Chapters+1&2

After reading the assigned chapters, we will meet online asynchronously in order to communicate and collaborate together. On the page for each chapter discussion, you will see a “tab” at the top of the page that says “discussions”. This is where you will find a discussion starter from me or other members of this group. Remember this is OUR space so feel free to add and edit content to this page as well as starting discussion threads.

 I will try to summarize the first two chapters for us, but beyond that, I hope you will visit this site to add content as well.

Chapters 1 & 2 were both challenging and thought provoking. The author Barbara R. Blackburn challenges the reader to dig into rigor! She first starts with developing a case for rigor. In the first chapter she emphasizes a need for preparing our students to become productive members of society in the 21st century. She states that we must provide students with challenging experiences and move them forward with a positive approach in order to achieve success. She provided various strategies related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. After reading this chapter, it made me reflect on my own practice as an educator.

Chapter 2 provides a terrific framework of Bloom’s Taxonomy, Ciardiello’s Four Types of Questions, and Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. The title of this chapter really owns up to its name “Digging into Rigor”. Blackburn starts off right away providing a framework and illustrating scenarios that help us with our real-life situations. She emphasizes the need to support each student to learn at high levels. Addressing motivation and increasing student engagement were strategies she suggested for support at these high levels.

I hope you enjoyed reading the chapters as much as I did!! I look forward to our discussion of these chapters and your input.