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Author Archives: knlistman
What exactly are we testing?
The two big criteria for judging tests are reliability and validity. Reliability refers to the consistency of the test results each time it is given. For example, psychometric tests attempt to gain a picture of a person’s more permanent personality … Continue reading
The schizophrenic approach to testing
One of the major difficulties using standardized testing in school is our “schizophrenic” approach to the subject. Is the purpose of testing to ensure that the students is ready to go to the next level? Is it to see if … Continue reading
Testing the teachers
One of the major challenges in education is preparing new teachers. New ideas for teacher education are constantly being thrown about. But how do we really know what works? Check out research and you will find that the best predictor … Continue reading
Promptless writing
Writing prompts are extremely easy to come by – people are giving them away for free on thousands of different web sites – which should give you a clue to exactly how worthless most of them are. The student who … Continue reading
Keep it moving
One of the solutions touted to teach writing to the literary challenged adolescent has been the use of a device called the “freeze frame.” Named after the cinematographic technique that stops the action for added intensity. It was intended to … Continue reading
The writing game
I have yet to see an app that adequately teaches and assesses writing skills. However, the realm of computer games can help. The students don’t play a ‘writing’ game, but they write the scenarios of the game itself. The more … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction in education, Gaming in education, Writer's resource
Tagged Game Design, game script, Games, Non-player character, Video game, Writing
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Looking for an antihero
Most of the students are already dreading their “special” assignment. As they walk dawdling into the room and see the prompt “Write about someone who was a good influence on you” the moans begin to crescendo. Many students quickly run … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction in education, Teaching writing skills, Writer's resource
Tagged Antihero, Essay, Student, Writers Resources, writing prompts
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What’s the problem?
When students embark on writing fiction, they can typically handle coming up with characters and settings. The element that causes the greatest problem for the students is the problem (a.k.a. the conflict). Reading fiction may be a form of escape … Continue reading
Hiding the truth in plain sight
“I don’t get it. It just about a bunch of animals, but the pigs are mean.” I still cringe when I hear students make comments like this. My own children were introduced to George Orwell’s Animal Farm, when they were … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction in education, Story structure, Writer's resource
Tagged Allegory, Animal Farm, Education, George Orwell, Student, Writers Resources
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