Re: Suggestions

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15 minutes actually doesn't seem too far off to me since thats about 33%
of your time though I disagree at least partly with the breakdown. In
my average I have 2 "teacher" days and 3 "student" days. I know it isn't
PC to say so but there is simply information kids don't have that
somebody needs to shove into their lil brains. Just about any textbook
these days isn't going to do that.

Lecture gets a bad rap because traditionally it has deserved it. If I
stood in front of the room and rambled on for 45 minutes twice a week my
middle schoolers wouldn't learn a thing. If I mix a 45 minute lecture
with videos, discussion questions and quick "brain snack" activities
then I have no problem holding their attention on even the most esoteric
concepts.

That said, you're kind of stuck doing what you're told so you'll be more
on the "present topic, watch students work with topic" plan which,
again, I don't think is so bad, just poorly timed. On my website I have
over 50 different activities that can work with any history topic (as
well as a whole bunch of student-centered, hands-on labs if you happen
to teach world history) that you are free to use to help you get through.

www.mrroughton.com

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