Chapter+1+Discussion+Questions

Chapter 1 Discussion Questions and Activities

1. Download and complete Met Life Survey of the American Teacher, [] Which findings from this survey affirm what you would have predicted to be true? Which are surprising to you? 2. Extraordinary teachers who transform students' lives through the power of high expectations have been a frequent focus for Hollywood films, such as Stand and Deliver, Dead Poets Society, Dangerous Minds, Mr. Holland's Opus, and To Sir With Love. Why do you think this type of transformative teaching is often limited to a few exceptional individuals and is not standard practice for many or most teachers in schools? 3. Reflect on the teachers and professors you have had in your own schooling experiences thus far. Can you think of particular individuals who communicated to you that they believed you were capable of being successful with the subject/material they taught, even when you yourself might have doubted that you could learn it? If so, what effect did this have on you? In what ways did these teachers let you know that they believed you could be successful? Conversely, have you had teachers in the past who you sensed did not believe you could learn what was being taught in their classes? If so, how did this affect you? In what ways was this lack of belief in your ability to learn communicated.