Blog 3-6-12

Good morning everyone -

I hope all is well.

As we catapult towards spring break my blogs are getting shorter and shorter.  Too much to do?  A lot of other things going on, etc.  A busy time for all.

I am compiling preliminary grades for everyone.  This grade will be based on the blogs related to creativity, scientific process and the physics blog that you submitted.  So, this is a limited sampling but should provide a guidepost for you work and effort in the class.  Many people have opted not to complete the blogs, so their grades are VERY low.  This is discouraging.  There will be opportunities to improve these grades but to do so, you have to get it done.  If you have questions, please let me know.  And I am always available for assistance!

This week we will be working on our group physics project, which will be due the Thursday after spring break.  I will have a list/rubric available later that provides specific details about requirements.  I will be late for class on Thursday as I am returning from Las Vegas.  So, official class will start at 12 noon and if you prefer to work on your own, the class is optional.  I will be there to help.

I just finished reading a book by Susan Cain called "Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World Where People Can't Stop Talking".  It was quite good although an introvert writing about introversion is somewhat of an oxymoron - wouldn't you expect introverts to keep it to themselves?  In many ways I thought the book was important and has some application to teaching and learning.  For example, group work is a big part of our work and likely will be for those going into teaching.  And even for those going into other fields.  But where does that leave the person who would rather slave away on their own?  Or finds their learning hampered by the logistics and commitment required for group work?  So, this is something I am going to reflect on and perhaps adjust a wee bit the emphasis on group projects.  Maybe we can develop more of a dynamic between the individual and the group so that people can toggle in-and-out of these different modes?

If you are interested, and I think you should be, here is a very recent TED talk by Susan Cain

Susan Cain - Introverts

That is it - see you later this AM

Matt