Program
The Classroom Roundtables
Saturday, November 11, 2006
1:30-2:45 p.m.
Over 100 attendees enjoyed coffee and dessert with a diverse cross-section of teachers who shared innovative ideas and strategies on specific subjects that included building language skills through a social justice curriculum, teaching electrodynamics with a deductive approach, and using sonnets to bring history alive to students. New for Forum 2006, the Classroom Roundtables were an exciting addition to the program.
The following is a list of topics and presenters.
A Deductive Approach to Electrodynamics
Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic fields provides a foundation for the entire structure of electrodynamics. Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Electric Currents, and Electromagnetic Vibrations can all be taught as extensions of Maxwell's theory. Join colleagues to discuss the pedagogical possibilities of a deductive approach to AP® Physics C. Learn how students' math and physics training, paired with intrinsic motivation, complement a deductive approach to teaching and learning.
Speaker:
Semyon Volshteyn, Lafayette High School, Wildwood, MO
A Sonnet A Day
The sonnet offers a microcosm of the themes and history of western literature over the past 400 years. Beginning each class with a sonnet teaches student to analyze poetry and read critically for syntax, diction, structure, subtext, symbolism, and theme. From Spenser through the twentieth century, students see the change in rhyme and meter from strict iambic pentameter to playful free verse. Discover the value of this exercise for building analytical skills and increasing student awareness of subtext and symbolism in their own writing.
Speaker:
Dana DesJardin, English Teacher, Niles West High School, Skokie, IL
Beyond AP Statistics
In May, following the AP Statistics exam, instructors have the opportunity to extend instruction beyond the AP required subject matter. Attend this roundtable to discuss multiple topics for statistics extension. Explore existing TI calculator programs for ANOVA and multiple regressions that support higher level statistics instruction. Brainstorm statistics lesson plans that incorporate technology to challenge and actively engage your students.
Speaker:
Joseph Oechsle, Malvern Preparatory School, East Norriton, PA
Gotham: From Gangs to Gatsby
Thematic curricula engage students while helping teachers address the needs of diverse AP English classrooms. Attend this roundtable to explore the course outline and syllabus for "Gotham: From Gangs to Gatsby" and see how a geographic region can act as setting, theme, character, motif, and symbol in a unit. Learn how to incorporate multi-cultural literature and coming of age stories into your thematic unit to create a curriculum your students will love.
Speaker:
Jennifer Pinkard, AP/IB Teacher, Fort Meyers High School, Fort Meyers, FL
Literature of Witness: Building Skills through a Social Justice Curriculum
Courses on social justice and moral decision-making immerse students in the art of rhetoric while developing their critical reading and writing skills. "Literature of Witness," an AP English Language and Composition course elective, is built around critical readings of war propaganda and exploration of oral and written testimonies of witnesses of war. View the scope and sequence of this dynamic course and gain access to a variety of written and technological resources that support this curriculum.
Speaker:
Mark Davis, Coordinator, HSSJC, Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton, CA
Senior Projects: Self-Enrichment through Independent Exploration
Students leaving high school must be prepared for the self-driven intellectual endeavors they will undertake throughout their lives. Senior Project introduces students of all ability levels to the rigor of individualized study. The Project gives students the opportunity to research a topic of interest, create a portfolio, engage in community outreach, and present their findings to the school community. Alice High School's Senior Project serves as a model to other schools interested in designing and implementing interdisciplinary, project based learning.
Speakers:
Julie Brandt, Teacher/Senior Project Coordinator, Alice High School, TX
Roger Hill, AP English Teacher, Alice High School, TX
Judy Holmgreen, AP English Teacher, Alice High School, TX
Jean McLerran, AP English Teacher, Alice High School, TX
Marin Perez, AP English Teacher, Alice High School, TX
Strange Fruit: Using Alternative Texts in the AP Literature Classroom
Typically, AP Literature anthologies cover a select canon of literature. However, students often enter AP Literature classes unprepared to attack these texts. Teaching texts outside of the canon can develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills and support later success with more difficult texts. Learn how to utilize alternative texts in your AP Literature classroom to improve student access to the canon.
Speaker:
Frazier O' Leary, Teacher, Cardozo High School, Washington, DC
The Ubiquitous Heart of Darkness
Literature reflects and contributes to historical processes and to the lives of diverse individuals. Students can develop a deeper understanding of literature when taught to analyze texts within their historical contexts. In this roundtable discussion, apply this concept to Heart of Darkness and acquire strategies for driving dynamic discourse and developing critical thinking skills in your classroom. Broaden your students' understanding of the Modern period in an atmosphere of lively discussion, collaboration, and exploration.
Speaker:
Celine Gomez, Plano East Senior High School, Plano, TX
Using the College Board Standards for College Success™ to Build the Foundations for Success
Preparing students for success in AP or college-level courses must start early to build the foundational knowledge and skills that advanced study requires. The College Board Standards for College Success define the knowledge and skills in English language arts and mathematics and statistics that students should develop beginning in grade 6 to prepare for success in AP courses and in college. The standards are aligned to the expectations students will encounter in AP English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus, and Statistics. They provide detailed guidance that districts and schools may use in their Vertical Teams programs to align curricula across grade levels and build toward AP and college success. Participants will be shown specific examples of how key concepts taken from AP develop across grade levels. Information on how to receive a free copy of the standards will also be provided.
Speakers:
Judson Odell, Senior Content Specialist, The College Board, NY
Mary Morley, Senior Content Specialist, The College Board, NY
Using Technology to Prepare Students for the AP English Exam
Technology enhances the AP English classroom and engages the twenty-first century student. Web pages and curricular sites replace paper handouts to support instruction. Meanwhile, technology based assignments vary from web page design to multimedia links to PowerPoint documents that complement literature. Students can also utilize software to create AP style test questions for practice and review. Discuss methods for integrating technology into your classroom and discover computer-based assignments that will develop students' analytical skills for success on the AP English Exam.
Speaker:
William Sullivan, English Faculty/Coordinator of the Writing Center, Suffield Academy, Suffield CT
Innovative, Award-winning Approaches To Teaching Writing
The College Board Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing are awarded each year to six exceptional teachers for the innovative methods they use to develop their students' writing skills. Meet the 2006 recipients and learn about their winning programs.
Speakers:
John Cornillon, Harbor City High School. MD
Billie J. Smith, McKinley High School, LA
Jennifer Budenski, Hopkins Alternative Program Off-Campus Pavilion, MN,
Callen Taylor, Mission High School, CA
Mary Beth Britton, Pecos High School, NM
