Robert Barker's Blog (3)

Adapting To Learned Helplessness



The sixth graders. are. killing. me.



Okay, they're not killing me. They're...challenging me.



That's it. They are a challenge.



Here is an interaction I had today:



The setting: During class. Silent reading time. Several students are

taking AR quizzes on the laptops for only the first or second time.



Student: Mister!



Me: That's not how you--



Student: Mister! Mister… Continue

I originally published these essays on my school's google group, but thought they might fit in with the spirit of Classroom 2.0.



Round Holes and Square Pegs



a mid-year reflection for public consumption



During my first year of teaching it was not uncommon for my

then girlfriend to come home at the end of the day to find me

sprawled face down on our bed, a kind of slain snow angel, shoes still

on, my "I'm serious about my profession" red tie… Continue

If anyone has ever watched the disturbing, but motivational and strangely moving video "Did You Know," then you may be like me at this tail end of the winter break: a bit scattered.



Two versions of Did You Know?

1. Version 1

2. Version 2



Mid-way through my fifth year of teaching, a lot of my… Continue