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Ahh, I remember when my teachers started using Kahoot back in 8th grade. We all thought it was the coolest thing. Of course, as we grew up and it became more and more popular to use, the novelty wore off and it became a timewaster. Of course, no one minded the break- it just became an excuse to mess around. However, used effectively, there’s no doubt in my mind that when used correctly, Kahoot can be used as an excellent tool to engage students, especially in the context of reviewing for a test, perhaps. I appreciate you recalling this memory and I recall moments from my own tutoring where the students were totally engaged.
I appreciate your perspective on your position of power in the classroom, regardless of your actual identity. Working with kindergarteners, I never really considered the power dynamic that adults have within our educational system, let alone the place that I held within that system. It sounds like your teacher is doing a good job catering to student diversity and is trying to foster a healthy classroom environment. I also find your reflection on the way that we speak to students in our schools tend to represent the language of the majority. You could do a whole linguistics comps on that if you wanted to. I hope you had a good term tutoring, and bless you for working with the middle schoolers!
I appreciate how closely you paid attention to this lesson. After hearing the talk about Prairie Creek’s approach, I was hoping to see a post about a Prairie Creek lesson! I think it’s fantastic how well Nancy incorporated an outdoor component to the lesson. It makes things more interesting. I now when I was a kid, that would’ve had me sold. It’s fantastic that they’re being introduced to the scientific method at that age. I don’t remember being taught about that until middle school, although I could be misremembering.
I agree with what you’re saying about the substitute teacher. I always feel bad for subs. My kindergarteners were certainly not kind to their substitute the one day they had one.
You ask an intriguing question regarding how the issue of cell phones should be handled in schools. I don’t think I’m necessarily in your teacher’s camp. I know when I was in high school, I got my phone taken away a good amount and it still never really deterred me. However, I think there may be something to using phone time as a reward, rather than punishing students too harshly. Because, let’s be honest- with the way people act toward there phones now, there’s nothing much harsher than forcibly taking that away.
I think simply a positive attitude toward phone usage, acknowledging that they’re enjoyable to use, and providing time for it as a reward is pretty brilliant. If you’re not holding punishment over their heads, and they know they’ll have time if they complete their work, they don’t have to sneak around. Win-win.
Thanks for including the peduncle tidbit. Sounds like a cool guy? Is peduncle an actual word?
Price, I think your observation about the participation rates of boys and girls is very interesting. I can definitely envision an environment where boys who participate in class are looked at as weird. I, myself, can remember attitudes like that in my high school days. Do you think Mr. Dube could be addressing that more head on?
I can relate a lot to your recollection on your school attitude. I, too, wanted to fit in badly and didn’t really apply myself much in high school, at least on a level where my classmates could see.
I’m jealous you ended up with Mr. Dube. I really wanted to tutor in his class, but I’m happy with my assignment. Thanks for your insight and I look forward to reading more from you.
Renee, I really enjoyed your commentary on identity. You bring up some really interesting points that I haven’t considered. i especially like the section where you reflected on your own identity as it relates to Marcia’s theory. Your willingness to look inward and provide a thought-provoking answer are appreciated. You clearly have a unique understanding of human behavior. Your insights about the way your studemts carry themselves day-to-day is once again very thought provoking.
I find it interesting that Prairie Creek uses a lottery system. There must be a lot of parents trying to send their kids here! It sounds like a wonderful school with a unique approach.
do you feel their philosophy fosters growth and development more or less effectively than a traditional public school setting?
