Collaborative+Text+Study+SU13

Collaborative Learning SU13 - Text Study =Instructions: Explain the following quote from Pirke Avot with prose, examples, illustrations.= You may not write more than 140 characters in any single post. You must post at least three times. You must react either in your comments or using the Comment bubble in the editing toolbar to the posts of at least two other students. Put your initials next to your post & use a unique color.

"There are four types among those who study with the Sages: the sponge, the funnel, the strainer, the sifter. The sponge absorbs everything;  the funnel--in one end and out the other;  The strainer passes the wine and retains the dregs;  the sifter removes the chaff and retains the edible wheat (Avot 5:15)."

(Example of embedded discussion in a Wiki page below:) include component="comments" page="page:Collaborative Text Study SU13" limit="10"

Student Comments & Contributions: Sponges absorb yucky stuff and sometime smell, funnels and strainers don't make informed choices about what they keep. I want to train my students and be a sifter.- EA

EA is right that sponges pick up the good and the bad. As teachers, we have to be careful our goals match our practice or strategy. (EK) Having a clear idea of our goals is the most important thing regardless of whether our students are sponges or sifters - because as noted they are all of the types described. (HD)

When we are young, being a sponge makes sense when learning and teaching. But as our sophistication and maturity increases, being a sponge can hold us back as learners and teachers. (EK)

While it can be humbling for a master or expert to study and act like a sponge, when we first acquire a new skill or knowledge, being a sponge is a good place to start. (EK)

EK, I completely agree that when first learning being a sponge is a good place to start. I hope that the sponge eventually turns into a sifter and is able to use that with others! IY

Knowing that all students learn differently helps to ensure that we are trying to reach all of them when we are educating our classes. IY Good thought Ilana.