Children at risk from 'witch finders'

[Mr Walker]

I wanted to add this too, I asked my boys how liking their teachers contributed to the learning process, my youngest said they can make a subject/school more bearable, but that was about it as far as that goes for him, it doesn't contribute much in the way of learning he has to do that. My middle son (18) will not even deal with a teacher who is mean, he transfers out. He said High School has enough pressures academically and sports wise without some ******* teacher and he said some of them are downright disrespectful.

I think it is a good thing you are kid friendly, good for you.

So on that note I do think it is awesome you try and get along with your students.

Yes its not really about liking, although liking each other helps. But all academic studies show that the single greates factor in a childs succesul educaiton is the relationship he/she has with their "teacher" With a good relationship anything is possible with a poor trrelationshp almost nothing is and that includes the brightest and the slowest the keenest and the most reluctant students. This is particularly true in australian schools where, for the last 40 years, education has not been content driven but learner/learning, driven Ie teaching kids independent, student centred, learning skills which they can use for life.. That sort of process- based learning reqiures a much closer teacher/student connection than book /test based learning.

[Mr Walker]

I do not think I was clear on what I was asking.

What I meant by tenets on theory was our personal testimony on the validity of an idea or philosophy has to be set aside, in other words we have to be as objective as possible and teach children to question. To look for evidence when new ideas are being presented.

Do you agree or disagree with this?

On your post;

I've seen kids who really like their teacher, and that is a wonderful thing, they may be more willing to try, but in and of itself this would not be the whole teaching picture. There are so many dynamics that go into a successful student, IMO the parents more then anything are the biggest factor as well as the student themselves.The teacher has a role, an important one, but the good ones IMO work in tandem with the parents. I will not even tutor a child who does not have a family that is 100 percent on board. Nor do I allow/encourage anyone of my tutees families to lay credit on me alone.

IMO it is the families and kids that deserve the accolades.

Aust kids are taught process based learing . For example, I model, scaffold, and exemplar a piece of work; then we work on a piece together; then they do one themselves. For example we are doing persausive writing ATM. I give examples to start with. I teach how to use experts , structure an essay, use powerful verbs and adjectives etc.

In a piece of work involving discussion of an issue, I wil certainly outline my own opinions on it , ask kids for their own, then get them to go online, and find a number of opposing points of view etc. They will be asked to critically analyse both the information/opinion and the source, for bias rationale etc.

In the end, students are asked to give their own opinion and offer solutons and cost benefit anlyses on solutions to a problem, backed up by logical rationales.

The opinion does not have to be right, or agree with my own, but it must be thought out and well suported. That said certain ethics, values, and principles, are mandated in australian schools, by curriculum and govt. They have to be taught and encouraged. It's a free society so kids dont have to accept them, although they are strongly encouraged and socialised into oing so.

Thats a long answer to your question. In brief I give my opinion on everything. It is expected of me as a teacher; but the students both, look for other sources, and apply logical thought and other tools to ALL sources of information. MAny kids get very good at this but of course some think its a total waste of time, and cut and paste as much as they ycna form the web.

I bring to this process a real love for every child I teach, something I think which suprises them, and which they dont really understand and appreciate until they are adults themselves , combined with a respect for each individuall child. If I am having trouble with a child i only ever have to ask "Have i ever disrespected you as a person?" and when they have to reply "no" Then add, Then all i ask is the same from yoU" (99% of the tim e this combination, when applied honestly and openly works very well. Some students are so hurt and broken tha tthey cant relate to this and they ned more work and time.)

Two other thngs i point out to teenagers is that i am paid almost 90000 dollars a year to teach them and that makess the learning time valuable, Mos teenagers can relate to the monetary value of something. . On the other hand I point out that if i had my way, i would be teaching them even if no one paid me, because teaching is not about money but about love of the teaching/ learning process and of the value and power of knowledge.

[+Sherapy]

Aust kids are taught process based learing . For example, I model, scaffold, and exemplar a piece of work; then we work on a piece together; then they do one themselves. For example we are doing persausive writing ATM. I give examples to start with. I teach how to use experts , structure an essay, use powerful verbs and adjectives etc.

In a piece of work involving discussion of an issue, I wil certainly outline my own opinions on it , ask kids for their own, then get them to go online, and find a number of opposing points of view etc. They will be asked to critically analyse both the information/opinion and the source, for bias rationale etc.

In the end, students are asked to give their own opinion and offer solutons and cost benefit anlyses on solutions to a problem, backed up by logical rationales.

The opinion does not have to be right, or agree with my own, but it must be thought out and well suported. That said certain ethics, values, and principles, are mandated in australian schools, by curriculum and govt. They have to be taught and encouraged. It's a free society so kids dont have to accept them, although they are strongly encouraged and socialised into oing so.

Thats a long answer to your question. In brief I give my opinion on everything. It is expected of me as a teacher; but the students both, look for other sources, and apply logical thought and other tools to ALL sources of information. MAny kids get very good at this but of course some think its a total waste of time, and cut and paste as much as they ycna form the web.

I bring to this process a real love for every child I teach, something I think which suprises them, and which they dont really understand and appreciate until they are adults themselves , combined with a respect for each individuall child. If I am having trouble with a child i only ever have to ask "Have i ever disrespected you as a person?" and when they have to reply "no" Then add, Then all i ask is the same from yoU" (99% of the tim e this combination, when applied honestly and openly works very well. Some students are so hurt and broken tha tthey cant relate to this and they ned more work and time.)

Two other thngs i point out to teenagers is that i am paid almost 90000 dollars a year to teach them and that makess the learning time valuable, Mos teenagers can relate to the monetary value of something. . On the other hand I point out that if i had my way, i would be teaching them even if no one paid me, because teaching is not about money but about love of the teaching/ learning process and of the value and power of knowledge.

Thank you for your insights.

I have always been curious how Australia framed it's educational system.

We are in totally different situations. I'm in one on one situations which totally involves the family and the teachers. Yet, I only have a small role which I take very seriously. I routinely sit in on classrooms to get an idea of the teachers style so I can better serve the child I am tutoring. I specialize in Algebra 1, this is not a subject that comes easily to a lot of kids. I love the challenge of a kid who is struggling, finding that connection that the light comes on. Wow! This is just magical and I know you know what I mean on this. For me- cultivating a rapport with the kid, the family, etc... gives me a lot of insight/perspectives to better serve the child, that is how I see my role. I do this out of love myself, I will not just take someones money( I don't need the money). I have 5 kids I tutor right now and I love them very much and especially their families. They are some of the finest parents in the world. IMO I have found that he greatest gift a child can have is parents that are supportive, in tune,and informed when they have this it makes teaching, tutoring a success IME (experience). This is how I try to make a difference, advocate parental involvement . I teach my own kids and those that I tutor that we all have a part in the educational process. We have to take the time to know what the lacks are and pick them up, each do/ take responsibility for our part.

You have a great attitude, it's very refreshing to read! Thank you for sharing.I do think great teachers are our hero's.

Edited March 21, 2012 by Sherapy

[Magic Stars]

So people are killing those who are supposedly witches because they think they are evil? I always presumed witches were good people who had a gift and were healing doctors, whose hands were blessed by god. Jesus could do incredible things, as can god, so what's to say that witches aren't evil but are actually good people, touched by god? Bear in mind to all that I have read up very little on witches, and know very little on religion, so my opinion might be very incorrect (the whole thoughts on witches, etc)

[Robbie333]

Fun fact. Over 9 million people have been killed in history by the christian church alone on the charge of witchcraft. Sad that it still continues

Oh yes, all in all the Christians most of them have murdered, burned and butchered thousands. Those horrible Catholics are the worse of the lot. I think they kill millions and torture many most every day. Don't tell anyone but I hear they eat their young too.

Edited April 10, 2012 by Robbie333

[Beckys_Mom]

Oh yes, all in all the Christians most of them have murdered, burned and butchered thousands. Those horrible Catholics are the worse of the lot. I

You post the truth as if it were sarcasm...But see truth is in three past a lot of this was in fact true... You seem too far in the denial Robbie and I am serious ...Denial doesn't do anyone any favours

I was raised once a Catholic and even I knew about the witch burnings and killing they once were VERY guilty of......

If oyu are willing to act in denial of what they once did to so many killing them? Then you may as well ignore the real facts of anyone killed in the name of any religion....Ignorance is bliss for some

[Robbie333]

You post the truth as if it were sarcasm...But see truth is in three past a lot of this was in fact true... You seem too far in the denial Robbie and I am serious ...Denial doesn't do anyone any favours

I was raised once a Catholic and even I knew about the witch burnings and killing they once were VERY guilty of......

If oyu are willing to act in denial of what they once did to so many killing them? Then you may as well ignore the real facts of anyone killed in the name of any religion....Ignorance is bliss for some

Oh I know the history BM and you are correct. Many died because of religion but Catholics were not the only ones whom committed these horrible crimes. Many, many have been killed for their religions. Right? Look at all the people I had to kill in my career for what, because it was my duty. It was my duty to kill in a place that had no connection to the US except drugs or just getting a paycheck to fight to feed their familys. Do you think I killed the people responsibe for this. NO, but I did it anyway. Now I have to live with this. The Catholic Church has changed much and it is my belief that Jesus is the Messiah. Nothing can change that. Bliss? No not for me. I am educated in the classroom as well as in life, so I have weighed it all out. It works and is right for me and I do a lot of good for people through the church. A lot of good. Allow me this to erase the killing darkness, OK?

[Beckys_Mom]

Oh I know the history BM and you are correct. Many died because of religion but Catholics were not the only ones whom committed these horrible crimes.

Robbie... Truth is..like it or not.. The Catholic church played a heavy part in killing innocent women and some of their family members because of witch claims... The witch trials were done in the name of religion...

Being sarky about it is not going to change that fact was the point i was making previously...

It was my duty to kill in a place that had no connection to the US except drugs or just getting a paycheck to fight to feed their familys. Do you think I killed the people responsibe for this. NO, but I did it anyway.

I do not know why you mention this... It has nothing to do with witch trials ....And it was NOT the duty of the Catholic church to take the lives of many woman and some of their families They took it upon themselves to carry out these killings because of their beliefs .... You have not made any real point

Catholic church in present times differ.. Laws of the land prevents them from what they did in the past... So they cannot do what they once did.... So you now view them as good.. so be it.. But see we are not talking about present times are we? Witch trials and killings were not in present modern times.. This is not about your personal view of how you NOW see the church ..I am only speaking of the past witch trials and killings..I see no point in dragging in other things... The topic is about witches...

Hope you do not feel off with me over this..I am only pointing out what I know is fact and what should be looked at ... No hard feelings ..

Edited April 10, 2012 by Beckys_Mom

[Anne-Marie]

So humans cannot ever be twisted and bad without the aid of some demons?

That must mean human beings can never be fully capable of doing wrong, therefore should never take full responsibility for their own actions?

Why stop there... lets also add...

I guess if people do good turns, its not really them, they must be possessed by goodie gum drop angels?

Heck we all must be possessed by some strange entity, for every mood swing we take... So there must be PMS Spirits? HRT demons? ..Funny mood angels? Cheesed off demons?

Can't imagine what we would bl like IF no angel, demon or any spirit possessed us for whatever mood may come... Drones anyone?

This line of thinking is getting too darn strange, that even Scientologists would call WEIRD !!

BRILLIANT!! Couldn't have said it better myself. Also, if wetting yourself meant that you were surely possessed and came with a death sentence then how many children would make it into adulthood?

[Robbie333]

Robbie... Truth is..like it or not.. The Catholic church played a heavy part in killing innocent women and some of their family members because of witch claims... The witch trials were done in the name of religion...

Being sarky about it is not going to change that fact was the point i was making previously...

I do not know why you mention this... It has nothing to do with witch trials ....And it was NOT the duty of the Catholic church to take the lives of many woman and some of their families They took it upon themselves to carry out these killings because of their beliefs .... You have not made any real point

Catholic church in present times differ.. Laws of the land prevents them from what they did in the past... So they cannot do what they once did.... So you now view them as good.. so be it.. But see we are not talking about present times are we? Witch trials and killings were not in present modern times.. This is not about your personal view of how you NOW see the church ..I am only speaking of the past witch trials and killings..I see no point in dragging in other things... The topic is about witches...

Hope you do not feel off with me over this..I am only pointing out what I know is fact and what should be looked at ... No hard feelings ..

Of course there are no hard feelings. First I understand what the church did during the witch trials. How could I deny it? It is history and terrible. My point in telling you about what I did is that people can be led blindly into doing, good people. The church indeed is guilty of this. What I said I did was my feeble attempt at trying to tell you how we can get caught up from what we are told is right and wrong and even someone with a heart as good as mine can do horrors. Now, my faith lets me attempt to erase, no, forget that I was that naive and killed for nothing in a sense. The church gives me peace and I take all I can get. I am tired of the pain from the fighting. It served no purpose just as the church killing people for being witches served no purpose. We do a lot of good for the homeless, down trodden, drug addiction, abortion pain and healing for guys like me dealing with fighting and so on. I am a big part of all of this here and it helps me heal. Thats all. Oh, by the way------Shut up stupid !!!

[Beckys_Mom]

of this. What I said I did was my feeble attempt at trying to tell you how we can get caught up from what we are told is right and wrong and even someone with a heart as good as mine can do horrors.

I cannot excuse anything what the church did back in those times.. I wouldn't even try and mention anything else.. All the things you added had no relevance to what we were talking about..That is all I was saying...

When I read your previous act of sarcasm over the witch trial thing I saw nothing but pure bias... I cannot allow my bias in the way of actual facts ..Thats all am saying

[Meiliken]

Aust kids are taught process based learing . For example, I model, scaffold, and exemplar a piece of work; then we work on a piece together; then they do one themselves. For example we are doing persausive writing ATM. I give examples to start with. I teach how to use experts , structure an essay, use powerful verbs and adjectives etc.

In a piece of work involving discussion of an issue, I wil certainly outline my own opinions on it , ask kids for their own, then get them to go online, and find a number of opposing points of view etc. They will be asked to critically analyse both the information/opinion and the source, for bias rationale etc.

In the end, students are asked to give their own opinion and offer solutons and cost benefit anlyses on solutions to a problem, backed up by logical rationales.

The opinion does not have to be right, or agree with my own, but it must be thought out and well suported. That said certain ethics, values, and principles, are mandated in australian schools, by curriculum and govt. They have to be taught and encouraged. It's a free society so kids dont have to accept them, although they are strongly encouraged and socialised into oing so.

Thats a long answer to your question. In brief I give my opinion on everything. It is expected of me as a teacher; but the students both, look for other sources, and apply logical thought and other tools to ALL sources of information. MAny kids get very good at this but of course some think its a total waste of time, and cut and paste as much as they ycna form the web.

I bring to this process a real love for every child I teach, something I think which suprises them, and which they dont really understand and appreciate until they are adults themselves , combined with a respect for each individuall child. If I am having trouble with a child i only ever have to ask "Have i ever disrespected you as a person?" and when they have to reply "no" Then add, Then all i ask is the same from yoU" (99% of the tim e this combination, when applied honestly and openly works very well. Some students are so hurt and broken tha tthey cant relate to this and they ned more work and time.)

Two other thngs i point out to teenagers is that i am paid almost 90000 dollars a year to teach them and that makess the learning time valuable, Mos teenagers can relate to the monetary value of something. . On the other hand I point out that if i had my way, i would be teaching them even if no one paid me, because teaching is not about money but about love of the teaching/ learning process and of the value and power of knowledge.

Sorry, been away for a bit, so was not able to follow since I was last here, but I did want to add to this. The reliability of a teacher is on thing I will always hold dear to me. All through 6-12 grade, I began finding that the majority of my teachers were full of garbage. They would use their own personal feelings and not was factually right, and I regularly would call them out on it. I always had near max scores on the things I did in school work, but only because I learned to disregard the teachers. The saying goes "those who can, do, those who can't, teach." I have more respect for someone who teaches facts, than one that teaches what they believe. A teacher can be an absolute moron, and still be a teacher. And that is horrifying.

[Meiliken]

I cannot excuse anything what the church did back in those times.. I wouldn't even try and mention anything else.. All the things you added had no relevance to what we were talking about..That is all I was saying...

When I read your previous act of sarcasm over the witch trial thing I saw nothing but pure bias... I cannot allow my bias in the way of actual facts ..Thats all am saying

This goes in line with what I was saying to MW. The reliability of the teachers that teach such horrifying things are part of the problem. A church that teaches and encourages people to harm others is a travesty.

[Beckys_Mom]

BRILLIANT!! Couldn't have said it better myself. Also, if wetting yourself meant that you were surely possessed and came with a death sentence then how many children would make it into adulthood?

Good point.. Religion for many things has in fact ruined a lot of peoples lives...Dumbed down explanations are the killers ..They have killed and destroyed all in the name of religion ignorance

Get this..A documentary about Africa's witch children ( shown on channel 4 ) Explain how they were visited by a Christian group..Was not long before many of them wee brainwashed ....Then lead their own churches... One of the religious ideas given was -> If a newborn baby o young toddler cries in the middle of the night.. he or she is the devil spawn

Did you ever in your life hear such moronic crap? ...