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Readers' Survey 2007
Once again, you've given us a priceless education.
by Edutopia Staff
Only foolish editors think they have more to teach their readers than they have to learn from them. And we, whose subject is education and whose readers are educators, know better. Last year, our first Readers' Survey, consisting of twenty questions, gave us a vivid snapshot of what you liked best, disliked most, and needed more of.
So, for 2007, we tacked on another five questions. A greater number of you answered this year's survey queries, and we received another intensive course in what you're thinking -- which will get us thinking about how well we're addressing your needs, concerns, and interests. Thanks to our responsive readers, we can all now audit the class. And remember, some of this will be on the final.
Brad Williston
First-grade teacher
Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy
San Francisco
Credit: Bart Nagel
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- Best YouTube video about education
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- Subject that typically isn't taught in school that should be
- Best way schools can keep new teachers from burning out
- Best education role model
- Best site for grant information
The unfortunate gap in
Submitted by Randy S (not verified) on November 22, 2008 - 09:25.
The unfortunate gap in education for children with learning difficulties is very frustrating for me. I use the word “difficulties” because I have a hard time using the word disabilities. I am a fourth grade teacher of twelve years. I pride myself in being able to teach to the diversity of learning abilities in my room. However, when saying this, I also have a hard time dealing with the discrepancy model our school uses to qualify students who struggle with learning difficulties. Over the years there have been students who are two and three grades below in reading or math but are still unable to qualify for special education services. I do what I can with what I have but when there is one teacher to twenty plus kids it becomes very hard to give the interventions needed to service these students who struggle. I am currently on the “Student Services Team” in our school and we are looking at convincing our district in getting away from the discrepancy model and going more toward the “Response to intervention” (RTI) model to help qualify students for special services. I am currently seeking information on the RTI model and would appreciate any information you might have. As you can see, I am frustrated with the constant passing of students from one grade to the next while still reading two and three grade levels below. Thank you in advance for any help you can give.
new to blogging
Submitted by Kelli (not verified) on November 16, 2008 - 12:24.
I am new to blogging also. I have grown up with technology, but honestly have never been to a blogging site. I am a Walden University student also, so I'm glad to see others on here. I don't know if I am doing this right either. I have posted a comment on a blog, but I guess I don't really understand our assignment. Do we have to simply reply to others' comments, or come up with our own topic? Or a little bit of both?
Good to know I'm not the only one confused!
Objectively, this "blogging"
Submitted by Janelle (not verified) on December 1, 2007 - 17:20.
Objectively, this "blogging" experience should be rather cut and dry. So, why am I feeling so overwhelmed and having such a hard time taking the first steps? Could it be the incredible amount of articles and replies to read or the fact that my comments and opinions will be available for others to read and evaluate? I realize that this is the latest way to communicate, and I hope that I will embrace its value, soon, but right now there is a lot to take it! However, this experience is giving me a renewed empathy for my students that are trying to learn a new skill. If renewed empathy and compassion is what I gain from blogging right now, then I have personally experienced a valuable lesson...learning something new is often hard and we may not see its value right away. Instead, I need to trust my teachers and as a teacher myself, I want to always be learning.
New Blogger
Submitted by Shawn (not verified) on November 21, 2007 - 07:36.
Wow, I am feeling very overwhelmed right now. I don't even know if I am doing this correctly. I am currently working on my master's in education and our assignment for next week is to browse a few blogs and post one, if we feel comfortable. This is kind of interesting. I may play around with it and then have my students do one in class, once I know what the heck I am doing that is. Coming from the generation before microsoft and computers in classrooms, this is all a learning experience.
Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed, yet excited at the same time?
Hi Shawn I feel what your
Submitted by Randy S (not verified) on November 22, 2008 - 09:09.
Hi Shawn
I feel what your feeling with being overwhelmed, and not sure what I'm doing. I too am in the program and struggling to navigate my way through the thousands of pages, articles, and topics. I can see that blogging has a valid place in our profession, but at times I feel a little lost as to where I need to go. When I eventually figure it out, it would be fun to set up classes from across the country and allow them to blog to each other while working on their writing process. Good Luck
walden blogger
Submitted by andrea (not verified) on January 23, 2008 - 19:48.
I'm overwhelmed as well! I graduated H.S in 1983, my first computer didn't even have a hard drive!
Feeling overwhelmed also
Submitted by Kathy (not verified) on November 27, 2007 - 07:24.
Yes Shawn I am feeling overwhelmed also. I am a new Walden University Student and this is my first time blogging. I am not even sure if I am doing it right. I have posted two blogs but can't find them and don't even know where to look anymore. I like reading the different blogs but don't have time to reply if I am not sure I am doing it right. I guess I need a confermation number or something. At this time I am not sure what I need.
Hey if you figure this out please let me know what to do.
Thanks Kathy
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