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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 7, "Mystery of Teaching," who told a remarkable story of learning to read as a subversive activity?

2. What do many teachers, according to Ayers, keep in a file cabinet or shelf that became part of a "museum"?

3. Who was a veteran teacher that decided each summer to do a sustained study on something the teacher did not understand?

4. Who was a beekeeper that often learned from the bees?

5. What is the root word for evaluation discussed in Chapter 6, "Keeping Track"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Ayers mean when he linked "consciousness to conduct"?

2. Based on Chapter 4, "Building Bridges," describe why Zayd's project, a project focused on values, was an important hopeful approach to teaching.

3. Describe Ayers's quest in teaching.

4. In Chapter 4, "Building Bridges," describe Zayd's "coming of age" discoveries.

5. What are Ayers's feelings on standardized tests?

6. In Chapter 4, "Building Bridges," what did the second grade newsletter contain?

7. What were Ayers's feelings during the Illinois Teachers Basic Skills Test?

8. What are some ways that teachers can keep track of student achievement according to Ayers?

9. According to Ayers, what is one argument that supported proponents of phonics?

10. According to Ayers, how do teachers become students to their students?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ayers displayed student work everywhere in his classroom. Students were often excited to see their work on Ayers's wall.

Part 1) Describe Ayers argument about well-designed classroom environments.

Part 2) How did hanging student work affect the environment in Ayers classroom?

Part 3) What impact did Ayers's displays have on his students?

Essay Topic 2

William Ayers spent most of his professional life teaching. Ayers classroom was a laboratory for teaching.

Part 1) Describe Ayers's research shared in the book.

Part 2) Explain Ayers's focus of the book, To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher.

Part 3) What teaching "tips" or suggestions does Ayers hope the reader takes away from the book?

Essay Topic 3

Erickson, Piaget, and other psychologists have their beliefs on child development and behavior. Compare and contrast Erickson and Piaget's beliefs regarding child development.

(see the answer keys)

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