Tag: teaching

  • Turning the tables on parent-teacher conferences

    Turning the tables on parent-teacher conferences In the fad-crazed world of k-12 education, there is one ubiquitous practice that remains steadfast amid a changing world. That, of course, is the problem. What if schools began each year by holding parent-teacher conferences? Taking this further, what if the parent or guardian were recognized as the expert…

  • Back to writing 2014

    Priorities as an excuse Yesterday, I sent off via Priority Mail the last paper for the last continuing education course needed for renewal of my Indiana teaching license. For the past three months I’ve neglected my blog, justifying in my mind that any writing should be directed at my career, not my hobby. Now, with…

  • Teaching American History badly-part 2

    Teaching American History badly well In the previous post I listed five essential skills students must have to access history in a meaningful way. Personal concept of historical time Bias recognition Strong search strategies Organizational skills (for evidence/data) Ability to generate essential questions In this post I’ll focus on the first of these. For the…

  • Critical Thinking, History and Dissent

    In these days where skills not readily measured by standardized tests are under-taught, teaching critical thinking skills has become something of a subversive act. Still, dedicated teachers know the importance of developing such skills among their charges. One of the most engaging means of taking history students to the levels of evaluation and synthesis is…