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Larry,
Thank you for providing this site.
—Lawrence Kleine
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Larry,
I couldn't agree with you more. I've been enjoying Discover since it began some ??? years ago. I teach elementary gifted students, and the articles are perfect to help us go beyond the elementary science curriculum and ponder about the "bigger picture" and many questions. Thanks!
—Cindy
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Larry,
Your suggestion to start on time and keep the kids working to the end saves a lot of time over a school year. One way I was able to save time and avoid distractions was to have student mail boxes.
In my biology class there was a mail box for each student lab group (it was used in lab and class). I never passed out or collected papers in class (except exams). All work that was to be used that day was in the mailbox. The first member of the team to enter class picked up the team's mail. By the time the bell rang the students had all they needed and class started. No wasted time, no loss of control as papers were passed, dropped, ripped, and all the other things that happen as papers go back the row.
At the end of class the team put papers to be submitted into the boxes, and I picked them up after class or at a time that suited me. The boxes were of cardboard, and I really do not remember their original purpose, just that they were folded together and I got them at an office supply store . . . .
In all my years of teaching this was one thing which saved lots of time and energy, and I used it from the very first day of school. I figure it increased teaching and learning time by at least 15-20%.
—Ray Border
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Dear Larry,
I want to thank you for the teaching tips you have been putting on the Carolina website. I am an experienced teacher, but it is wonderful to be reminded of things I know to be true but which I easily forget, especially the pacing and sanity tips. I teach Biology in a Waldorf high school. Although the Waldorf pedagogy is an alternative form of education, your tips are right on. I have been printing them out and sharing them with my colleagues. Thanks again for sharing these helpful ideas.
—Merrily Lovell
Biology Teacher, Highland Hall Waldorf School
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One more tip. When handing out materials to students, have stations set up with each piece of equipment outlined on a large sheet of paper. Students go to each station to pick up the materials they need. At the end of the period they return the materials to the outlined area. At a glance you can see what is missing. One sheet of paper should hold several pieces of equipment.
I have used this for performance tasks where students move from station to station (used to call these lab practicals) and for regular labs, especially when the equipment was fairly small and "desirable" for students.
For many safety tips see the Texas education Web site.
—Virginia Malone
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Dear Dr. Volk,
I just read your article about pacing and sanity. It was forwarded to me by a friend and has arrived at just the right time. Thank you for all of the great tips. I am a high school teacher and it seems that all of my colleagues are having the same feelings at this time of the year and your advice will certainly help. I am going to put a copy of your article on the bulletin board in the teacher's lounge. Thanks again,
—Cindi Carr
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