Good Morning to All,
Lots of questions at the end of the 1st six weeks! So let me try answering
some of them here. First I want to apologize to one and all about the delay in
grade postings, again because I've had to fit 6 weeks of information into 4
1/2 weeks, I've been focused on getting my students the information as opposed
to just getting grades up, I will be more diligent in the new 6 weeks.
Second, when is a correct answer not necessarily the right answer? When
looking for depth and complexity of answer. This is a skill that I will be
trying to develop in your student this year along with the critical thinking
skills. Imagine, if you will, I present an image to my students of a baked
pastry made with apples and flour. I ask them, "What is this?" Most will say,
and probably most of you, said pie. Some may get specific and say apple pie.
But the student that uses depth and complexity to answer the question may say,
"A traditional European dish brought to the new world and modified there using
the fruits and berries of regional settlements. This particular version uses a
blend of apple varieties, brown sugar, cinnamon and other spices to become
what is historical considered to be a staple of Americana, apple pie."
Now of course I am not expecting your student to write at that level in the
first semester, like in all things they must be trained. My students are aware
that one word answers and simple sentence answers are not the standard that we
strive for in my class. I hope this answers some of your questions and
concerns. I will be contacting those of you who have sent me messages as
quickly as I can! Thank you for your time and patience and as always thank you
for the gift of your child, I hope to return them to you a little better than
you gave to me and none the worse for wear.
Pax tecum,
James R. Cudjo