Session 1- Book Study

Inviting Students to Learn; 100 Tips for Talking Effectively With Your Students by Jenny Edwards


Reading Assignment: Chapter 1, pages 1-21

Assignment: Read the synopsis below and comment on the question that follows.

This first chapter of this book discusses the importance of knowing what you believe about students. That is, what you truly believe. Do you know if you presuppose anything about your students? Do you value students? Do you believe that your students have untapped potential? Are you willing to try to tap into that?

This book is based on what Edwards calls "invitational education." Before you begin the path of empowering students, you must first be able to determine your beliefs about what you truly value in your students.

On page 11, Edwards talks about metaphors. She notes that "all people have metaphors for living and metaphors for learning whether they are aware of them or not."

1. What is your metaphor for living and learning?
   
   

Session 1- Book Study

What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker

Reading Assignment: Chapter 1- "Why Look at Great?" pages 1-6
Chapter 15- "Make It Cool to Care" pages 113-124

Assignment: Using your text, please provide one original comment to the following questions and then explore the comments of your peers and respond to them. Be prepared to discuss these chapters at the third face to face session [March 27, 2010].

1. Why do you think it is important to look at what effective teachers are doing?
2. What do you think Whitaker meant by the title "Make It Cool to Care?"