real life
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Grammar Grief
What do you do with a problem like grammar? I’m teaching two sections of a Preparation for College English course. These courses are designed for students whose first language is not English, and whose level of written English is too poor for them to manage in a 101 course. At the end of the course, Continue reading
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One Minute of Solitude
Two of my three classes this term have been, so far, focused yet energetic, respectful yet lively. The third has been a bit of a pain in the ass. This class meets from 4-6 in the afternoon – the worst possible time. They’re tired. I’m tired. Their brains are buzzing from a day’s worth of Continue reading
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Blogger’s Block
Lately, I’ve had blogger’s block. I could say that I’ve been busy. (It’s true. The school year just started. There’s stuff to do.) But that’s not really what it’s about. I’ve been blocked. I recognize it, because I’ve experienced it so very often in the more classic “writer’s block” form. You think about writing stuff, Continue reading
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how I saved my teaching career part 7: meditate!
The penultimate post in my series “How I Saved My Teaching Career” appeared on School Gate this morning. In this post, I describe how learning to meditate made me a better teacher. Continue reading
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Dear Auntie Siobhan #7: Helicopter Parent. Help!
My final guest post at Change.org’s education blog went up this morning. Today: what do I do when my (college) student’s parent won’t leave me alone? Big thanks to Clay Burell for inviting me to guest blog this week while he’s moving to Singapore and writing a (no doubt fabulous) book. “Dear Auntie Siobhan” will Continue reading
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Ask Auntie Siobhan #6: My Students are Passionate, but It Can Get Out of Hand
This morning at Change.org, Auntie Siobhan gives her thoughts on the question, “How can I encourage passionate engagement in my classroom without encouraging aggression?” It’s been quite a ride! My stint at Change.org ends tomorrow, but if you have questions for Auntie Siobhan, feel free to send them along, and she will respond here in Continue reading
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Ask Auntie Siobhan #4: My Students Won’t Put Their Phones Away
Today at Change.org, Auntie Siobhan addresses the question: What do I do about the scourge of cell phones in my classroom? Please come visit and leave your own advice. And if you have a question you’d like Auntie Siobhan to answer, write to me at siobhancurious@gmail.com. Continue reading
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Ask Auntie Siobhan #3: The Administration Says I’m to Blame for Student Problems
The third installment of Auntie Siobhan’s advice column appeared on Change.org’s education blog this morning. Today’s question: what do I do if the administration blames me for irrational student behavior? Go check it out, and leave your own advice! If you have questions for Auntie Siobhan, please email me at siobhancurious@gmail.com. Continue reading
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dear Auntie Siobhan, installment 2: an absent student is making me crazy
Today on Change.org’s education blog, Auntie Siobhan expounds on what to do when a student refuses to come to class (and thus ruins other people’s lives.) Please visit and leave your thoughts! And if you have a question for Auntie Siobhan, write to me at siobhancurious@gmail.com. Continue reading
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ask Auntie Siobhan, 1st installment: “All My Students Are Cheating!”
My new advice column, “Ask Auntie Siobhan,” debuted on Change.org’s education blog this morning. Today’s topic: why are so many of my students plagiarizing their papers? Please go visit and leave your reactions! And if you have a question for Auntie Siobhan, email me at siobhancurious@gmail.com. I’ll be answering one or two questions a day, Continue reading
About Me
My job is to teach people to read and write; aside from that, I like to learn things.
Classroom as Microcosm 