The Joys of Research

Poem: Nuns Fret Not at Their Convent’s Narrow Room, by William Wordsworth  

Statement of the Whole: Research this!  The dust clouds billow up and the sneezing begins.  Most students unfortunately have been taught to despise the task of research.  Jason and Steve beg to differ, viewing it as inquiry into the unknown, the natural result of wonder and questing for truth.  Join them for some thoughts on how to turn this task into a life-long pursuit.  No Googling going on here! 

Resources: 

TED on procrastination 

Help with Boontling

The Role of Seminar in Education, with John Donohue

Poem: none 

Statement of the Whole: Talking.  Conversation.  Dialectic.  Can words that pass between us really change the world?  In this podcast, Steve brings in a guest, John Donohue, to chat about the use of Seminar in education.  What are the benefits and possible pitfalls of just having a conversation be the central method of a classroom?  Join in the conversation. 

Resources: 

Great book on using Seminar with younger readers: Socratic Circles 

Steve’s written description of his high school Seminar Course 

Old video about Steve’s community roundtable, an evening type of Seminar for high schoolers in his town