Edutopia - August/September 2008 - (Page 12)

SageAdvice {the question} HOW DO YOUR STUDENTS HELP SHAPE THEIR EDUCATION? By envisioning themselves as young mathematicians or scientists. When they realize that they are doing the work of those professions, their education becomes more than doing well on the test. Students want to know the “why” and start asking questions that spring from their own wonderings. Marsha Ratzel Sixth-grade math and science teacher Leawood Middle School Leawood, Kansas Each year my seniors complete a series of three essays based on the career ⇒eld they want to explore (or enter), the speci⇒c career they hope to attain, and what education and training is needed to attain this goal. That way, not only do they know what they have to do to arrive at their dreams, they also know what to expect when they get there. Nichole Folkman English department chair Hartsburg-Emden High School Hartsburg, Illinois Our district revised the world cultures curriculum to include China. Soon after, the ⇒fth- and sixth-grade class wrote me a letter. The students were impressed with the emerging superpower and the role China would play in the future, and they questioned why they were learning French instead of Chinese. So I explored avenues to bring this language program to our school. Within months we had a grant and we found a fantastic teacher. We are now entering the third year of our Mandarin Chinese program, and in addition to learning the basics of the language, our students have learned about Chinese culture, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and the Chinese New Year. Suzanne Ward Ivans Chief school administrator Stockton Borough School District Stockton, New Jersey Because they’re homeschooled, my children are free to stretch their wings and study anything they want! My seven-year-old is fascinated with the Titanic, which has led to many discoveries in different subjects. I think the key to any subject and any child is to capture his or her interest, then step back to watch the results. Michelle Kulas Connecticut I provide inquiry questions, the writing foundation, the passion for the subject. They embrace the structure and the method, then develop their own style and manner of learning and writing. The teacher provides the clay; the student molds. Richard Murphy AP English II teacher and director of counseling My students create PLNs (personal learning networks) using Netvibes for each of their major topics of study. Using a PLN, they are able to quickly glean the latest news from many sources and literally become the experts on their topic. Some have been asked to author chapters of books and others to present virtually. Building a PLN is a skill that helps students shape their education and become experts in whatever they study. Vicki Davis Teacher Westwood Schools Camilla, Georgia They take the helm as we explore relevant and meaningful content. Their questions and curiosities navigate. Our journey yields learning that is exciting, unique, and, ultimately, their own. Kristen Montgomery English teacher Capital District Writing Project Canajoharie, New York I have students develop a learning contract from a list of possibilities. They then choose three to accomplish during the semester. Students can also suggest a learning goal. Ronald Thompson Associate professor Richard J. Daley College Chicago, Illinois {what do you think?} By showing up to class every day! Kerri Stern Middle school English teacher Calmont School Topanga, California How will you integrate the upcoming presidential election into your class? Send responses, and suggestions for questions, to sage@edutopia.org. View more responses at edutopia.org/sage-advice. (Responses may be edited for length and clarity.) GETTY IMAGES 12 EDUTOPIA AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008 http://edutopia.org/sage-advice

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Edutopia - August/September 2008

Edutopia Contents Up Front Feedback Dispatches Sage Advice Ask Ellen Head of Class Cool Schools Design: Building on Disaster What's Next Full-Service Schools In the Trenches Moral Aptitude Serious Gaming Behaveyourself.com Media Is the Message The Way of the Wiki A Match Made in Cyberspace Hail to the New Chief Rise of the Robots Disrupting Class As Others See Us Heart & Soul Pop Quiz: Moby

Edutopia - August/September 2008

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