Zeth says, "All hail to the math geeks!!"

I am planning to be a mathematics (all grades) and science (up through middle school) teacher. I greatly love both subjects and have many ideas for how to teach the subjects in different and sometimes quirky ways. I grew up loving science fiction and educational programing; therefore my interest goes beyond the academic. I am well aware of the stigma that seems to follow mathematics and/or science kids and adults alike. Often the issue seems to lie in a lack of fun, interest, or value for the students and adults in question. So my questions to you are as follows: Why do you like or dislike mathematics and/or science? What could have been done to make the subject more interesting for you? Are intellectual types the only viable audience for these two subjects?

Allison poses a questions about an ESL student

This semester, I am observing in a second grade classroom. The teacher in the classroom has great classroom management skills and is a fun and creative teacher. She always knows how to help struggling students and differentiates her lessons to fit the needs of all of her learners. She has been a teacher for seventeen years now, and this is the first time that she has a student in her class who is an ESL speaker.    The ESL student in this class is from Saudi Arabia and speaks Arabic. We discovered the other day that he can speak limited English but he can read English fluently. He can decode words, retell a story, and answer comprehension questions. During all other subjects, he is basically a space cadet. His ESL teacher believes that he speaks English fluently and understands what you say to him when you give him directions. 

When you are put in a situation like this, where you have a student who seems to not understand any directions given to him in English, but,  it is believed,  really speaks and understands English, what do you do? So to my fellow future teachers, I ask your advice. How do you make a student comfortable enough to speak his/her  second language in your classroom? What would you do if you had an English language learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) student in your classroom? How would you help them? Is there a good way to find out if the ESL teacher is correct?   Is this  young man really able to speak English?    How can we solve the mystery?    I await your suggestions.   

Danielle and Morgan are concerned about social media in school. Is it appropriate?

A brief post on BusinessDayOnline.com by Naomi Ndbueze questions social media, children, and education, and how they fit together.  Social media sites, such asFacebook and Twitter, have become a staple in the lives of most children, teens, and even adults.  While these social networks can be beneficial to keeping in touch with friends and family, they can become huge distractions and take away from time that can and should be dedicated to schoolwork. It's even more of a concern when children are being givenSmartphones at such young ages, because it makes these websites accessible 24/7. Technology definitely has its place in the classroom, but does social media?  Technology can be extraordinarily beneficial, but when social networking comes to play does it become an addiction? Also, should elementary-aged students even be permitted to have access to social networking where stalkers and pedophiles may be in such of a target audience?

Nicole poses a question about virtual trips in social studies class

The article "Yes, You Can Take a Field Trip to India" by Nancy Casolaro reveals the importance of technology in the classroom. It shows how the use of technology enhances learning for students and can bring to life different places, cultures, and people students are unfamiliar with. As I was reading the article, I was able to see how much this virtual trip benefitted the students. They were able to learn about a new culture, country, and group of people through Nancy’s blogs, pictures, and presentations. 

I think this idea is a great way to teach students about different cultures, people, and history. Apparently, the class did not respond to Nancy’s posts while she was in India, however  I think that would have been a great idea and would make it a more interactive experience.  I also think that using Skype to communicate with the travel guide would be another great experience in learning about another country.   Nancy wrote, “It took a group of children to a place they normally couldn’t go.

What, in your estimation, were some of the benefits to students in  using this approach to teaching history and geography?    Can you think of other social studies units that might benefit from using blogs and Skype?   What impressed you most about this approach to a social studies unit?    Would you expand it in any way?     I look forward to your answer to one or two of my questions.