How Old is Your Current Affairs Binder?

"Media Awareness" was my favourite exploratory course to teach. Lots of interesting content, controversial topics, current marketing strategies, and debate material. Ironically, it is the last of my content binders that I have transitioned to digital archives. As our access to computers increased, availability of televisions and projectors grew, and more content was available online, the […]

Posted by milesmac on June 6th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Pokemon Evolve, so can Teachers

Change processes are well researched and documented but I wanted to explore my own experience with significant change in the context of my teaching practice. I started my career five years before the start of the Pokemon craze, but the idea of evolutions (though far less dramatic) seem suitable for describing professional growth. I began […]

Posted by milesmac on May 14th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Poetic Reflection: Who is the Learner Here?

I began my teaching career 1991 in a remote school accessible only by air. I was full of optimism and a belief in the transformative power of education. Believing that I was the agent of change and that the world was just waiting for me, I set out to bring hope and a brighter future […]

Posted by milesmac on April 30th, 2012 | 1 Comment Posted in Pedagogy

Physical Space Influences Teaching and Learning

If you're really committed to eliminating the sage on the stage, give up the stage. Stick some student desks right up front against the whiteboard, see what happens. I did, it is quite interesting. This past September I viewed the following video. It made me think about how this rectangular space of ours could work […]

Posted by milesmac on April 12th, 2012 | 2 Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Childrens' Literature Changing Settings

This post is far more academic than any of my others, so reader, be warned. (cross-posted to http://teacherdad.com) While studying my B. A. at the University of Manitoba in the mid to late 80's, I fell in love with Canadian Literature (CanLit). Courses with David Arnason and Dennis Cooley, encounters with Robert Kroetsch, and had […]

Posted by milesmac on March 22nd, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Student-Led Conferences

Enthusiastic students sharing their work with proud parents at student-led conferences. Watching my grade 8 students and their families is always a treat. It isn't hard to imagine home lives where every night of the week is filled with some social obligation, team practice, club meeting, or work shift. Interactions at home may be little […]

Posted by milesmac on March 21st, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Conspiracy Theory of Education Reform

When I indulge my cynical self and develop conspiracy theories of education I imagine elite corporate bosses paying off government officials to implement an educational system that guarantees a vast supply of super-box-store drones capable of mentally tallying a customer's purchase but no developed ability to think critically, question, or be creative. Control curriculum, quash […]

Posted by milesmac on March 17th, 2012 | 5 Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Minecraft 07 Some Finished Grade 8 Ancient Greece Projects

Our grade 8 classes have wrapped up their first minecraft project recreating a scale version of an Ancient Greek structure. Accompanying the project were some calculations, and a video tour of their structure while describing the historical importance and architectural details. Part of our challenge was getting the students to balance research and writing time with […]

Posted by milesmac on March 1st, 2012 | 15 Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Professional Learning Reflections

In my district Annual Reflections of Professional Learning are, for many, a chore and can at times feel artificial. Of course the act of engaging in professional learning is not just legislated by our provincial government, but, more importantly, is professionally satisfying, keeps our practice fresh and students engaged. Because so much of our professional learning occurs […]

Posted by milesmac on December 21st, 2011 | 2 Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Professional Learning Networks (PLNs)

I love this idea. Love love love it. First, I really love what I do for a living; I love watching students making sense of the world, I love working with colleagues on  projects, and I love professional dialogue. That's a whole lotta love! For the uninitiated, a Professional Learning Network, or PLN, is your […]

Posted by milesmac on December 16th, 2011 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
%d bloggers like this: