The Stanford Challenge 0n iTunes
Seeking Solutions, Educating Leaders
Improving K-12 Education - "Growth vs.Fixed" Minds
Carol Dweck, the author of "Mindset: The new Psychology of Success," developed an eight session work study when students were broke into two groups. Some students have a fixed mindset and others want to develop their mindset. One group received study skills and a growth mindset while the others got just study skills. The students with a fixed mindset did not do well because of lack of motivation to put the study skills in to practice and their grades continued to decline and the other students that want to develop had the growth mindset sessions and did well because they found that the brain is like a muscle and gets stronger with use.
The students that took the growth mindset course learned that their brain formed to connections when they learned something new and their intellectual skills got better. The students were taught how to apply this to their school work and had a rebound in their grades. Teachers could tell the difference in the students that had not had the growth mindset sessions compared to the one's that did.
The flexibility of growth of skills is needed at all levels in order to keep up and grow with our changing world. A good teacher must have a growth mindset in order to teach the students with the curiosity to learn. Others want to feel smart and students must have teachers to provide the leadership to open up the minds of everyone that wants to learn.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Edutopia
The Edible School Yard and A Night in the Global Village
Edutopia
The “Edible School Yard” at Martin Luther King Middle School teaches kids the basics of ecology and how to cooperate to do projects together. The school proves that a kid who is brilliant in science or math may not necessarily be great in the garden.
The Edible Garden was established as a way to improve school lunch programs. The kids grow their own food in the garden so they want to cook it and eat it. They don’t think of it as school but they know what they are learning.
It is a benefit to have a program that is so basic to teach kids things that used to be learned at home. It is a way to show them a sense of ownership in what they are learning as a group and as an individual.
A “Night in the in the Global Village” is a program designed to learn about hunger, poverty and sanitation that exists in other countries around the world. It is one thing to talk about it but another thing to live it so the students experience living in the conditions with the resources that are common to people in other countries for a night in the global village.
The students learned the independence of the living conditions along with the struggles and it taught them to think about it and open their eyes to what they are lucky to be blessed with in America compared to how other people survive in other countries around the world.
Edutopia
The “Edible School Yard” at Martin Luther King Middle School teaches kids the basics of ecology and how to cooperate to do projects together. The school proves that a kid who is brilliant in science or math may not necessarily be great in the garden.
The Edible Garden was established as a way to improve school lunch programs. The kids grow their own food in the garden so they want to cook it and eat it. They don’t think of it as school but they know what they are learning.
It is a benefit to have a program that is so basic to teach kids things that used to be learned at home. It is a way to show them a sense of ownership in what they are learning as a group and as an individual.
A “Night in the in the Global Village” is a program designed to learn about hunger, poverty and sanitation that exists in other countries around the world. It is one thing to talk about it but another thing to live it so the students experience living in the conditions with the resources that are common to people in other countries for a night in the global village.
The students learned the independence of the living conditions along with the struggles and it taught them to think about it and open their eyes to what they are lucky to be blessed with in America compared to how other people survive in other countries around the world.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Blood Vessels help tumors grow
WGBH Grades 6-8
"Blood Vessels help tumors grow"
CANCER WARRIOR
Scientists and doctors used research and experimentation to show that blood vessels can grow toward a cancerous tumor and cause a tumor to grow. Further research was performed to justify this experiment. They looked for molecules that cause the tumor to grow and could not find one. They became "pigheaded" and just would not give up when they could not find the reasons and answers.
Finally, they used a pellet and found a molecule that attracted the blood vessels to the tumor. It was found that this could be used with tremendous applications for Cancer treatment.
I feel that the same applications can be used toward teaching and learning. When one can't seem to find the correct answer, one must continue to work, study and apply oneself to learning the answers to questions through reasoning, awareness, research, experiments and a whole lot of perseverance.
"Blood Vessels help tumors grow"
CANCER WARRIOR
Scientists and doctors used research and experimentation to show that blood vessels can grow toward a cancerous tumor and cause a tumor to grow. Further research was performed to justify this experiment. They looked for molecules that cause the tumor to grow and could not find one. They became "pigheaded" and just would not give up when they could not find the reasons and answers.
Finally, they used a pellet and found a molecule that attracted the blood vessels to the tumor. It was found that this could be used with tremendous applications for Cancer treatment.
I feel that the same applications can be used toward teaching and learning. When one can't seem to find the correct answer, one must continue to work, study and apply oneself to learning the answers to questions through reasoning, awareness, research, experiments and a whole lot of perseverance.
Podcasts
KidsCast
Being Safe on Line
This audio warns Kids to not share their passwords to websites with friends because they could log on to their account and do something mean. Kids should not put any personal information on the sites or chat rooms. Kids need to use search engines when they can find information safely and when their parents are aware of their navigating on line. www.kidscast.com
EdTechTalk
EdTech Brainstorm is an audio show online that allows conversation and listeners to share information in chat room sessions and text postings. It is a very unique way to communicate through computer technology. www.edtechtalk.com
MacBreak Weekly
Episode #111 is titled Firewall Farewell. MacBreak Weekly is an audio show that allows people to join in with two hosts to talk about subjects in the Apple and McIntosh products and the growing interest in communication inside computer technology. www.twitnetcastnetwork.com
This Week in Photography
This Week in Photography is a website that invites open conversation with subject matter experts in digital photography gear, technique, news and reviews.
www.twipphoto.com
Being Safe on Line
This audio warns Kids to not share their passwords to websites with friends because they could log on to their account and do something mean. Kids should not put any personal information on the sites or chat rooms. Kids need to use search engines when they can find information safely and when their parents are aware of their navigating on line. www.kidscast.com
EdTechTalk
EdTech Brainstorm is an audio show online that allows conversation and listeners to share information in chat room sessions and text postings. It is a very unique way to communicate through computer technology. www.edtechtalk.com
MacBreak Weekly
Episode #111 is titled Firewall Farewell. MacBreak Weekly is an audio show that allows people to join in with two hosts to talk about subjects in the Apple and McIntosh products and the growing interest in communication inside computer technology. www.twitnetcastnetwork.com
This Week in Photography
This Week in Photography is a website that invites open conversation with subject matter experts in digital photography gear, technique, news and reviews.
www.twipphoto.com
Mr. Sullivan's Presentation
Accessibility from what is learned and information that can help me as an educator is laid out in Mr. Sullivan's presentation. I think it is great that there is web accessibility and additional hardware and software available that enables people with poor vision to use features on the computer. I am thankful for Mr. Sullivan's presentation because it serves as a learning tool and educated plan for people with this handicap. He offers information about the guidelines and legalities that are for the sake of people with eyesight disabilities. He reveals products that are available to educate and inspire people that clearly distinguishes an organized plan to support and help people with eyesight issues.
Alabama Virtual Library
Alabama Virtual Library
The AVL provides resources that are available for people to use on an internet library. The AVL is a valuable source for people that are interested in education. We never stop learning and having access to an on-line library is information that is literally on the edge of our fingertips. The print on line is a database that offers research opportunities for information that is a valuable resource for people ; not to mention, students, teachers and administrators.
I think it is a good thing to require people to obtain an AVL card from their local library. It will keep internet surfers off the website. The service provided is for the educated public that have a desire to learn and provide information and research tools for the sake of education.
www.avl.lib.al.us
The AVL provides resources that are available for people to use on an internet library. The AVL is a valuable source for people that are interested in education. We never stop learning and having access to an on-line library is information that is literally on the edge of our fingertips. The print on line is a database that offers research opportunities for information that is a valuable resource for people ; not to mention, students, teachers and administrators.
I think it is a good thing to require people to obtain an AVL card from their local library. It will keep internet surfers off the website. The service provided is for the educated public that have a desire to learn and provide information and research tools for the sake of education.
www.avl.lib.al.us
How to Study
1. Introduction
Everyone has a different "learning style". (A good introduction to the topic of learning styles is Claxton & Murrell 1987. For more on different learning styles, see Keirsey Temperament and Character Web Site, William Perry's Scheme of Intellectual and Ethical Development, Holland 1966, Kolb 1984, Sternberg 1999.)
Consequently, everyone has a different "studying style". But the way that you are studying right now might not be the best for you. How would you know? Easy: If your grades aren't what you'd like them to be, then you probably need to change how you study!
I am going to give you some suggestions on how to study efficiently. They worked for me when I was in high school, college, and graduate school. Not only that, but they worked equally well for me in humanities courses (like philosophy and literature) and in science courses (like math and computer science). But, given that everyone's learning style is different, some of my suggestions may not work for you, at least not without some individual modifications. Nevertheless, I urge you to try them. Most successful students use them (or some slight variation of them).
Please feel free to send me suggestions for studying that worked for you. I will try to include them in further versions of this guide.
2. Manage Your Time
School is a full-time job. And managing your time is important.
* If you have a "real" job after school that you do just for fun (or for some extra spending money), or if you participate in extra-curricular activities (whether school-related or not), keep your priorities in mind:
Your education should come first!
* If you must work (in order to make ends meet), you should realize the limitations that this imposes on your study time.
How much time should you devote to studying? A recent survey in the Chronicle of Higher Education suggested that students are not studying enough. So, how much is enough? If you assume that your education is a full-time job, then you should spend about 40 hours/week on it. Figure that 1 academic credit equals about 1 hour. So, if you're taking 15 credits, then you're spending about 15 hours in class. Subtracting that from 40 gives you 25 hours that you should be spending studying at home (or in the library).
You should spread that out over the week. Suppose you decide to study Sunday through Thursday evenings, taking Fridays and Saturdays off (from studying, that is). Dividing that 25 hours by those 5 days gives you 5 hours of studying per night. If you think that's too much, then plan on studying in the afternoons, too, or some of Saturday.
The above are just rules of thumb. If you're taking a 3-credit independent-study course, but you meet with your instructor only 1 hour/week, then you should add the extra 2 hours to your at-home study time. If you're working to earn some money, you should subtract your work hours from your free time, not from your study time! (If you don't want to do that, then you should consider quitting your job or reducing your course load.)
If that still seems like a lot, consider the difference between high-school courses and college courses. The typical high-school course meets every day, for about 5 hours/week. But the typical college course meets only about 3 hours/week, yet is supposed to be more intensive than its high-school counterpart. That's because in college you're expected to put more of your own time into studying.
Set yourself a grade goal. If you don't meet it, cut down on non-school activities. (If you can't, because you're working for a living, then consider dropping down to part-time schooling.)
For some websites on time management, take a look at:
* UB Student Affairs webpage on "Time Management"
* "Time Management Skills"
* "Time Management"
* "Time Management for University Students"
* "How to Be Punctual"
* ... or do a Google search on "time management" for more ideas.
* A nice set of printable online calendars, schedules, etc., can be found at ePrintableCalendars.com
3. Take Notes in Class & Rewrite Them at Home
Outline and Index:
1. Take Notes
2. Take Complete Notes
3. Use Abbreviations
4. Neatness Doesn't Count
5. Ask Questions & Make Comments
6. Copy Your Notes at Home
7. Don't Take Notes on a Computer
8. Don't Rely on the Instructor's Lecture Notes
9. Further Reading
Everyone has a different "learning style". (A good introduction to the topic of learning styles is Claxton & Murrell 1987. For more on different learning styles, see Keirsey Temperament and Character Web Site, William Perry's Scheme of Intellectual and Ethical Development, Holland 1966, Kolb 1984, Sternberg 1999.)
Consequently, everyone has a different "studying style". But the way that you are studying right now might not be the best for you. How would you know? Easy: If your grades aren't what you'd like them to be, then you probably need to change how you study!
I am going to give you some suggestions on how to study efficiently. They worked for me when I was in high school, college, and graduate school. Not only that, but they worked equally well for me in humanities courses (like philosophy and literature) and in science courses (like math and computer science). But, given that everyone's learning style is different, some of my suggestions may not work for you, at least not without some individual modifications. Nevertheless, I urge you to try them. Most successful students use them (or some slight variation of them).
Please feel free to send me suggestions for studying that worked for you. I will try to include them in further versions of this guide.
2. Manage Your Time
School is a full-time job. And managing your time is important.
* If you have a "real" job after school that you do just for fun (or for some extra spending money), or if you participate in extra-curricular activities (whether school-related or not), keep your priorities in mind:
Your education should come first!
* If you must work (in order to make ends meet), you should realize the limitations that this imposes on your study time.
How much time should you devote to studying? A recent survey in the Chronicle of Higher Education suggested that students are not studying enough. So, how much is enough? If you assume that your education is a full-time job, then you should spend about 40 hours/week on it. Figure that 1 academic credit equals about 1 hour. So, if you're taking 15 credits, then you're spending about 15 hours in class. Subtracting that from 40 gives you 25 hours that you should be spending studying at home (or in the library).
You should spread that out over the week. Suppose you decide to study Sunday through Thursday evenings, taking Fridays and Saturdays off (from studying, that is). Dividing that 25 hours by those 5 days gives you 5 hours of studying per night. If you think that's too much, then plan on studying in the afternoons, too, or some of Saturday.
The above are just rules of thumb. If you're taking a 3-credit independent-study course, but you meet with your instructor only 1 hour/week, then you should add the extra 2 hours to your at-home study time. If you're working to earn some money, you should subtract your work hours from your free time, not from your study time! (If you don't want to do that, then you should consider quitting your job or reducing your course load.)
If that still seems like a lot, consider the difference between high-school courses and college courses. The typical high-school course meets every day, for about 5 hours/week. But the typical college course meets only about 3 hours/week, yet is supposed to be more intensive than its high-school counterpart. That's because in college you're expected to put more of your own time into studying.
Set yourself a grade goal. If you don't meet it, cut down on non-school activities. (If you can't, because you're working for a living, then consider dropping down to part-time schooling.)
For some websites on time management, take a look at:
* UB Student Affairs webpage on "Time Management"
* "Time Management Skills"
* "Time Management"
* "Time Management for University Students"
* "How to Be Punctual"
* ... or do a Google search on "time management" for more ideas.
* A nice set of printable online calendars, schedules, etc., can be found at ePrintableCalendars.com
3. Take Notes in Class & Rewrite Them at Home
Outline and Index:
1. Take Notes
2. Take Complete Notes
3. Use Abbreviations
4. Neatness Doesn't Count
5. Ask Questions & Make Comments
6. Copy Your Notes at Home
7. Don't Take Notes on a Computer
8. Don't Rely on the Instructor's Lecture Notes
9. Further Reading
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Summary of Code of Ethics
The goal of every teacher in Alabama is to be devoted to each student. The teacher must provide an atmosphere that promotes the highest standards. This includes respecting all individuals with the ambition of pursuing and promoting knowledge. The teacher’s example sets the ethical standards for the students.
The state of Alabama has a set code of Ethics for the educator to follow. The ethics serve to demonstrate the rules of Professionalism. There are approximately nine standards of conduct that are recognized as professional behavior for educators:
1. This standard concerns the educators conduct. The educator must support fellow educators in supporting them in maintaining the standards set forth in this code of ethics. Working together to create an atmosphere that is essential in the growth of student learning. It is necessary for the educator to demonstrate the ability to maintain appropriate language, never become physical in any altercation with a colleague and always maintain the supervision of all students.
2. The ability of educator to be trusted. This includes all matters including children. It also includes all information relating to the educators qualifications and background
3. There is a standard of ethical conduct that all educators must follow it pertains to complying with the laws of the state and country.
4. The code of conduct that is expected and required between the relationships of students and educators.
5. Professional conduct of the educator concerning drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
6. The use of school funds and school property in an authorized manner.
7. Professional conduct concerning all gifts and gratuities.
8. The utmost confidentiality of all student affairs.
9. The educator’s ability to fulfill and comply with all legal contracts signed by the employee.
The State Superintendent of Education has the authority to revoke, suspend or refuse to issue an educators certificate if the above Code of Ethics has been broken or if there is “good and sufficient cause”. This can first come as a disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand or warning. The educator cannot teach if their certificate has been suspended or revoked. This also includes paraprofessionals, aids and substitutes.
The goal of every teacher in Alabama is to be devoted to each student. The teacher must provide an atmosphere that promotes the highest standards. This includes respecting all individuals with the ambition of pursuing and promoting knowledge. The teacher’s example sets the ethical standards for the students.
The state of Alabama has a set code of Ethics for the educator to follow. The ethics serve to demonstrate the rules of Professionalism. There are approximately nine standards of conduct that are recognized as professional behavior for educators:
1. This standard concerns the educators conduct. The educator must support fellow educators in supporting them in maintaining the standards set forth in this code of ethics. Working together to create an atmosphere that is essential in the growth of student learning. It is necessary for the educator to demonstrate the ability to maintain appropriate language, never become physical in any altercation with a colleague and always maintain the supervision of all students.
2. The ability of educator to be trusted. This includes all matters including children. It also includes all information relating to the educators qualifications and background
3. There is a standard of ethical conduct that all educators must follow it pertains to complying with the laws of the state and country.
4. The code of conduct that is expected and required between the relationships of students and educators.
5. Professional conduct of the educator concerning drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
6. The use of school funds and school property in an authorized manner.
7. Professional conduct concerning all gifts and gratuities.
8. The utmost confidentiality of all student affairs.
9. The educator’s ability to fulfill and comply with all legal contracts signed by the employee.
The State Superintendent of Education has the authority to revoke, suspend or refuse to issue an educators certificate if the above Code of Ethics has been broken or if there is “good and sufficient cause”. This can first come as a disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand or warning. The educator cannot teach if their certificate has been suspended or revoked. This also includes paraprofessionals, aids and substitutes.
What is ANSWER?
The Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (ANSWER) is a coalition of the following organizations: Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (IASWR), National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work (NADD), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR).
Mission
The ANSWER coalition's mission is to increase legislative and executive branch advocacy on behalf of social work education, training, and research. This goal is accomplished through collaboration among social work education, research, and practice organizations, social work education programs, and other interested groups.
What is the purpose of social work research?
Social work research benefits consumers, practitioners, policy-makers, educators, and the general public through the examination of societal issues such as: health care, substance abuse, and community violence; family issues, including child welfare and aging; well-being and resiliency; and the strengths and needs of undeserved populations. By exploring the social, behavioral, and environmental connections to health and mental health issues, social work research identifies strategies and solutions that enhance individual, family and community well being. By conducting research in schools, communities, health care facilities, and human service agencies, social work researchers are able to examine the inter-relationships among individuals, families, neighborhoods, and social institutions. Social work research provides empirical support for best practice approaches to improve service delivery and public policies.
What is the purpose of social work training?
Social workers receive training through undergraduate and graduate education at programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) along with class work, social work students complete intensive internships in organizations where they apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world work. Additionally, social workers are regulated in all states. Licensed social workers are required to update their skills and knowledge through continuing education requirements.
The Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (ANSWER) is a coalition of the following organizations: Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (IASWR), National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work (NADD), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR).
Mission
The ANSWER coalition's mission is to increase legislative and executive branch advocacy on behalf of social work education, training, and research. This goal is accomplished through collaboration among social work education, research, and practice organizations, social work education programs, and other interested groups.
What is the purpose of social work research?
Social work research benefits consumers, practitioners, policy-makers, educators, and the general public through the examination of societal issues such as: health care, substance abuse, and community violence; family issues, including child welfare and aging; well-being and resiliency; and the strengths and needs of undeserved populations. By exploring the social, behavioral, and environmental connections to health and mental health issues, social work research identifies strategies and solutions that enhance individual, family and community well being. By conducting research in schools, communities, health care facilities, and human service agencies, social work researchers are able to examine the inter-relationships among individuals, families, neighborhoods, and social institutions. Social work research provides empirical support for best practice approaches to improve service delivery and public policies.
What is the purpose of social work training?
Social workers receive training through undergraduate and graduate education at programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) along with class work, social work students complete intensive internships in organizations where they apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world work. Additionally, social workers are regulated in all states. Licensed social workers are required to update their skills and knowledge through continuing education requirements.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
I found this lecture to be both inspiring and educational. His quote, "wait long enough for people to impress you" is a life lesson. We all have a tendency to judge others too quickly. Also, the example he gave of how to say the same thing in a good way or a bad way demonstrated how different the results can be by our tone of voice and body language.
Interaction is a great teaching tool. Promoting class projects and having students work together in groups achieves great results. I especially agreed with letting students have control over the contents of their assignments. It allows them to use their imaginations and be creative without following a forced set of rules. His strategy of having a mentor is a great idea. Having both positive and negative feedback is a good teaching technique.
The Hello World Video was fantastic and created brilliantly by his students. The word Edutainment was another good teaching tool. The use of technology such as video games to inspire students to learn while having fun can definitely be incorporated into the classroom. This can aid student's to learn while working in groups and focusing on others.
To me, the most valuable lesson was, "to teach someone something is to make them think they are learning something else." So, while I was having fun, I learned something. Other lessons include, Loyalty is a two-way street and Never Give Up! Also, listen to feedback from others and always remember to show gratitude.
Interaction is a great teaching tool. Promoting class projects and having students work together in groups achieves great results. I especially agreed with letting students have control over the contents of their assignments. It allows them to use their imaginations and be creative without following a forced set of rules. His strategy of having a mentor is a great idea. Having both positive and negative feedback is a good teaching technique.
The Hello World Video was fantastic and created brilliantly by his students. The word Edutainment was another good teaching tool. The use of technology such as video games to inspire students to learn while having fun can definitely be incorporated into the classroom. This can aid student's to learn while working in groups and focusing on others.
To me, the most valuable lesson was, "to teach someone something is to make them think they are learning something else." So, while I was having fun, I learned something. Other lessons include, Loyalty is a two-way street and Never Give Up! Also, listen to feedback from others and always remember to show gratitude.
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