Comments on: 10 Questions I Didn’t Hear (But Wish I Had)

By: love the list

love the list — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:49:20 +0000

I love the list, Ruben, especially 3-6 and 10.

By: Shared Items From Google Reader – July 14, 2009 at timlauer.org

Shared Items From Google Reader – July 14, 2009 at timlauer.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:02:57 +0000

[...] COMMUNITY: 10 Questions I Didn’t Hear (But Wish I Had) [...]

By: Elizabeth Green

Elizabeth Green — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:54:09 +0000

Ruben, I’m loving your column, first of all. Second, I’m curious about your two answers to how-to-test-prep-in-a-fun-way. Why isn’t the first answer correct?

By: peter

peter — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:40:38 +0000

Always use Regents items (available on SED website) … on daily class “do now,” weekly quiz or unit exams … have kids “compete” in teams, do research and create their own “questions,” … reward positive performance, pizza, donuts … create a “team” mentality … the “class” as a team, vary the type of test, early in the term give them the questions thee day before the actual test, keep track of “correct” and “incorrect” answers … re-teach topics, items on which student do poorly … be strict, fair and consistent …

By: Ruben Brosbe

Ruben Brosbe — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:34:05 +0000

Woops, my comment was addressed to “B” not Gideon.

By: Ruben

Ruben — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:32:37 +0000

Gideon,
There’s two ways I could think of to answer question 5. One answer: good readers are good test takers. By improving my students fundamental reading skills (or math skills, etc.) not through “test prep” but through differentiated instruction and best practices, I prepared my students for the test without “drilling and killing.” Nice answer, but not entirely based in reality. Option two: I used games to teach test taking skills in a fun way. For example some skills I wanted to focus on with my students were identifying the elements of a story as well as an author’s purpose, so I used the different terms in a game of ELA Hangman. For math, I created a game called Operations Race where I would read a word problem and students would run to a corner of the gym corresponding with the operation you needed to solve that problem. Hope that helps, my advice in general: make it fun with games and a bit of competition.

By: B

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:40:46 +0000

Ruben,
I’m starting my first year as a high school teacher this fall, and I’m curious about how you’d answer your question about test prep (#5). I’m looking for ideas to make test prep activities more relevant and engaging. Thanks!

By: peter

peter — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:16:01 +0000

Describe the best lesson you taught in the last month ,,,

and

How do you know it was “the best”?

By: Michael M.

Michael M. — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:27:55 +0000

8. What is the most creative thing you’ve ever done?

9. What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

10. In your view, is education more about lighting a fire, or filling a bucket?
(Apologies to W.B. Yeats.)

By: Gideon

Gideon — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:19:22 +0000

1. Can you give an example of using feedback to improve your teaching.

2. How have you collaborated with other staff in your schools?

3. How do you know if your students are succeeding?

4. What does “differentiated instruction” mean to you?

5. What is your ideal work environment?

6. What are you looking for in a supervisor?

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?