01 Oct 2017

Post 06 – Why Aren’t You Doing Your Homework?

Here's the prompt for the week: What do you think are some of the contributing factors to students who struggle to complete homework in your class (besides "they're lazy"). What have you done that has helped/not helped in this regard? I've written on my philosophy on homework in the past.  This will be a bit of an extension to that of that reflection. SO WHO HAS HOMEWORK? Students will only have homework if they don't finish the assignment during class.  Assignments almost always include 3-5 meatier problems that we'll discuss as a group (discussion problems) and some Khan Academy exercises.…
Read More
27 Feb 2017
Entry 25 – The Homework Debate

Entry 25 – The Homework Debate

This week's reflection prompt: Do you think we give too much homework as a school or not enough? As I was preparing to write this reflection, I did some research on Alfie Kohn's homework ideas and theories.  If you're not aware, Kohn is probably the lead voice in criticizing most homework practices and stating their ineffectiveness (as well as writing a lot on rewards/punishments as motivations...another topic I have a lot of thoughts on but will save for another blog). I generally agree with Kohn but also feel that he is a bit of an idealist with most of his…
Read More
23 Jul 2013
My Flip That Sort Of Flopped

My Flip That Sort Of Flopped

So last year was my first attempt to 'flip' my classroom.  I find myself wanting to kind of avoid the word 'flipped,' not only because I want to be wary of educational fads / GAMECHANGERS! but also because I don't really feel I 'flipped' my classroom, I just provided resources for them to learn online. I've read so many things about different people's experiences from: 'I flipped my classroom and 100% of my students passed or got commended on the end-of-year state assessments' to 'I did it, I liked it, I think it may be a fad and I'm not…
Read More