tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post3155800135230882823..comments2024-02-03T13:05:51.797-06:00Comments on Stump The Teacher: I Resign From TeachingJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12252463873478820840noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-25125159656937292702012-10-25T21:53:09.475-05:002012-10-25T21:53:09.475-05:00I think this is an excellent vision. You are impl...I think this is an excellent vision. You are implementing it as well, instead of complaining of the way things are and not doing anything about it. The play on words draws the reader in and gets one to realize the impact of your message. I wonder if you have gotten the support of your school administrators? As long as you are still giving students the required curriculum and standards to be learned, a teacher is free to teach/guide however they want to for their students, right? Some ideas I got from this blog is that not only are students not motivated when told what to do, they learn to depend on the teacher when they can not figure something out. A teacher/guide that seriously gets them to truly find the answers out themselves will be giving them a huge life skill that will take them very far.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16952971790909599795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-47865113490458909832012-09-25T22:00:59.524-05:002012-09-25T22:00:59.524-05:00Be the sage on the stage and get out of their way....Be the sage on the stage and get out of their way. Only by taking control of their own learning will true learning take place. Did I forget to tell you to bring along a ton of patience, courage, trust and belief in the human condition of curiosity? Don't worry...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-44137635584931153782012-09-14T14:33:39.777-05:002012-09-14T14:33:39.777-05:00Second year education student reading this post in...Second year education student reading this post in my 336 class. Enjoyed the sentiment about the changes taking place in education, and think it is a very exciting time to be getting into the field. Thank you and David Wees for giving me some insight on what teachers really think about the technology age.KevinMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-14137456746551780432012-07-25T19:14:06.995-05:002012-07-25T19:14:06.995-05:00I really needed to read this. I found myself to be...I really needed to read this. I found myself to be too controlling last year with my students. I hate when my husband is right;) It's difficult with ELLs because you feel like you need to constantly provide a language model, but in reality they learn more by communicating amongst themselves anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-85338065813190513232012-04-07T06:44:51.609-05:002012-04-07T06:44:51.609-05:00I completely agree with your notion that put a rea...I completely agree with your notion that put a real problem in front of kids, intrinsically motivating and give them the time and resources and they can teach themselves FAR more than they would learn from you in face front discreet skill instruction. That being said, discreet skill instruction has a place in my class. (I want my students to be able to use the language of grammar as an example.) Both streams are important: ability to create and learn from meaningful work and skill development (as in practicing your scales if you want to be more than a noodler) <br /><br />In my view there are two babies and the bathwater is the obsolete notion that there's only one baby and you've got to choose sides.<br /><br />Thanks for a great post.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12471489989834477451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-4806064696653951852012-02-27T14:19:01.161-06:002012-02-27T14:19:01.161-06:00Wow!! When I saw the title, I thought it was real...Wow!! When I saw the title, I thought it was really a depressing end to a teacher who had become disillussioned. I believe what oyu wrote and am striving to following your footsteps although new teachers may have a problem as some seem to be minimulists just like some students. Hopefully we can engage them again as well.vernonb68https://www.blogger.com/profile/11760415740053061984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-65533528040486941962011-11-17T21:57:45.785-06:002011-11-17T21:57:45.785-06:00Josh, very excited to find this post. This year, ...Josh, very excited to find this post. This year, I'm implementing a more student centered classroom. I've always wanted to do "inquiry based learning" but didn't know how to do this in my 7th grade biology classroom. I thought it meant letting the students do whatever they wanted. I didn't know how I could do that and still cover the content standards.<br /><br />Now I see that I can do this by giving student projects parameters. It's been so interesting to watch these projects unfold. In the past, I spoon fed them the content through Powerpoint presentations using response cards (I thought I was so techie) and cookbook type labs. <br /><br />At first, students were very insecure with these projects. For example, during a student designed experiment/inquiry lab I showed them a data table in our textbook and told them to create one for the lab they would be doing (I used to draw data tables for them). They would constantly ask me "Am I doing this right?" I would tell them, think about the data you will need to record. You'll find out when you do your experiment and you can revise it." One student told me "we like it better when you tell us what to do." <br /><br />We are on our third project now, and I they seem to be a little more confident. It's a work in progress for me as well as for them. I like it when they make mistakes. I tell them "It's OK to make mistakes. That's why I don't tell you exactly how to do it. This way you can see for yourself what was good and how you can make it better next time."<br /><br />And yes, it is a lot of work. At least in the beginning (I hope). I am using technology as well and it has been a steep learning curve for me and the students. But I'm beginning to see the payoff. One of my students who has not put in much effort in the first projects came to me today and said "Do you think I did a good job this time?" He is anxious, because his team is presenting their lab results via their webpage tomorrow. I asked him did he think it was good? He said he thought so. How cool is that! Talk about student motivation!<br /><br />I think the collaboration element and the sharing out to the class elements are key.<br /><br />I'm glad you made the comment that you are still responsible for standards. I'm curious to hear about some of the projects you are doing in your classroom. I think my projects are "partial inquiry" within parameters. I'd like to give students MORE freedom. I'd like to hear from you and other teachers, especially middle school biology teachers like myself, to find out how they might be doing this in their student centered classrooms. Thanks a bunch for creating this discussion.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18185995912942512595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-72210100230910409252011-11-09T16:53:10.111-06:002011-11-09T16:53:10.111-06:00J. Vincent Nix misses the point, of course the tea...J. Vincent Nix misses the point, of course the teacher is to blame; and that is why teachers like Josh are willing to try new ideas to get directly to the issue of empowering students to learn for themselves; which gets to the main goal of independent risk takers and life long learners. I hope the great proselytizer teacher is a relic of the past. Changing student’s minds does not improve upon the unique and special qualities they have owned all their lives. I believe this is what Josh means when he writes, “the more control I give to [my students], the more they are responding and learning.” <br />The truth is that like students, teachers are individuals with their own special quirks, interests, and passions. The students recognize a fake in five minutes. Only the real, honest you with empathy for your students and passion for your subject can reach each individual in a way that reveals a mutual respect for each other; and brings out their greatest potential. <br />JAJohn Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13523569748707170553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-88451150950159238142011-11-09T09:28:05.576-06:002011-11-09T09:28:05.576-06:00Josh Stumpenhorst speaks about the teacher's r...Josh Stumpenhorst speaks about the teacher's roll in the classroom in a way that hits home with my own teaching experience in the fine arts. You have to give students a chance to take responsibility for their own education; and that is a difficult challenge for any teacher. Mr. S is right on the center of the issue of what I believe all teachers in all subjects and grade levels should be doing for their students.(JA)John Andersonhttp://jhawart.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-49955807572747538272011-10-19T23:01:22.177-05:002011-10-19T23:01:22.177-05:00I appreciate your idealism...but in the real wold ...I appreciate your idealism...but in the real wold many classrooms require formal instruction and assessment. Do you ever worry about sending the wrong message to new teachers who do have tenure to protect them!frogarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13417204398209034928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-58323491652833237712011-09-13T02:11:30.643-05:002011-09-13T02:11:30.643-05:00I'm sharing your post in some new teacher trai...I'm sharing your post in some new teacher training sessions Josh. Hope they feel comfortable enough to comment on it!Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08098221991466148258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-86221512877005353922011-08-03T03:59:47.628-05:002011-08-03T03:59:47.628-05:00This is EXACTLY what we are learning and discoveri...This is EXACTLY what we are learning and discovering at uni right now!<br />I don't think you could have written it any better. <br />Wish I had the opportunity to visit your class! It would be a wonderful learning experience.<br />Cheers Josh! <br />From Australia!Kimhttp://misskedtech.edublogs.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-74902323831827653752011-07-20T01:44:48.180-05:002011-07-20T01:44:48.180-05:00I've had some success with this in my own clas...I've had some success with this in my own classroom. First of all, you're right to say it's more work, not less. My big focus is on creating models. I teach high school English, mostly. About half my day is 9th grade Language Arts, but I also get to teach some electives for juniors and seniors. I used to do a lot more direct instruction followed by summative quizes and tests. Not only did I feel like I had to put on a show to maintain student interest, but I always doubted if my tests were true measures of student learning. was I asking the right questions? Would they remember any of it for more than a day? Now, when I do direct instruction, it's a model presentation. I essentially say, "Here's what your presentation to the class on subject X might look like. This one would earn a B. Here goes." Then I give a presentation. Then students tell one another what could be added to get an A before getting into groups and figuring out how to out-do me at instructing their peers. After presentations I lead discussions on what other information students might need, correct anything inaccurate, etc. There is a test afterwards, but I even include the students in creating the tests. That teaches them how tests work, which saves me from boring direct instruction test prep lessons for state tests. All in all, though I still have regular crises of confidence, I think it's a much more productive classroom.<br /><br />One big note: I do have a supportive administration. If someone down in the office didn't like a loud room where students are doing a lot of the direct instruction, it wouldn't work.Benjamin Gormanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15690290533167718706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-76578783868623933452011-06-18T21:31:22.926-05:002011-06-18T21:31:22.926-05:00What can I say... very inspiring, I wish I had a t...What can I say... very inspiring, I wish I had a teacher like you when I was at school ;)johann Savallehttp://openconversation.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-75344625410365961022011-06-02T20:51:49.091-05:002011-06-02T20:51:49.091-05:00I thoroughly enjoyed this post! Cleverly written w...I thoroughly enjoyed this post! Cleverly written with a real message about authentic teaching and learning. I read your recent post about your criteria for following people and blogs you read. Personally, I prefer to read something with more voice, less jargon. I can get the research from a book but from a blog I am seeking character, personality, some wit and a thought provoking message that gets to the point! Thanks for providing that!Hillary Ibbott Neisznerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08426492657883981552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-25973085971387825142011-06-02T08:43:28.594-05:002011-06-02T08:43:28.594-05:00I came here from Facebook where one of my friends ...I came here from Facebook where one of my friends mentioned a post you had written... then I got interested in other posts... so here I am, commenting! I wonder if you have read the book Inevitable? I believe you would find it interesting.Terri Steffeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02544793349029524184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-25787861093406715392011-05-14T07:20:11.013-05:002011-05-14T07:20:11.013-05:00Wonderful job!!! Took me time to read all comments...Wonderful job!!! Took me time to read all comments but the post sounds wonderful....Custom Research Paperhttp://www.essayprovider.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-73528071190885933332011-04-24T21:20:19.817-05:002011-04-24T21:20:19.817-05:00Great post! I feel like the same is happening in ...Great post! I feel like the same is happening in my classroom right now. It has taken all year to get to this point, though. Why is that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-65610325818466612502011-04-24T21:19:17.138-05:002011-04-24T21:19:17.138-05:00Great post! I feel like the same thing is happeni...Great post! I feel like the same thing is happening in my classroom to an extent. It has taken all year to get to that point though...why is that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-89388352666376261052011-02-22T02:45:26.985-06:002011-02-22T02:45:26.985-06:00I so empathise with what you say! It was such a hu...I so empathise with what you say! It was such a humbling experience to do some of this with my class and see what they were able to achieve with just the right question here and there (yes, I think sugata mitra's work is immensely important too!)Jan Webbhttp://janwebb21.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-43360224726861979142011-02-22T02:38:35.990-06:002011-02-22T02:38:35.990-06:00If I'd had teachers who worked this way when I...If I'd had teachers who worked this way when I was in high school, I wouldn't have left at 16. Sadly, our lot went through the GCSE curriculum by rote, discovered that only took a year and so did it all again - I went insane with boredom. Still, at least I can dip into the Open University whenever work gets too dull.Rnadomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-36940330303255745832011-02-21T21:15:00.833-06:002011-02-21T21:15:00.833-06:00I loved this. It goes directly to the heart of te...I loved this. It goes directly to the heart of teaching. But where and when do you find the time to set up the work for your students?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18147053524664301966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-59912328326740272432011-02-21T14:29:41.948-06:002011-02-21T14:29:41.948-06:00Great post, and it works so well! You might find J...Great post, and it works so well! You might find Jim Smith's "lazy teacher" book gives you even more fuel in this direction.@ICTEvangelisthttp://twitter.com/ictevangelistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-22772114786354077262011-02-16T22:32:46.297-06:002011-02-16T22:32:46.297-06:00#Awesome#AwesomeMrs. Tenkelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15943016358147486172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398761775627125562.post-62268924977611815622011-02-07T17:23:21.122-06:002011-02-07T17:23:21.122-06:00If I've learned one thing in my 26 years of te...If I've learned one thing in my 26 years of teaching, it's that students respond well to authentic learning environments such as the one you describe here. Unfortunately, principals don't always have the same reaction. How do we counter those "old school" responses?Triciahttp://chs-resources.wikispaces.com/noreply@blogger.com