other forms of communication.Your wonderments are interesting.
Ann
Lorikay
Your wonderment 13
I wonder if it is reasonable to look for quality in content or expect both quality and quantity of work?
I think if we expect more from students they will deliver.I think building their self esteem is a good way to increase their wanting to learn.Your insights into the readings are very good.
Ann
Susan
Is the attitude in #12 determined by training or personality?
I think it is a little bit of both.It's like eating dessert first and then being disappointed because you have nothing to look forward to.I think once kids develop patience they will learn that dessert is worth the wait.I enjoy reading your ideas.
Ann
Jillian
I wonder if many students are aware of what motivates them.
I wonder the same thing but I don't think it is only the students.Many people are not aware of what really motivates them to act like they do. I think some people are so busy with life that they don't have time to think about the motivation factor.I guess it is like the Nike Logo "Just Do It".Kids study but never ask themselves why? Nice wonderments.
Ann
Ron
Good essay. I agree with you that when you have a choice to join something one doesn't want to be governed by a strict discipline structure. Playing as a team is more important than being bogged down by too many rules to follow.A social event shouldn't have too many rules.Nice work.
Ann
Marcy
I was surprised that the school board could possibly take a teacher out of a position because they choose to go on vacation. It almost sounds like an ex post facto law that we study for the constitution( making a law after the fact).I could see why the staff was upset.Your paper was interesting to read.
Ann
Rebecca
I am glad you are so passionate about your beliefs.The parent that wanted the grade changed is doing his child a diservice.He isn't being taught the value of work.I also don't know how one could live without the new media.The new media provides so many resources that can't be measured.Thanks for the comments.
Ann
Marcy
I liked your idea of turn your brain on. I remember introducing a new topic and the child wasn't grasping the idea.He told me his brain was hurting.It is funny that at a young age that the kids realize how important the brain is in learning.Your essay was an interesting read.
Ann
Michael
I agree with Pam that rights and responsibilities kind of go hand in hand.I believe that students have the right to learn but also need to be responsible for their learning.Your wonderments were interesting to read.
Ann
Julie
Your wonderment
Kohn states that both punishment and rewards are unproductive. I wonder if Kohn ever was a teacher? I wonder how students reacted to no rewards considering it’s such a motivating factor in most classrooms.
made me think of my childhood learning.My classmates and I were never rewarded in all the school years.I don't remember what motivated learning but I think you were expected to learn and give no excuses.I use rewards in my classroom but I wonder when society changed and rewards were expected for everyday events.Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Ann
Jillian
Your #1wonderment
" I wonder why Maslow’s parents pushed hard for his academic success when he was a part of a family of uneducated children."
I can relate to this wonderment.My father was an Irish immigrant.Growing up during the depression as one of six children,he was the only one to finish school.When he came to America,he went to school to learn a trade.He always stressed education for my brothers, sister and myself.He had seen too much lack of education growing up.He had also seen tremendous poverty.I think it is part of the American dream for your children to succeed.I think maybe that is why Maslow's parents stressed education.
Ann
Marcy
Your wonderment #3 made me think about the best way to make learning not a chore.I wish there was a simple answer.Students like fun learning activities but how do you do that all the time? How do we reach all kids? I don't know if there is a universal answer.I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Ann
Brian
# 8 Will every skill we teach be necessary for success in the future?
Your answer to this question is good.Critical thinking skills are necessary for life.Your students might not understand that now but some where in their life they might.Your wonderments are interesting.
Ann
Carole
I agree with your statement
"Being a teacher means not only being highly qualified in your specific content area and but also having a good knowledge base. It also means being able to have the social skills to talk discuss, and listen to students, parents, administrators, and colleagues."
This is so true.I have noticed that some teachers are uncomfortable in their active listening skills and social skills.If one does not possess these skills their job is going to be difficult.I thought of your active listening and track.I was at my youngest son track meet last week and the coach had a bull horn.It was a very effective listening/talking device.It sure got the kids organized quickly.Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ann
Julie
"Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence nowadays; very rarely do we, as students and adults, give someone our undivided attention when they are speaking."
You are so right.There are so many things going on at once that it is hard to give undivided attention.It is kind of like information overload.Sometimes by the end of my day,I don't want to hear my name called for a long time.Quiet conversation is not always possible at home or school.Active listening is what teachers strive for but sometimes there are forces that stop it from happenig.Good essay!
Robert
I like your title.I hear that word many times during the day.I also like your statement
"Teachers should display active listening when they are in meetings. This display of respect to the speaker will make for a better presentation in most cases. Besides, teachers should display the same courtesy to their speakers that they expect of their students."
I have been to many meetings were I felt sorry for the speaker because many didn't pay attention.Being a non listener is never a good thing to be.You are right in your wishing that teachers show the same listening skills to others that they want in their classroom.I liked your ideas.
Ann
Jimmy
Your #5 wonderment rings true.I believe religion can shape ones educational belief.One brings the qualities you suggest like kindness an acceptance into your personality as a teacher.Your wonderments were excellent thought provokers.
Ann
Rachel
Your # 8 on class size made me think.When I first started teaching I had 49 students in my class.I was teaching seniors.I learned as much about teaching as they learned about the civics I was teaching.The thing I learned about big classes is that one has to be super organized.I would not recommend that size class to anyone but the experience taught me much.Very good wonderments.
Ann
Matthew
I like your statement
Algebra 1 and 2 are two classes that students spend most of their school career building up to.
This is so true.I have heard elementary teachers stress "wait until you get Algebra." I sometimes wonder if students are frightened by the dreaded Algebra. I kind of wish that the grade school students were not so scared of the term "Algebra." I think that math isn't as scary as some make it out to be.Your thoughts on misconceptions are good.
Ann
Ming
Some of the students are so focused on how they read that they do not self-reflect or think about the reading.
Ming this is so true.There is a student in 8th grade at my school who has a beautiful reading voice and sounds wonderful when she reads. The only problem is that she does not comprehend what she reads.She is truly the one who can read the words but doesn't understand.The teachers are really hoping to overcome this.Hopefully it is not to late.
Ann
Jillian
It looks too complicated…I’ll never be able to learn how to use that.
This is my school.Much of the staff does not want to try new things not realising that technology makes life easier.They are coming around but it has been a struggle.I think learning is an ongoing process that should never stop.Your misconceptions hit the mark on many teachers preconcieved ideas.
Ann
Trish
Still, there is a lot to be said for the tactile experience of manipulating fraction tiles, base ten blocks, color tiles, snap cubes, geoboards, etc. in overcoming many of the misconceptions students have about mathematics.
You are right.Touch and hands on is so important for some learners to be successful.I often wonder why it is not used so much in the upper grades. I believe that many could benefit from this tactile learning.Your misconceptions on math are quite interesting to read.
Ann
Marsha
To answer #17 Yes flashcards are still used.our 3rd graders love them.
How do you convince a parent that, no matter how bad they were in math, that it is best to encourage your child to do better, not to provide them with an excuse?
I too have heard this many times in many subjects.I think some parents have issues from their childhood that they shouldn't transfer to their children.Being a parent,I guess it is easier said than done.Good wonderments.
Ann
Carole
I wonder after students begin to expect awards, if there was a way to change the dynamic so that they become intrinsically motivated again without them.
It is hard to go back to no awards but it can be done.I always tell the students you should be proud of a job well done and that this satisfaction should be enough.I don't think they always believe me but I am willing to try.Too many rewards is not a good thing.In later life rewards can be few and to always to expect them is setting one up for dissappointment.
Ann
Brett
As a very structured teacher I wonder how much of my lack of discipline problems come from this structure.
I agree that structure is important.The more detailed and structured your lessons are the more success in the classroom one has.There are always exceptions but most of the time it is successful.Good wonderments.
Ann
Rebecca
I wonder what types of punishments Frederic Jones would recommend as that very last resort.
When I read about Jones theory,I wonder the same thing.Does one get so angry that the punishment is extreme? Does one let it slide until the student has no boundaries at all and might repeat the same behaviour? Your wonderment makes one think about how does Jones draw the line.
Ann
Michael
I wonder how we can help shy students without providing unsolicited help.
I think it can be done.Some kids tend to fall through the cracks and teachers have to try to bring them out of their shell.I try not to ever put a student on the spot.I do try to connect with all the students but sometimes time constraints don't make it possible.I always try to pair a shy child with an outgoing child. I find that they balance each other.Good wonderments.
Ann
Ron
The students can see that I have an understanding of what they are telling me and it shows that I have respect for them by caring for what they have to say.
You are a good teacher.Listening to the students is so important.Some teachers I have worked with are too much the boss and don't want to listen to student concerns.Very good essay on Active Listening.
Ann
Robert
Very good wonderments.
I have difficulty with some of the decisions my sister makes with her children. She says to wait till I am a parent.
I used to think like this also then I had children.I think your sister might be right but you have such a good sense of humor that you will be a good parent.Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ann
Ron
I wonder how to get a student to solve his own problems when he refuses to talk about his problems with teachers or staff.
I wonder this also.I guess you can only do the best you can but my heart breaks when you realize that a student is so hurt in his/her life that they can't talk about their problem.Hopefully, they will eventually talk with it with someone in the future.Good thoughts.
Ann
Nic
Do students care enough to do “self directed learning”?
Some do and some don't.I wonder why some students loose the spark of learning they had in the lower grades.I wonder if they become jaded with the learning process and how we as teachers can overcome this problem?Are all students mature enough to handle self-directed learning? Many are but some aren't. I guess we have to give it a try. We might be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Ann
Brian
To what extent must we first teach students what to think before they effectively learn how to think?
I teach an inquiry based science class.It is based on critical thinking skills.The students really like the class but they had to change their mindset in the beginning. They were never taught science like this before.Thinking skills are so important that I wonder why they aren't stressed more in schools.Maybe too much work on standardized test is the problem.
Ann
Dave
I am always wary of researchers that outright reject an entire
approach. Maybe not a wonderment, but more of an impression.
I agree with your statement.I believe in giving different approaches a try.There isn't nothing absolute in life.I think the willingness to try is important.I have the same impression of these researchers.
Ann
Lorikay
I enjoyed reading your essay.You bring up many good points.
"This symbol tells us that to listen we must use both ears, watch and maintain eye contact, give undivided attention, and finally be empathetic. In other words we must engage in active listening."
This statement is very wise if only people would follow this our jobs would be much easier.These old wise sayings are very intuitive.I often wonder why people don't follow them.Maybe they are the 75% or more that are not listening.
Ann
Rebecca
11. I wonder how teachers can actively contribute to the fulfillment of belonging/love needs of middle school students.
I often think that this age group is often the hardest to teach. With all the physical and emotional changes taking place, it is a difficult time for students. Being consistent and having a sense of humor is a way to deal with the middle students. I enjoy working with this group but a teacherr really has to understand all the changes these students are going through. Thanks for the wonderments.
Ann