An archived stack of papers: May 2006
All About Communication
In a stack of papers called Technology.
- May
- 31
- 2006
My interests find me in various spots of the Web. Dabbling in lots of different things means that I have reason to read lots of sites. As I’ve mentioned on here before, my interest in design takes me to a lot of sites ... read more
Technology Changes
In a stack of papers called Technology.
- May
- 27
- 2006
A few interesting things have happened at my school this past week. I finished grading 4 sets of in-class essays; I dropped a performance final on my guitar class; I enjoyed a Friday without seniors; I nearly set my building on fire by leaving the broiler on in the faculty lounge (yeah, we have an oven in there and a dishwasher, too).
But the really interesting changes have to do with technology... read more
Get A Life
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- May
- 21
- 2006
I drove out to West Valley College for the annual Run For Lupus, a 5k event in its 12th year. The Bay Area Lupus Foundation (BALF) appear to be doing good things, though I must admit that I don’t keep up on their progress. I know several people with lupus, arthritis, or cancer and curing these things seems like such an insurmountable feat. I get tired of reading... read more
Less Is More
In a stack of papers called Technology.
- May
- 18
- 2006
Oh, the things you’ll find when surfing!
If you haven’t enjoyed a good bout of Internet surfing anytime recently, a few hours spent clicking on interesting pictures or phrases or titles and enjoying the results, I highly recommend it.
During an evening surfing session, I came across Khoi Vinh’s site, Subtraction. A few weeks back,... read more
Perils Of Surfing?
In a stack of papers called Technology.
- May
- 17
- 2006
While clicking and reading online the other day, I heard a news report about a new teenage method of getting drunk. I think that it dealt with using cough medicine to achieve the high, but I can’t be certain. Honestly, I wasn’t paying attention. My iBook was far more interesting. Why would I actually watch the news? I’m online!
Anyhow, a stuffy gentleman caught my attention for... read more
Grammar, Go Your Own Way
In a stack of papers called Instruction.
- May
- 11
- 2006
If I had reasons to accept grammar into my classroom, I would. As it stands, I have to tell grammar to take a hike.
Against Grammar Instruction
Where is the research that suggests grammar instruction equals better writing? Just because I know the rules of football doesn’t make me a good player.... read more
Take The [Grammar] Back
In a stack of papers called Instruction.
- May
- 10
- 2006
While I actually think the Rage Against The Machine song “Take The Power Back” is more an anthem against things like traditional grammar instruction, it makes for an interesting read. Have support for grammar in the classroom in mind as you glance at the lyrics. Now let’s see what... read more
For And Against Grammar Instruction
In a stack of papers called Instruction.
- May
- 09
- 2006
The ebb and flow of grammar instruction continues.
During a meeting today, the subject of a workshop on grammar popped up. A few years ago, my school decided that every English 1 would begin with (at least) a 2-week grammar/syntax unit. Last year, I taught that unit. Various folk in my district have suggested a standardized grammar pre- and post-test for the freshman year. The NWEA test seeks to... read more
Under Attack
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- May
- 05
- 2006
After a moderately heated exchange of rhetoric in a recent staff inservice session, another teacher questioned my professionalism. Here’s the line of thinking that lead to that declaration.
My Ideas
As an educational community, we should be open to folks coming into our classrooms and offering suggestions about how we might do something better. An additional perspective is... read more