This page is a center for links to webpages and other resources on the web in relation to teaching. In 2008, I completed an alternative certification process to become a certified high school science teacher in the public school system, and am now teaching my third year of chemistry, and first year of environmental science. I would appreciate any information, advice, or links in regard to teaching, especially inspiring students to think and work rather than looking for the easiest way out . . .
See the Pages list to the left to find current links to various resources and to add posts to specific pages. Thanks for any tips!
redpony said,
July 18, 2008 at 1:30 pm
If you are in the DFW area, you should think about attending the CAST (Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching) conference this fall. It is sponsored by the Science Teachers Association of Texas. Last year’s conference in Austin provided lots of useful information, as well as a chance to look at new products and textbooks and other resources.
http://www.statweb.org/CASTFW/
redpony said,
September 7, 2008 at 9:34 am
UPCOMING EVENTS! Cary Jim told me about these opportunities.
The 8th Annual Fair Park Educator’s Conference and Open House is on Sept
13, 2008. from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Website for more information: http://fairparkeducators.com/
Science Day at the Zoo for PreK to 8th grade is on October 4, 2008 from
11:00 – 3:30 pm
Website for information: http://www.dallaszooed.com
or
http://www.dallaszooed.com/assets/pdf/SDZRegistrationForm.pdf
redpony said,
January 28, 2009 at 12:45 pm
http://www.mvhs.fuhsd.org/teacher_resources/index.htm
grant links
redpony said,
March 20, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Time flies, especially in the second semester. Now the challenge is to get all of the TAKS reviews in before April, and still keep up with chemistry . . . and still have the motivation and drive to make it count for the students.
redpony said,
August 18, 2009 at 4:36 am
The end of last year was incredibly busy. There were the usual frustrations with students who had to be prodded over the finish line or who gave out entirely just before the end, but more students this year who finished more strongly and felt a sense of accomplishment and confidence in completing the year’s work.
This year I’ll be teaching one completely new course, environmental science. I’m looking forward to the challenge and enjoyment.
redpony said,
March 12, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Found a great article on trying to move towards student directed learning
http://alec2.tamu.edu/grad_courses/611/Modules/Module2/Lesson2/Grow01.PDF
redpony said,
March 12, 2010 at 6:57 pm
For further reading on self-directed learning
http://www.aishe.org/readings/2005-1/oneill-mcmahon-Tues_19th_Oct_SCL.html
the main principles of student-centred learning as:
The learner has full responsibility for her/his learning
Involvement and participation are necessary for learning
The relationship between learners is more equal, promoting growth, development
The teacher becomes a facilitator and resource person
The learner experiences confluence in his education (affective and cognitive domains flow together)
The learner sees himself differently as a result of the learning experience.
Self-directed learning unit (community college)– useful rubrics and outcome
http://otl.curtin.edu.au/tlf/tlf2000/crawford.html
redpony said,
March 12, 2010 at 7:00 pm
http://www.floridatechnet.org/gedplus/2006Institute/SuccessfulDistanceLearning/PromotingSelfDirectedLearning2.pdf
redpony said,
March 12, 2010 at 7:10 pm
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/Spr00/forum8.html
Self-directed learning in the chemistry lab
Gardner, H. The Disciplined Mind: What All Students Should Understand. New York: Simon & Shuster, 1999.
Palmer, P. J. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998.
redpony said,
March 12, 2010 at 7:14 pm
To help me clarify what I thought were critical elements for my course, I started with a self-assessment tool from Angelo and Cross (1993) called the Teaching Goals Inventory. This instrument is one way to help instructors focus on what they really think is important to teach.
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/Spr00/forum6.html