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October 2008 - Posts

professionalism

The term "professional" comes from the root word meaning "profess." Within it, there is the notion that a set of beliefs should guide a particular vocation. A professional lives to a higher code of ethics, but also commands a certain extra level of respect. Read More...
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2008 10 30

John Spencer

3 Comments

5 good and 5 bad flavor combos

On the front page of a Better Homes and Garden magazine, there is a picture of a pumpkin pie and cheesecake dessert. I have had this before and it tastes as bad as it sounds. Two strong flavors (albeit with similar textures) that, when isolated taste Read More...
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2008 10 30

John Spencer

6 Comments

returning to writing

Norman Mailer once described the process of writing a novel as the closest thing he knew to falling in love. The metaphor sounds cute and trite, except that he writes about it in a way that I can imagine the smell of cheap perfume and cigarretes and the Read More...

2008 10 26

John Spencer

1 Comments

mixed feelings about Pandora

While listening to one of my Pandora stations, I began a dialogue (more like a monologue). "Why do you keep assuming I will like Cold Play? Haven't I thumbs-downed them enough?" Another time, I had to explain, "Just because I added the Bellamy Brothers Read More...
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2008 10 26

John Spencer

2 Comments

defining the Digital Divide: and why Sufjan Stevens, indie films and academic journals don't have a monopoly on using pretentiously long sub-titles

I am nearly finished with my master's project, but a recurring theme kept emerging in the process. A Digital Divide exists that prevents low income students from thriving in the Digital Age. The definition of this Digital Divide tends to remain narrow, Read More...
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2008 10 25

John Spencer

2 Comments

a book all teachers should read

I'm almost finished with my master's degree. The Capstone Project sounds impressive on paper, but it's actually not all that innovative. All the ideas are from somebody else (research journals). Even if it is documented, it somehow feels like cheating. Read More...
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2008 10 22

John Spencer

5 Comments

split personality

I'm finishing my Master's Capstone Project. With about ten more pages and heaps of data to analyze, I can sense how close I am to attaining the magic bullet that will sit under my other bullets on a vitae (What happened to calling it a resume? Does resume Read More...
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2008 10 21

John Spencer

8 Comments

end of the quarter

Last week we wrapped up the first quarter. Students seemed a little surprised that I required them to work hard until the last minute. In some classes, the last week of a quarter becomes a film-a-thon as the teachers frantically input latework to help Read More...
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2008 10 19

John Spencer

0 Comments

I Almost Cried Yesterday

We have a socially awkward student on our team. He has a severe learning disability which makes him slur some of his words and his hair grows disheveled and he has droopy eyes. His paragraphs never begin with capital letters and I have to remind him, Read More...
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2008 10 17

John Spencer

6 Comments

a commercial

This evening while watching television, I saw an ad by our self-proclaimed King of Arizona. It wasn't for or against any particular candidate. Instead, it was aimed to gain him publicity by inspiring fear against immigrants. Using words like "illegal" Read More...

2008 10 14

John Spencer

3 Comments

two blog posts

For the second time in a row, I am posting a link to two student blogs (rather than writing my own). The first is part of our new Social Soapbox blog: a change in direction The second is part of our Face the Issues blog: a letter to McCain Read More...
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2008 10 14

John Spencer

0 Comments

Student Blogs

This year, I have had the students set their individual blogs to private (out of a heightened sense of security on behalf of parents). However, I have expanded some of the blogs my class is participating in this year. They helped with the design aspects Read More...
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2008 10 10

John Spencer

1 Comments

a few updates

Nobody has commented on my blog for awhile, so I'm not sure if I offended someone. I haven't been commenting on other people's blogs much, either. So, here are a few updates to explain random things: 1. I'm finishing my master's project. I've been really Read More...

2008 10 10

John Spencer

5 Comments

when I walk into my classroom

When I walk into my classroom, this is what I see: (Above) From the Door (Above) From the Right (Above) From the Left Up-Close (where you can actually see the mistakes) It's nothing like what I imagined it would be, but I'm glad. The students took risks Read More...
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2008 10 7

John Spencer

1 Comments

bail-out

This week, my students will spend four and a half hours taking a standardized test (the second four and a half hour test this quarter) in preparation for the larger test they will take in March. Politicians tell me that this is to "ensure learning" and Read More...

2008 10 7

John Spencer

1 Comments

the wrong way to teach reading

Every year, either our school, our district or the textbook company trains teachers in a new, revolutionary method of teaching reading. Inevitably, there are PowerPoint slides, CD-ROMS and worksheets that students fill out. Often, the workshop provider Read More...
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2008 10 4

John Spencer

8 Comments