As far as grading goes, I believe it is important because it teaches kids to work hard and apply themselves in school. Even so, I don't believe that grades are the only means of evaluating a student. For example, I know many students who produce better grades than me, but yet I still know more common knowledge and Iam better informed on many topics. I believe this is because many students get too involved in trying to obtain good grades and they only learn the material for a short time. Where as students like myself like to learn things on our own and discover information not taught in the classroom. Don't get me wrong, things taught in class are important, but what you learn on your own in the world, is equally or possibly more important.
Jared Noyes
What Jared mentions is true. What do you think?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Violence in school and does it happen here
Read this article, paying special attention to the last comment made by Sheriff Al Lamberti. Is what he said true? This situation could happen and probably already has happened here at our school, just not to the level that this one did. What do you think?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Grades versus learning
I have been debating the issue of the the importance of grades with other educators in both high school and university for about two years now. And it still continues...
Are grades all that important? They are just letters assigned to assignments, test or projects that reflect a one time occurrence.
Where does actual learning come into play. Any average-skilled cheater can achieve A's or B's in class and learn very little but how to cheat a little bit better.
Is learning important to students at all or is school all about grades. I understand that GPA and class rank, ACT and SAT scores, and other grade related information are important, but shouldn't the emphasis be on what students have learned and how they can use that learning.
What good is an A in calculus if you haven't learned the skills needed to pass a college algebra course. It is not hard to get an A-. With a little skill, help from the teacher or classmates and some effort, anyone can do it. But it is the application of those supposedly learned skills that really brings the learning done to light.
Colleges and universities must now offer remedial classes to get high school students caught up in the skills that are lacking, especially in math, reading and writing. How can a student who received a B in writing courses in high school, need remedial classes when in college. Were is the learning that was supposed to take place? With grade inflation and watered-down curriculum, no wonder learning is not occurring.
I realize that change must begin from the top (the real work world and then colleges) and trickle down, but when will that happen? Is the education world so caught up in NCLB legislation and teaching to the test that we have forgotten about real learning? I am afraid that this debate will be around long after I have left the teaching world.. How sad!!!!
Are grades all that important? They are just letters assigned to assignments, test or projects that reflect a one time occurrence.
Where does actual learning come into play. Any average-skilled cheater can achieve A's or B's in class and learn very little but how to cheat a little bit better.
Is learning important to students at all or is school all about grades. I understand that GPA and class rank, ACT and SAT scores, and other grade related information are important, but shouldn't the emphasis be on what students have learned and how they can use that learning.
What good is an A in calculus if you haven't learned the skills needed to pass a college algebra course. It is not hard to get an A-. With a little skill, help from the teacher or classmates and some effort, anyone can do it. But it is the application of those supposedly learned skills that really brings the learning done to light.
Colleges and universities must now offer remedial classes to get high school students caught up in the skills that are lacking, especially in math, reading and writing. How can a student who received a B in writing courses in high school, need remedial classes when in college. Were is the learning that was supposed to take place? With grade inflation and watered-down curriculum, no wonder learning is not occurring.
I realize that change must begin from the top (the real work world and then colleges) and trickle down, but when will that happen? Is the education world so caught up in NCLB legislation and teaching to the test that we have forgotten about real learning? I am afraid that this debate will be around long after I have left the teaching world.. How sad!!!!
Leadership
What makes a good leader?
Is is charisma, charm, good looks, a winning smile, a powerful speaking voice, or is it something that is indescribable?
What traits should one look for in a good leader?
Who are some good leaders from the past and today? Why are or were they so good?
How do students show leadership? Is it important to do so?
Is is charisma, charm, good looks, a winning smile, a powerful speaking voice, or is it something that is indescribable?
What traits should one look for in a good leader?
Who are some good leaders from the past and today? Why are or were they so good?
How do students show leadership? Is it important to do so?
Food and the Brain
Read this very interesting article on what food does and does not do for the brain. All I could think about was what wrestling wight cutting does to the brain and that Iwas gald I cut caffiene from my diet. What do you think?
Top 100 Books
USA Today published its top 100 books for 2009. How many have your read and which were the best? I have read 18 on the list and, by far, To Kill A Mockingbird is the best.
Jodi Picoult's lastest- House Rules
YEAH- Picoult has a new book out and I can't wait to read it. I have just finished Stephen King's Under the Dome and was spellbound. What books have you read lately that really captured your attention and drew you in?
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