Here's a list of things we know. Like, there are scientific studies. It's fact. It's proven. Students don't learn well/at all early in the morning.Students don't learn if they are bored.Standardized tests are bullshit.Stress has negative effects on health.Socialization is an important part of adolescent development (and homework interferes with that).Our school system - The … Continue reading The Cracks in the System
The Real World
I've mentioned before that I hate the term, "The Real World." We tell students that they're only doing/learning/seeing stuff for the purpose of the real world all the time. "This is something you'll need to know when you enter the real world." "You'll encounter this situation all the time in the real world." "Adults in … Continue reading The Real World
The Failure of Grading
Think on this: Every student begins the school year with an A. 100%. The best thing -- the BEST thing! -- that can happen is that they stay the same. The only direction they can go? Down. The only improvement they can show? None at all, actually. What a weird scenario. The best-case scenario is … Continue reading The Failure of Grading
Feminism in the Classroom
I tell all my students that it is important to demystify and de-stigmatize feminism. Yes, sometimes we have specifically feminist units. No, that is not the only time one should have a conversation with students about feminism. I tell them that feminism is not a bad word. It is not synonymous with hatred of men. … Continue reading Feminism in the Classroom