Observations of a teacher w. 30+ yrs exp by Dori Blake

-"never turn my back on a class, especially if it is 30 or

more students"

-Every Friday, Mr. S puts on the projector 'real life'

problems. He then allows the students time, while he takes

roll and checks if homework has been done, to work

independently and quietly amongst each other to solve the

problem. Once they have completed the problems to the best

of their ability, he goes over them in class - as a group.

He constantly challenges them with questions like "where did

you get that", "what concept is that", "how do you come to

this", etc.

-Another way I think he illustrates his push for students to

take ownership is how he grades.....classwork and homework

count for 80% of the grade in his class. He constantly tells

the class that testing alone does not "get it done", that the

understanding and ability to transfer their knowledge is the

ultimate goal.