[Understand] Chapter five...savoring the struggle

[CNJPALMER at aol.com]

Jan
I don't teach middle school, but I am wondering about the role of  teacher 
language in a child's tendency to backslide in the way you  describe. 
I just read Debbie Miller's Teaching with Intention, including the  
commentary by Peter Johnston. So much of a child's motivation, at least  initially, I 
think comes from having someone believe in him. The language  we use in our 
classroom conveys that we see him (or her) as scholars, as  capable, as partners 
in learning. When a child is back in an environment where  all knowledge 
resides in the teacher...I could see how it would be easy to  backslide. BUT... I 
am thinking that those children will remember...and some of  them, someday, 
will find their way back into the fold.
Jennifer
In a message dated 12/28/2008 12:37:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
write at att.net writes:

Hi  Jennifer,
I so believe the statement you quoted from the book  (below).  If we think we 
need to create life-long learners, how do we get  our students to know that 
they can learn and  to get our students to want  to learn?  Not only when they 
are in our classes, but years  later?

I teach middle school.  I have experienced students who for  the first time 
did well in my class, but then when they went on to high  school, they reverted 
to their previous ways.

What do you middle school  teachers do to keep learning going on in your 
students'  lives?
Jan   




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