Dear colleague,
My oldest asynchronous course, Teaching with Articles, came out before my two books, These 6 Things and The Will to Learn. When I was making it, I was still learning all the things those books contain. And it was so long ago that, honestly, most of the time I forget it exists.
But this feedback from Florida high school educator Jeanine was too good not to share:
I would like to say that “Teaching with Articles” is an amazing class! I have recommended it to our department head and school leaders. I think you were teaching on steroids with that one
I've been teaching with articles for a couple of months now, and I am surprised – not surprised – to see a big difference in student written responses. One student began with bulleted comments and didn't get the modeling I had done the first time around. He wasn't used to writing 250 words in class on something he just read. Now, a few articles later, he is writing the full 250, making his claim, proving it with textual evidence and all that's lovely.
As far as the pop-debates go, several students were hesitant. One started off with the disclaimer, “This is going to be bad — I'm terrible at public speaking.” Last week he said, “Look at me, all smart.” Students are getting comfortable doing what most of them didn't want to do – really read, really write, and argue academically. I work with the struggling students and up through honors. I'm very happy to say that at this point in the school year they are all engaged. I am most proud of those who struggled with getting started. I really appreciate the work you went through to share what you learned from Kelly Gallagher and get it out there for all of us to use!
Every time someone takes something I make and transforms it into incredible outcomes, I have to pinch myself. Making helpful things for teachers is most amazing when people take the work and do things better than I can do with it.
Anyways, I wanted to share in case you're in the market for a back-to-basics, high-powered approach to improving outcomes for even your most struggling students.
The Teaching with Articles Course registration page is right here.
Teaching right beside you,
DSJR
P.S. I'm still running a 52% off special on the “Summer Reset: 10 Quick Wins to Transform Student Motivation This Fall” mini-course as well. Fully asynchronous, lifetime access, for just $47 until August 15. You can register or learn more here.
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