TLAP Book Study: Week 2

Week 2- Ask & Analyze, Transformation and Enthusiasm

Pages 33-71

Ask & Analyze

“Creative ideas don’t come out of the blue, they come from engaging in the creative process. That critical process starts when you ask the right types of questions and then actively seek the answers” (Burgess p. 35)

“If you haven’t failed in the classroom lately, you aren’t pushing the envelope far enough. ‘Safe’ lessons are a recipe for mediocrity at best….there is no such thing as true failure, only feedback...If they (students) are not engaged, they are providing you with some critical feedback.” (Burgess p.48)

Question #1 - Where/ when do you get your best ideas?

Transformation

“Provide an uncommon experience for your students  and they will reward you with uncommon effort and attitude.”  (Burgess p. 55)

Positioning- “Why should our students bother to learn what we are teaching?” (Burgess p.61)  

"Position your content as if it's amazing!... If you can't explain why someone should pay attention to what you're saying, maybe you shouldn't be saying it." (Burgess, 62)

Reframing- "Reframing involves providing a new context for the material that helps to break down the negative associations many students come to class with…The truth is, students probably don’t really hate math” (or insert any subject in place of the word ‘math’) “They hate the way it has been taught to them in the  past,  They hate that  they have struggled to learn math in the past….When students don’t see any real world connection or value to a particular subject, they question whether  it is worth the investment  and effort.” (Burgess p.62)

Question #2- If your students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room?

Question #3- Do you have any lessons you could sell tickets for?

Enthusiasm

"If you apply nothing else from this book, but you consistently ramp up your enthusiasm level in the classroom, you will be far ahead of the game and a dramatically better teacher." (Burgess p.65)  

“Unlike passion, enthusiasm can be faked...Faking enthusiasm is so easy I can sum it up in two words; act enthusiastic!...Fake it till you make it” (Burgess p.69)

“When we model enthusiasm it rubs off on everybody around us; it is absolutely contagious.  Be sure to spread it liberally every day, because I guarantee that your students have many people in their lives who are trying to kill their enthusiasm and dampen their spirits.  Infect your lessons and everything you do with enthusiasm and watch it spread.” (Burgess p.71)

Question #4- What are some strategies you can use to reignite your enthusiasm on a day where you aren’t feeling particularly enthusiastic?

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