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Re: Rubin's trolls
Posted:
Mar 8, 1997 8:56 PM
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> : >Given the (admittedly unpleasant) choice between a teacher who >:>
knows his subject but isn't very good at imparting it and one who >:> could
teach it splendidly if only he knew it, which would you >:> choose?
> : What was his secret? Simple, he knew how to teach. By this I
>: mean, even if he didn't know the answer to something he knew
>: how to get it or help a student find it.
> I agree with you. But, keep in mind that the person you describe is > a
rare bird, definitely the exception.
What this science teacher was was someone who understood the nature of
learning; who had learned how to use the research tools of his discipline
and knew that students who are mentally engaged learn more. I was reminded
of this yesterday when I overheard two of my students talking. The
conversation went something like this:
#1: I'm really glad Mrs. young said we were through writing responses to
prompts. Writing a paper every week has really been hard.
#2: Yeah, but I hope that doesn't mean she's going to show movies or give
out worksheets. I was really bored watching that movie on the Crusades.
#1: No duh! I'd rather do the prompts. At least You have to think about
what you're doing.
The "prompts" they refer to are writing prompts which set the scene for a
short essay response about the history we have been studying. Our course of
study begins with the fall of the Roman Empire and ends with Age of
Exploration. Below is a sample prompt from a series of six prompts about
African history which take students on a caravan trip from Marakesch to
Timbuktu and from Timbuktu on a pilgrimage with Mansa Musa to Cairo and
Kilwa.
"You are about to start the most dangerous portion of your 500 mile journey
between Taghaza and Walata. As your Caravan moves along, you take this
opportunity to learn abut the Sahara Desert. Briefly tell the history of
the Sahara. Explain how sanddunes form and move (you might want to include
an illustration of these actions). Tell what an oasis town might look like.
Explain why caravans travel at night.
Just as you are about to ask Ibn Battutah about sandstorms, he grabs your
camel's harness and pulls you to the ground. You are about to find out for
yourself what sandstorms are like. As soon as you recover from the storm,
write a description of your experience."
I expect a reasoned, researched two-three page paper from my students.
Nearly all of my students turn them in.
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