Blog Assignment #10

Sometimes it's just feels good to watch something that makes you feel good.  I'm referring to watching an inspiring video on education called

Do You Teach or Do You Educate?
I'm really glad that I can answer the question honestly, and feel good about it.

My daughter suggested that I needed a break because of all the work I was doing this summer. (I'm currently taking two college classes that indeed demand my time.)  She asked me if I liked school, but disliked all the work.  It was difficult to explain to an almost fourth grader that the work was gratifying.  Why is it gratifying?...because it makes me a better educator.


Adventures in Pencil Integration
As I am thinking still about the video I watched mentioned above,  I am trying to wrap my brain around the blog posts I've just read.  I am convinced that John T. Spencer is very clear on the fact of educating vs. teaching.  He says in one of his posts, "If my goal is to train students to use a particular paper, then I've failed miserably as a teacher."  I believe Mr. Spencer feels compelled to educate.  He probably sees himself as an educational warrior posted in an environment that chokes free thought..  He even says of himself that he is shy at baring his soul to others.  I think that is a driving force that makes him a writer.  Writing to him I'm sure makes the longing to educate bearable


At times in reading the blog, I was confused about who Mr. Spencer thought of as the enemy in his ongoing, waging war for education.  On the contrary,  he is perfectly clear about the battle for education, creativity, and free thought.  His blog becomes his voice to fuel the continued charge.