Internet Exercises

Baker, Russell

Baker writes about the delightful experience of becoming a writer. Check out the ABC's of Writing at http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess. Maybe you'll find the same kind of satisfaction that Baker did!

Sherry, Mary

Sherry praises the "F Word" (no, not that one—she means "flunk") saying that only a "healthy fear of failure" will prompt students to work hard and succeed. Take a look at this article about a parent who wants her son flunked out in an effort for him to actually learn something: http://dailynews.philly.com/content/daily_news/2001/04/30/local/POLA30C.htm.

Miller, H. Bruce

In "Life is Not Measured by Grade-Point Averages," Miller writes about stopping to smell the roses along one's educational path. Lots of people have tips for making college more enjoyable. Check out this tip page and see if you agree with the writer's advice. You can find it at http://www.4classnotes.com/college_tip_page.html.

Rodriguez, Richard

Rodriguez joins the conversation about the difficulties that one encounters when growing up in a bicultural family. Peek in on the bicultural discussion board on Yahoo at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/biculturalfamilies to learn more about the concerns these families share.

Morse, Jodie

"Is That Your Final Answer?" by Jodi Morse presents a number of objections to standardized testing. She is not alone in her objections. Take a look at this site called Teachers United Across Virginia at http://www.solopposition.homestead.com/main.html to see what teachers are saying about these tests.

Douglass, Frederick

Douglass was a slave who despite the obvious obstacles, struggled to learn to read and write. Find out more about his life and works at http://www.africana.com/Articles/tt_155.htm.

Rose, Mike

Rose questions the wisdom of "tracking" students, arguing that these methods of grouping can freeze students in place, lower their expectations of themselves, and in general do more harm than good. For a detailed discussion see "The Tracking Controversy": http://www.muse.widener.edu/~egr0001/EDControversy/Shaw.html.