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Blog: http://teacherlingo.com/blogs/worldofbiology/default.aspx

About Me: I am currently working on my master's degree in secondary education and biology.

Christina's Blog

Getting Students to Read

Posted on September 13, 2009 at 1:54pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

First, do not force students to read Everyone knows that kids will not do/like what is forced upon them. In addition, do not over whelm students with a list of books to read. Even students who like to read would become frustrated with all that reading and stop. In addition, having student read something above or below their reading level can be frustrating and or boring.

Allowing student time for independent reading every Friday - reading things related to your content area, such as… Continue

Should Teachers Be Judged on Student Performances

Posted on September 13, 2009 at 1:52pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

This goes along with the merit pay idea. If teachers are judged based just on student test score it sounds like a good idea. Some students do well in the class but poorly on the test even though they know the material. However, at times we do end up with students who do not care, doing nothing while waiting until they turn 16 to drop out. In the mean time, they make learning harder on the other students since the teacher is interrupted by this student(s).

I came across an article on… Continue

We survived Obama chat with students

Posted on September 13, 2009 at 1:48pm 2 Comments 0 Likes

This article summed it up quite nicely:

Whew, thank goodness we survived.

From all indications, school children who heard President Obama's speech last Tuesday have made it to the other side.

There haven't been reports of teams of child therapists rushing to schools to help children deal with trauma. I'm happy to announce the kids are OK and appear to be back in the routine of being children.

I can't speak for some parents and… Continue

Getting Away from the “Traditional Test” Format

Posted on August 15, 2009 at 11:47pm 1 Comment 0 Likes

Most teachers like to use multiple choice, T/F, and matching on tests. It may be easier for teachers to create; however, this does not really tell us if students really understood the concepts. Most look for answers that student have seen in the same section in their text/notes. The T/F questions leave students with a 50% chance of getting it right or wrong. Using short answers and essays, where students actually describe a process or how something works will show exactly what students know or… Continue

The Need for Change in Teaching Strategies

Posted on August 15, 2009 at 11:45pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

In past and present generations, many or most teachers have used the “traditional” teaching method. This method usually includes lectures, worksheets, and testing, which creates a passive learner. I remember how teachers have taught middle and high school classes, usually via lectures. Even some college professors do the same thing.

This leaves most teachers and students bored out of their mind.

More teachers need to put students in more active role of learning not only… Continue

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At 12:13am on August 16, 2009, Christina said…: Hi Anne,
In response about the future of textbooks, I would like to think that most schools (at all levels) would turn to using online textbooks. If necessary, I am sure textbooks could be translated into a student’s native language.
Since most students can find the information online, textbooks should only be used as an introduction to the topics. Of course, we need to make sure students know where to find the creditable and reliable information.

Having online textbooks would also help save some trees. Rather than buying new textbooks, which can weigh down those backpacks, having online access would prevent the school and parents from replacing lost, stolen, or damaged books.

The problem with online textbooks is with those students who do not have internet access at home, and or, from the lack of computers available in a school. Especially, where there are high numbers of people in low socioeconomic school districts. The money is not there for regular equipment, much less for enough computers for most classrooms.
For online classes, most of which I think are still in the postsecondary levels should not require any one to buy a hardcopy of a textbook. Students can buy access numbers, which would be much cheaper than buying a hard copy, in order to use the required textbook. In addition, it would save the hassle of trying to get rid of the textbook after completing the class. I have plenty of books that I cannot get rid of because they are either outdated or not being used anymore by the professor.

At 3:32pm on August 15, 2009, Anne Mirtschin said…: Hello Christina and welcome to classroom2.0 What do you see the future of textbooks being? Due to costs, some schools are developing online courses.