Understanding the limitations of education research and accepting responsibility for contributing to moving it forward Most studies in education are observational studies. This means that investigators pore over data previously collected by others. They seek correlations between different variables. This approach is far less expensive than other methodologies because it is easier and faster. With
Read More… from The Problem with, “Show Me the Research” Thinking
Defining your classroom and inspiring students by honoring your own voice and interests As I look around the classroom, I’m reminded of all the things I like about teaching. Photographs feature our ongoing service project, and displays highlight our unit on globalism. I’ve also created a modest space that showcases me, where I inspire myself
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The power of reflections and experiences for a professor returning to the classroom At last year’s AMLE Annual Conference for Middle Level Education, I was surrounded by passionate, knowledgeable preservice and inservice teachers, veteran and new administrators, and early career and retired professors. We were enlightened with lively discussions that captured our hearts and minds
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Changes in school or classroom practices unleash a variety of emotions. How can we support each other in the process? The faculty lounge crackles with disagreements about the new grading policies suggested by the standards-based grading committee. The English department debates whether or not grammar proficiency is a requisite for writing proficiency, and whether or
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Teaching overseas offers opportunity, adventure, and professional and personal growth In the summer prior to entering middle school, I dove deep into the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. On page 11, as commander of a spaceship, I chose to put up the energy propulsion shields to try to escape a black hole; miraculously, though the propulsion
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Michael Gordon ran a middle school for 40 years. That’s right, four DECADES. As principal, he got tough kids to soften and overprotective parents to loosen their grip. Under his watch, troublemakers fell into line and struggling teachers upped their game. As I collect information for my book on parenting middle schoolers, I’ve been talking
Read More… from 10 Life Lessons from a Principal Who Led a Middle School for Four Decades
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