The first principle in my new course (rolling out this month; enroll today for access to first-cohort exclusives like “Ask DSJ Anything” Q&As) is that “Learning is Hard.” According to cognitive science, this isn’t just an ethos or belief or classroom poster (below) or culture. Nope — it’s more than talk. It’s just how the […]
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English Matters: An English Teacher Looks Back, Looks Within, Looks Ahead
English: The Big Picture In 1987, sixty leaders in the field of English assembled at the English Coalition Conference (ECC) to discuss what “English” is and what it is, exactly, that English teachers do. While they grappled with these questions, I entered a credential program to become an English teacher, a curious choice for one […]
Is It Possible to Help a Student Who is “Confused About Everything?”
Practically and reliably? No. I have as much likelihood to help a student who says, “I’m confused about everything,” as I have throwing a dart at a dartboard with my eyes closed. Can you get a bullseye on a dartboard with your eyes closed? Yes. Can you get better at getting bullseyes if you practice […]
Happy New Year, Colleague — Three Kinds of Goals
Dear colleague, Happy New Year to you. Two things for this first full week of the year: So let’s talk about those three kinds of goals. For the best experience, watch the video below. For a quicker one, just take a look at the three types of goals I’m thinking about this January. (Not seeing […]
A Somber Yet Hopeful Holiday Blessing
Dear colleague, Well, I’m not sure about you, but this ol’ fella is sure grateful for the beginning of a holiday break here in my little part of the world. I won’t lie: this semester has challenged me! And for me, it’s not just been a perplexing semester in the classroom — it’s been that […]