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Apr 16 2007, 8:08 PM EDT (current) DebbieRussell 354 words added
Apr 16 2007, 7:52 PM EDT DebbieRussell

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Please read chapters 13-16 and respond to the discussion questions on the next page prior to June 11. Please remember to respond to the comments of at least two other class participants.


Chapter 13 Key Concepts
In Every Situation, Ask Who is Most Comfortable and Who is Least Comfortable
  • Great teachers avoid lecturing the entire class about the rules and never punish the entire class because of the behavior of a few.
  • Great teachers know that the best students will feel uncomfortable if a teacher yells or uChapses cutting remarks, even when directed at a student that is misbehaving.
  • Effective educators attempt to make people who do the right thing feel comfortable. They reinforce such people and such behaviors.
  • Great teachers treat everyone as if they are good and continually ask themselves who is most comfortable and who is least comfortable with each decision they make.

Chapter 14 Key Concepts
What About Those Darn Standardized Tests?

  • Effective teachers do not allow standardized tests to take over their entire class, yet they work toward student success in the area of standardized testing so that it does not become the primary focus of the entie school.
  • Effective teachers do not let their personal views of standardized testing to affect discussions they might have with students, parents or even peers.
  • Effective teachers recognize that state standards force them to shift the focus from the textbook to the actual curriculum and student learning.

Chapters 15 and 16 Key Concepts
Make It Cool to Care and Clarifying Your Core

  • All effective teachers have a core set of beliefs to which they adhere as educators.
  • The real challenge-and the real accomplishment- is to get all students to care about what happens in the classroom, and to create an atmosphere in which it is cool to care.
  • Great teachers do what is right, no matter what else is going on.
  • Students care about great teachers because they know that great teachers care about them.
  • Without a core of firmly held beliefs, it is difficult for teachers ro steer a steady course.
  • Every teacher has an impact. Great teachers make a difference.