HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: bh@anarres.CS.Berkeley.EDU (Brian Harvey)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Re: Student Teaching
Date: 5 Jan 93 16:12:51 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
NNTP-Posting-Host: anarres.cs.berkeley.edu

efk@ddsdx2.jhuapl.edu (Eileen Baust) writes:
>I am finishing up the certification program 
>by student teaching. [...] Is there any advice one could
>give to me as to classroom management?

Everyone else will probably disagree with me about this, but I think
you should banish the idea of "classroom management" from your mind.
If you are thinking in those terms, then in effect you are starting
out with the presupposition that what goes on in the classroom is a
sort of competition between you and the kids, in which their goal is
to be disruptive and yours is to maintain order.  If you walk in with
that presupposition, the kids will notice -- it's self-fulfilling.

Instead, remind yourself that the reason (I presume) that you've
decided to switch careers from engineering to teaching is that you
like kids.  If so, that means you like them as they are, not all
lined up in disciplined rows.  If you can communicate *that*
presupposition to them, the kids will be orderly enough when it matters.

(If your school is full of kids who are already so beaten down by
schooling that they can't meet you halfway, then they're probably
right -- your algebra class probably isn't going to change their
lives.  Find a different school.  That kind of class is too heavy
a burden to place on a student teacher.)

P.S.  You also asked about calculus books.  I recommend Tom M. Apostol,
_Calculus_ vol. 1 (Blaisdell).  It's the best book for keeping the ideas
in the foreground, rather than the manipulations, so it'll remind you
of what's important in calculus.
From: Lloyd.Johnston@p0.f45.n342.z1.fidonet.org (Lloyd Johnston)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Re: HOMEWORK
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 14:55:00 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:342/45.0 - SPQR, Edmonton AB

Iaat> The idea is to do the other six ever faster. This is good practice in
Iaat> case the knowledge has to be applied many times to solve a problem. The
Iaat> risk is to madly apply knowledge repetitively where it's not needed.
Iaat> Variety in the assigned problems addresses this nonsense a bit.
 
Or try to do those six one month later when you are on a different topic. It
is amazing how quickly you forget skills.  I still rip my hair out wondering
"How to I factor cubic equations . . ."  arrrrghh.
 
Iaat> What if math is made socially acceptable? Something that is just as
Iaat> fun as football, swimming or sex. The activities of the mind and the
Iaat> body should complement each other. Then you get a right angle.

The question is how to make math socailly acceptable.  Most of the people I
know are all good at math and enjoy it.  But how could be encourage my
team mates on the Academic Decathlon who call us "Math and Science Geeks" to
enjoy math.  

... I know it all. I just can't remember it all at once.

 # GateOrigin: 89:701/239@imex


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!342!45.0!Lloyd.Johnston
Internet: Lloyd.Johnston@p0.f45.n342.z1.fidonet.org
From: Ian.Howard@f17.n258.z2.fidonet.org (Ian Howard)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Channel 5 - Please read :-)
Date: Wed, 06 Jan 93 18:05:01 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 2:258/17 - Hollingworth High S, Milnrow

Please read and distribute into your local message areas if appropriate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you may or may not be aware I have been trying to set-up a channel on
K12 for the discussion of the entire K12 network and its ideas.

Channel 5 (K12.CH5) will be open for the discussion of the following
topics from 11-01-93 (11th January) :

 * Discussion of the technical aspects of K12 including how to set up a
   K12 system a school.  Including debate on security problems,
   censorship, and anything else relavent.

 * Chat about the actual K12 areas and network itself and what teachers
   think its use within classrooms.  Hopefully people will put forward
   ideas that could be used to futher the K12 services.  Questions
   answered and general discussion.

 * Students can use the channel to share their views and experiences on
   K12 and put forward any ideas as to the future of K12.

 * What would be the requirements for a comprehensive piece of software
   to be used as a complete K12 package in schools.  What would people
   like to see in this software and which platforms are used.

Those are just a few pointers as to how the channel can be used but I am
more than welcome to listen to other topics concerning K12.

Please take a few minutes to read through the initial messages in the
area which I will post to get the ball rolling.  I hope that as many
people as possible will contribute to the project so that we can get a
wide range of views and experiences.

I look forward to seeing you there!  Look in the projects echo for brief
details - Remember its Channel 5, mail-tag of K12.CH5

Best wishes for 1993.
Ian Howard (2:258/16 and 17)


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!2!258!17!Ian.Howard
Internet: Ian.Howard@f17.n258.z2.fidonet.org
From: Sarah.Lovelace@f40.n2310.z1.fidonet.org (Sarah Lovelace)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: letter
Date: Tue, 05 Jan 93 10:46:00 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:2310/40 - EVSC BBS, Evansville IN

     Dear Corey,

   How are you?  I'm fine.  How come you haven't been writing to me in a
 while?  I have writen at least three letters and you haven't writin back
 since.

   What is your fovorite sport?  Mine is volleyball.  I also love art.  ( Even
 though I hate the art teacher here at West Terrace.) 
   Do you have any pets?  I do.  I have two birds and one kitten.  A friend of
 mine ,Devon Messel, lives on a farm and has two goats, four cats, and three
 dogs.
                               Gotta go!
                                                Your Friend,
                                                   Sarah Lovelace


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!2310!40!Sarah.Lovelace
Internet: Sarah.Lovelace@f40.n2310.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 15:26:44 EST
From: <B7D@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: the square root of (n:2 + 1)

A week ago my daughter brought back a math test sheet which is one of a series
of math tests designed by Pennsylvania State for 9-12 graders. The very first
question in this test is: find integer n so that the square root of (n:2 + 1)
 is also an integer.
   My question is not what the answer is. I would like to know what
 a teacher expects a student write down for the question. In other word,
 what math knowledge or ability the teacher likes the student to show
 through the test.
   Duane
From: choy@skorpio.usask.ca (I am a terminator.)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Solving for the roots of an equation
Date: 8 Jan 1993 17:29:53 GMT
Organization: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: skorpio.usask.ca

Everyone learns how to find the roots of a quadratic, but everyone
complains that finding the roots of a cubic is too hard. Are there any
high school math classes where cubic root finding, fundamental theorem
of arithmetic, Newton's method, etc. are taught?


-- 

Henry Choy
choy@cs.usask.ca

What rolls down stairs alone or in pairs            This has been brought to 
Rolls over your neighbor's dog?                     you by the numbers 4
What's great for a snack and fits on your back?     and 9 and the letter P.
It's Log, Log, Log!  -- "The Log Song", from            -- Big Bird
                         Ren & Stimpy

Math is tough!       -- Barbie
From: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: LETTER                   
Date: Thu, 07 Jan 93 18:24:00 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

Dear Sarah,

You posted a letter to  COREY AYLEN in this area. Perhaps you were not
aware that this is the K12_Math conference, and messages posted here can
not be about general chit-chat but should be about math.

Anyway, if you would like to post messages about math here, we would
love to read them. Otherwise, maybe you should post in one of the Chat
echos? I hope Corey writes to you soon....

Sheila King
K12_Math echo Moderator
coming to you from Diamond Bar, CA (in Los Angeles County)
                  

--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!103!315!Sheila.King
Internet: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org
From: Brian.Bridal@f49.n134.z1.fidonet.org (Brian Bridal)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Re: CALCULATORS
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 93 21:03:00 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:134/49 - The Student Exchang, Calgary Alta

I think the reference to using 'pencil and paper' calculations is still very much relevent (sp) for all students. The idea of using 'pecil and paper' calculations rather than a claculator is not because of a fear of machine dependency but rather a hope that students will realize the relationships that are present among numbers.
I don't let my students my students at the grade 7 and grade 9 levels of math use calculators that often. When calculators eliminate needless tedious work then that is fine. I would rather a student become familiar with various numerical relationships - and the 'pencil and paper' approach seems to work very well.
In the 'REAL' world many people do use their own brain to do calculations instead of pulling out the pocket calculator.
I have nothing against using calculators...and it is up to the teacher to make it clear to the student when a calculator is a necessity and when a calculator is a crutch!
 
bye for now!
 
brian


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!134!49!Brian.Bridal
Internet: Brian.Bridal@f49.n134.z1.fidonet.org
From: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: RE: STUDENT TEACHING     
Date: Wed, 06 Jan 93 18:44:00 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

Brian,

Just a comment on a note you made to Eileen Buast about classroom
management:

-> Everyone else will probably disagree with me about this, but I think
-> you should banish the idea of "classroom management" from your mind.
-> If you are thinking in those terms, then in effect you are starting
-> out with the presupposition that what goes on in the classroom is a
-> sort of competition between you and the kids, in which their goal is
-> to be disruptive and yours is to maintain order.

I think you are confusing the term "classroom management" with the idea
of discipline. Classroom management is a much broader term, which may
include such ideas, as how you collect and grade papers, how you arrange
your students desks (the books I recommended in the last message suggest
two U-shaped rows--very different from the traditional "rows"), etc,
etc...

As a student teacher she NEEDS to know these little things. She will
feel ever so much more confident with little hints and suggestions to
try out and find out what exactly works for her in her classroom with
her group of students, rather than fumbling around and frustrated.

Even for discipline, which is rarely something I occupy myself with, a
few hints before entering the classroom could be a big help.

Sheila
coming to you from Diamond Bar, CA (in Los Angeles County)
                                                                     

--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!103!315!Sheila.King
Internet: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
From: mds@iastate.edu (Mark D. Smucker)
Subject: Re: CALCULATORS
Organization: Iowa State University of Censorship and Repression
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 21:10:48 GMT

choy@skorpio.usask.ca (I am a terminator.) writes:
>Gilles.Leblanc@f2.n255.z1.fidonet.org (Gilles Leblanc) writes:
>|>  My 
>|> question is whether we are harming the students by teaching them to use the 
>|> tools before they have understood the concept.  I would appreciate any 
>|> response to these comments.
>
>Give them problems where they have to solve for the percentages or whatever
>symbolically.
>
>Sample problem:
>
>The bank has an interest rate that varies from month to month. If I have
>x in the bank in the months n, n+1, and n+2 where the interest rates are
>a%, b%, and c%, how much money do I have in my account at the end of month
>n+2?

This is an idea that I REALLY like.  Numbers are simply symbols and
students shouldn't be concerned with a numerical answer until the end
of the problem were they plug in the numbers.

I know of one case where students got to college and their only
concept of sine and cosine and tangent was as their teacher had told
them, ``Those buttons on the calculator.''

Mark D. Smucker    -----    mds@iastate.edu
From: jim@apsicc.aps.edu (frost...)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MAGNET Schools
Date: 12 Jan 1993 17:27 MST
Organization: Albuquerque Public Schools - Career Enrichment Center
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: apsicc.aps.edu
Keywords: MAGNET Schools
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    


Hello all,
  I am attempting to obtain as much information or opinions as possible
regarding peoples thoughts on the value of MAGNET schools. Schools that
offer either highly specialized courses or courses which are for one
reason or another, such as limited enrollment at a single school but
high enrollment at a centralized district site, valuable in that context
for providing and filling an overall need within a school district.
  I have run a random in district survey of opinions and I would like
to contrast that with opinions of educators around the country. This
particular MAGNET school services the needs of eleven high schools and
provides courses for not only college bound students but also vocational
and technical training courses. As examples, everything from computer
related courses (data-entry training through business to advanced place-
ment), building trades (general construction through cabinet making),
word-processing (court reporting through advanced word-processing tech-
niques), advanced classical and modern languages (Latin to Hebrew to
Japanese to Spanish to Russian, etc.),  pre-med, A.P. calculus/fortran,
A.P. physics, A.P. chemistry, aviation science, astronomy, an LPN course
which has a high school student qualified for their Licensed Practical
Nursing Certificate upon H.S. graduation, nursing assistant and homebound
aide program, etc.
  This is an important topic for us as we would like to make the program
even better and we need input from all sources to do so. 
  Unfortunately we need to present this Friday; January 15 so any opinions
you could send my way would be appreciated and forwarded on to the appro-
priate people as soon as they are received. If you could EMail to me at
me address below it would help to save a great deal of time but I will
also followup on the conferences.
			Thank you very much for your help in advance,
							Jim Skeba
======================================================================
   We are rapidly ascending through prosperity to poverty...  Twain
                    Internet:    jim@apsicc.aps.edu
       Albuquerque Public Schools - Instructional System Manager 
======================================================================
From: Roland.Gesthuizen@p3.f155.n633.z3.fidonet.org (Roland Gesthuizen)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.soc-studies
Subject: Int. History Project... anybody interested?
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 93 09:32:00 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 3:633/155.3 - SECAP BBS, Clayton Vic

 > Roland thanks for the invitation I am a seventh grade social
MM>studies teacher in a small town in upstate New York. The Glens
MM>Falls Middle School has 735 students. We are beginners in
MM>telecomunications and would love to be part of your project if
MM>we could contribute.

Great! and thanks Michael, I have forwarded your reply to Ramsey Imam who will be putting together the project.. He will be sending you some  more information. 

Keep in touch.

Best wishes for the new year.

Roland Gesthuizen
Glen Waverley Secondary College, Melbourne Australia


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!3!633!155.3!Roland.Gesthuizen
Internet: Roland.Gesthuizen@p3.f155.n633.z3.fidonet.org
From: choy@skorpio.usask.ca (I am a terminator.)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.soc-studies
Subject: Economics of living
Date: 12 Jan 1993 16:47:44 GMT
Organization: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: skorpio.usask.ca

Our children are born to face technology far superior to what we had
at birth. They expect a better living than we did. How are they being
prepared to deal with these expectations?

-- 

Henry Choy
choy@cs.usask.ca

What rolls down stairs alone or in pairs            This has been brought to 
Rolls over your neighbor's dog?                     you by the numbers 4
What's great for a snack and fits on your back?     and 9 and the letter P.
It's Log, Log, Log!  -- "The Log Song", from            -- Big Bird
                         Ren & Stimpy

Math is tough!       -- Barbie
From: Richard.White@p0.f732.n105.z1.fidonet.org (Richard White)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.soc-studies
Subject: Re: Exchange
Date: Sat, 09 Jan 93 05:51:02 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:105/732.0 - Lincoln County Scho, Newport OR

Hello Andrew...
I am a part-time teacher on the Central Oregon Coast and think your 
idea is great.  I wish you luck with your project and would be interested 
in knowing how it goes...
 
Dick   :-) 



--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!732.0!Richard.White
Internet: Richard.White@p0.f732.n105.z1.fidonet.org
From: jim@apsicc.aps.edu (frost...)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.soc-studies
Subject: MAGNET Schools
Date: 12 Jan 1993 17:32 MST
Organization: Albuquerque Public Schools - Career Enrichment Center
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: apsicc.aps.edu
Keywords: MAGNET Schools
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    


Hello all,
  I am attempting to obtain as much information or opinions as possible
regarding peoples thoughts on the value of MAGNET schools. Schools that
offer either highly specialized courses or courses which are for one
reason or another, such as limited enrollment at a single school but
high enrollment at a centralized district site, valuable in that context
for providing and filling an overall need within a school district.
  I have run a random in district survey of opinions and I would like
to contrast that with opinions of educators around the country. This
particular MAGNET school services the needs of eleven high schools and
provides courses for not only college bound students but also vocational
and technical training courses. As examples, everything from computer
related courses (data-entry training through business to advanced place-
ment), building trades (general construction through cabinet making),
word-processing (court reporting through advanced word-processing tech-
niques), advanced classical and modern languages (Latin to Hebrew to
Japanese to Spanish to Russian, etc.),  pre-med, A.P. calculus/fortran,
A.P. physics, A.P. chemistry, aviation science, astronomy, an LPN course
which has a high school student qualified for their Licensed Practical
Nursing Certificate upon H.S. graduation, nursing assistant and homebound
aide program, etc.
  This is an important topic for us as we would like to make the program
even better and we need input from all sources to do so. 
  Unfortunately we need to present this Friday; January 15 so any opinions
you could send my way would be appreciated and forwarded on to the appro-
priate people as soon as they are received. If you could EMail to me at
me address below it would help to save a great deal of time but I will
also followup on the conferences.
			Thank you very much for your help in advance,
							Jim Skeba
======================================================================
   We are rapidly ascending through prosperity to poverty...  Twain
                    Internet:    jim@apsicc.aps.edu
       Albuquerque Public Schools - Instructional System Manager 
======================================================================
From: John.B..Waters@f721.n278.z1.fidonet.org (John B. Waters)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.soc-studies
Subject: CIVIL WAR
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 93 20:24:32 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:278/721 - Fordham Prep's BBS, Bronx NY

I am looking for a Civil War buff to write to.  I am a real big civil war 
buff.  Please write me if you are a CIVIL WAR BUFF!!!
                                            JOHN B. WATERS

--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!278!721!John.B..Waters
Internet: John.B..Waters@f721.n278.z1.fidonet.org
From: Michael.Moynihan@f19.n267.z1.fidonet.org (Michael Moynihan)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.soc-studies
Subject: Int. History Project... anybody interested?
Date: Fri, 01 Jan 93 02:52:42 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:267/19 - QMS Connection, Queensbury NY

 >                Do you teach History or Social Studies?
 >    What do we teach our students about another country or culture?
 > Are the conclusions we reach about other people's history
 > valid, or are their notions about what happened in their
 > past different to what we believe happened ?
 > The International History Exchange project seeks to link
 > students around the world to share the views they have
 > about the history of the countries and cultures they
 > study.  It enables students to gather resources not
 > normally available to them via communication with their
 > peers.   From the initial opinions about an area of study,
 > through development of theories, right up to conclusions,
 > students can actively consider and compare the views of
 > local people...living History!
 > Timing and content of the communications are negotiated
 > between participants. Students will have obligations to
 > the people they are communicating with, providing opinions
 > and facts to help their friends   overseas.
 > Everyone benefits from the information gathered,
 > especially the extra input from a unique resource, which
 > may well challenge first thoughts.
 > We have some great ideas that we would like to develop but
 > it needs more than just us! You can also become part of an
 > International History  Exchange by contacting Ramsey Imam
 > on this echo or dropping me a line. We  are excited by
 > this project and invite any expressions of interest!
 > Look forward to hearing from you.
 > Roland Gesthuzien              Ramsey Imam
 > Roland@csource.oz.au           Syndal Campus Glen Waverley
 > SC 3;633/155.3                    Melbourne, Vic. Australia
 > --- Ezycom V1.02 04fb0007
 > [37m * Origin: Syndal Secondary College, Victoria,
 > Australia (3:633/155.3)
 > Roland thanks for the invitation I am a seventh grade social studies teacher in a small town in upstate New York. The Glens Falls Middle School has 735 students. We are beginners in telecomunications and would love to be part of your project if we could contribute. 



--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!267!19!Michael.Moynihan
Internet: Michael.Moynihan@f19.n267.z1.fidonet.org