February+28

In groups of 2-3, choose one of the quotes and responses below. Develop an argument "for" or "against" the quote/response. Incorporate in your argument examples from both your own experience and what you read. Conclude your argument with a 'takeaway' you have after reading the book.
 * Book Discussion**

//"One recent report found that 50% of high school students are bored every day in their classes; another found that 82% of California 9th-and 10th-graders reported their school experiences as "boring and irrelevant". Changing these deeply ingrained attitudes about learning will mean changing both the process of teaching and learning and the reward system for successful completion of school."// I think that our society has changed and that kids are easily distracted or bored by things in the classroom even if they shouldn't be. Teachers and the curriculum need to revamp their methods in order to keep the kids interested and focused on the material that is completely relevant for them and their success. Technology is something that can really help out in that department and I hope it changes the moods and attitudes in the classroom towards education.

//"We grew up with the idea that learning means taking courses in school.”// I feel that this idea is one of the ultimate roots of the possible failures with our current teaching system dynamic. If you look at children and really see how they act, it is plain to see that they are types of people who would lastly benefit from learning in a confined and structured space. Children naturally explore, get into things, break and fix things, etc etc. When did we come up with the idea that putting kids in a room with a bunch of colorful books was the way to go? Looking back at my childhood, I can truthfully admit that I did a lot more learning in my own neighborhood than I ever did in a classroom. I think the many ancient ideologies that society supports regarding education need to be tossed--because those ideologies do not really benefit anyone.


 * Questions pertaining to the Final Project or Concluding Assignment**


 * Project Work Time/Individual Conferences** - 10 Minutes each student


 * For Thursday, March 1**


 * Concluding Assignment DRAFT (blog post)**


 * Application Project**: You should be finishing up your virtual textbook chapter to be turned in by the end of the final week of class. I will conference with you on Tuesday to provide feedback.


 * Link** both your Concluding Assignment and Application Project to the LINKS TO FINAL PROJECTS page (on the left) no later than **Sunday, March 4, 8:00 AM**


 * Review**: All blog posts (4 total) and discussion board posts complete.

** Next Meeting: Thursday, March 1** ** New Topic: Presentation by a Classroom Teacher; Any final questions about projects**