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why I don't do rewards

19 August 07 07:05 AM | jtspencer | 4 Comments   

Birthdays are important to me. Unlike other American holidays, they do not require reciprocity. There is no give-and-take, no social contract; nothing that says, "our gifts better be equal, because if they don't, I'll either feel gyped or guilty." Unlike Read More...

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authentic learning

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philosophy of education

,

classroom management

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motivation

the classroom as a record album

22 July 07 05:49 AM | jtspencer | 2 Comments   

I sit at my desk with a fat stack of papers. The solitary electric guitar quietly introduces notes to the song "Round Here" by Counting Crows– a lonely track that never should have been a hit, because it really wasn't all that radio-friendly anyway. After Read More...

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authentic learning

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personal stories

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philosophy of education

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classroom management

recovering what we lost in standardized education

15 July 07 12:15 PM | jtspencer | 0 Comments   

After taking so many theory classes this summer, I am left with a mental overload. I enjoy the dialogue and debates, yet I can't help but feel that none of the "isms" really worked for me. Constructivism was great, but often unrealistic. Behaviorism seemed Read More...

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authentic learning

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philosophy of education

,

classroom management

,

motivation

,

assessment

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standardized education

5 easy steps to classroom management

30 June 07 07:56 AM | jtspencer | 3 Comments   

The following are five easy steps to managing a classroom: It's blank for a reason. I don't think there is that magical formula. There aren't five easy steps. We don't teach in Hogwarts and we don't have a magic wand to make it all better. Moreover, I Read More...

Filed under:

authentic learning

,

philosophy of education

,

classroom management

,

practical ideas