Sunday, November 25, 2007

Your Vision

Since we are in the process of creating future mockumentaries right now, let's take a moment and think about our ideal future school.

What are three characteristics that would be part of a "perfect school" five years from now? Think about the roles of the student, teacher, and technology as you describe your ideal learning climate. As you consider this question, you might also think about what you might look for in your ideal college.

Please consider this question seriously and realistically, as your responses will form part of a presentation to the 21st century learning community of teachers this week.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Glimpsing into the Future

Three years ago, this classroom was filled with old, wooden desks in rows. There were no laptops in the school.

Ten years ago, there were no computers on teachers' desks nor in classrooms. Nobody used PowerPoints, and classes were primarily lecture-based, rather than discussion-based.

What do you think our school will look like ten years from now, in 2017? What will the classroom look like? What will learning look like? How will class be conducted? Explain your thinking.

Just Checking In...

How are things going in English 10? What are some of your goals for the last six weeks of the semester? What would you like to accomplish in our class, and what can I do to help you meet your goals?

Thanks for your feedback!

Monday, October 1, 2007

Banned

Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men has been banned from numerous schools and libraries since its first publication.

1. What specific aspects of this novel could be considered controversial?

2. Do you think that this book should be banned? Should it be optional? Explain your thinking.

If you're interested in banned books, you should also check out the following link: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/spok/most-banned.html

Please remember to type in Microsoft Word first to maintain spelling and grammar; also, be sure to read everyone else's comments before writing your own so that you can have a conversation with each other and avoid repetition.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Hope

Consider the following quotation from The Shawshank Redemption:
"Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things."

Do you agree with this quotation? Is hope ever not a "good thing"?

Do you think that this quotation is showing truth so far in Of Mice and Men? Use one passage from the novel to support your response.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The Woman Behind the Bars

Do you think that "The Yellow Wallpaper" could be considered a feminist story? In other words, what does this story have to say about women, men, and power? As you explain your thinking, cite one specific example from the story to defend your ideas.

Please respond by midnight tonight.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Your Discerning Eyes


In class today we discussed using small but significant clues to sneak your way into a "text." Please peruse the above painting, titled "American Gothic," and respond to the following questions:


1. How would you describe the relationship between the subjects of this painting, and what clues helped you figure this out?

2. Why do you think the painting is called "American Gothic"? What image of America does this painting create? Do you agree with this image?


Remember to read the other posts to avoid repeating someone else word for word. Instead, focus on having a conversation with your classmates. Posts are due by midnight tonight.

Monday, August 20, 2007

First Post: Expectations

What are your expectations of me as your teacher? What can I do to help you succeed? If you need help brainstorming, think of a teacher you once had who truly inspired and challenged you and consider what they did to contribute to your success.