Choosing the appropriate encouraging words is slow going at this point. I'm not negative by any means, but I catch myself using the less appropriate words all the time since starting ED107. I've noticed a difference when doing it right. Any tips for while I'm thinking before I speak? DD.

I've been told that the current (popular I suppose) thinking about testing is that testing should be used as a learning tool in addition to being an evaluation tool. What are your thoughts? Ms.Polick? Thanks.

Well, this isn't really a discussion topic, but... I see what I need to change. I was doing a lot of the no-no's. Anybody else?

Thanks. Many (perhaps most) of my students (especially the younger ones) have been "coddled" all through high school to the point that every move ans decision must directed. I like the idea of "slow withdrawal of support". Dan.

Very helpful. Thanks. Often I find that students are aware of their problems and also know what works best for them. They often approach me with the issues and the solutions as well. What I find is that although these students acknowledge understand their problem, they often are helpless in directing and/or controlling their behavior and classroom skills. I've a few very difficult students... I've learned _a lot_ about the subject matter in Chapter three of this particular ED102. Focus. Dan.

Any other ideas on how to discourage excessive participation (talking) from the "talkers" in the class. I always have some students that are thankfully very enthusiastic but take up more than their fair share of the discussion. I want to be able to discourage the excess without hurting someone's feelings. Any ideas, Dan.

Is there such thing as too much attention? Coddling? Where's the fine line between coddling and the right amount of student attention. In my experience, some students are very needy, like a dog that can't get enough petting. Dan.

I've had several students with learning disabilities and others with chemical dependencies. I find those with "physical" impairments are the easiest for me to adjust to. I'm looking for some ideas on the psychological and learning disabilities like Autism, Asperger's, ADD, ADHD, etc. Thanks, Dan.