From one of the 100+ pages of handouts your children can expect to receive over the course of this semester class.

Woody requires kids to think! As he shows his slide presentation he teaches:

Quadrant Analysis     To properly analyze the slide presentation graphics, mentally divide each graphic into four quadrants by imagining one horizontal line and one vertical line that intersect in the center.  Then examine every detail in each quadrant separately.  When you have finished all four quadrants put it all together in a whole-graphic perspective.  Remember to draw conclusions and formulate hypotheses as you go …. always be in an analytical frame of mind.

He motivates and inspires…

Desire to Learn:   The most important thing that you can bring to the table (or computer) is a desire to learn.  This presupposes that you have by now grasped the importance of knowledge in your life …We all have two choices in this respect at any moment in our lives ….. right now, we can choose to remain as ignorant as we are at this moment in time or we can choose to be smarter, that is to actively and energetically pursue knowledge.  If we choose to be smarter then we can commit ourselves to a life-long pursuit of knowledge and accept the energy and work that make it possible ….in other words, we become devoted to a never ending pursuit of knowledge.  If you bring and maintain this devotion to this course, you will succeed!

He engages the students to respond using picture prompts. Either photos or graphics.

What is a prompt?     The prompt is a question without a question mark…..it tells you rather than asks you what to answer.
•    Attempt to Answer Each Question:   If you don’t know or are unsure of the correct answer, create your own logical answer or title. This practice, along with correcting a wrong answer, will increase retention and recall by 26% simply because you are actively involved in the learning process. [Over 180 pictures used throughout the presentation.]

Vocabulary I:    The real secret to remarkable success in learning and understanding American government is the mastery of vocabulary.  You will find government related vocabulary terms in the multiple-choice questions, the multiple-choice answers, and in the free-response essay questions as well. [11 Page handout included with this class set].

• Combined with the ability to write, a command of political vocabulary will allow you to breeze through the AP test with flying colors!  [For those who desire to take the test, for others--you'll be very well versed in political language.]
• To help you with this area of study, I will send approximately 400 terms for study (many of which you may already know).  Look each one up in three different sources then put the sources aside and write down your own definition, identification or explanation ….having done this, the vocabulary term and its meaning are lodged firmly in your long-term memory. [36 Page Handout Included with the class.]

Vocabulary II    Never let an unknown word get by you.  Even if the word or term is not related to politics or government, look it up and add it to your personal vocabulary.

• Memorization:     Do not attempt to memorize vocabulary or any other aspect of government that you encounter in this course ….you will learn them in time.  When you memorize, you lose 99% of the material within six months!  The ’three source’ approach is a vastly superior mode of learning

When to Research:     When you develop questions that arise during your studies, pause and research online immediately for instant insight.  I like most of the well-documented articles on Wikipedia for a quick look at facts and details ….for more thorough research the Library of Congress, the National Archives, most university websites, and the History Channel are all good choices.

Take a Break:    During your studies, stay mentally fresh by taking short breaks when you feel that you are losing focus.  Walk around, go outdoors, get a drink of water or a snack, or do whatever works for you so that you can recover your focus and energy. Always maintain a focus on the material!

• Be Patient and Do Not Be Discouraged:   “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A bird will fall frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself. “         ~D.H. Lawrence~

~Understanding American Politics and Government can be difficult and confusing at times.  Be determined, be persistent and appreciate the fact that only the hard things are worth doing.  Believe in yourself and your ability to learn.

Your Instructor,
~ Professor Robert Woodrow Wilson

[Editors Note: My brother-in-law was the American History teacher of the year, two years running! I love his teaching philosophy which is so encouraging to the kids!]

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM – TEACHING AND SPEAKING

In recognition of his efforts to innovate teaching practice and instructional strategies, Woody was called upon to speak to a variety of groups in a variety of settings over a period of several years.  He spoke on Teaching for Mastery, Mastery Learning, Critical Thinking Strategies, and the Weekly Checks system including FabulousFacts and Presevents. His speaking venues included: Data Not Guesswork Annual Conference in Bozeman, MT, Wood County District Staff on four occasions, education classes at Ohio University, Ohio Valley University and Marietta College, David P Langford’s Quality Training Workshop on two occasions, Wood Schools District National Board candidates, WV Governors Academy, Kanawha County Teachers Academy, and the staff of the WV Department of Education.

Achievements

Mr. Wilson was twice chosen West Virginia Teacher of the Year, first by the Daughters of the American Revolution and second by the Guilder Lehrman Institute of American History.  He was the first history teacher in West Virginia to win National Board certification.Annually, graduating students selected him as the teacher who most influenced and motivated them during their educational experience.

“Teaching is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” ~ Yeats

Preview a sample of one of our past classes!

Go to THIS LINK for the VIDEO sample from the American History Class

and The AUDIO Sample of the Class is on the same page!

This fabulous class is so timely for our times!

Quick FAQ Points

• Two classes every Monday at 11:00 AM ET and 1:00 PM ET
• Each class is $5 payable weekly, monthly or in one sum
• Each class has an instructor, Professor Wilson
• Professor uses Slide Presentation Software to Teach
• After class there is approx. 15 min for Q and A
• There is one hour of break in between classes
• The Video for each class is recorded
• Once recorded it is checked, edited and uploaded
• Our membership website has the video to view ON Demand
• Watch the class live or later on your time
• Class Access is for one year from the date of purchase
• License: One class PER Family –unlimited children
• Co-Op License available please contact Felice via email

Do you need additional information about our upcoming class?  Please contact Felice Gerwitz for more information. She is an email away!

Felice at MediaAngels.com