My Town Tutors

Month: September 2012

  • Local Teachers are the Best Tutors!

    My Town Tutors makes it easy for parents to connect with local teachers who tutor. Parents can search for FREE! With our special limited promotion, teachers can register for free using promo code: usteachers.
    Below is our list of teachers by state. We started in Massachusetts and list tutors in several states, however our goal is to help teachers in all 50 states connect with parents and possibly make up to $5,000 a year tutoring.
    Massachusetts Teachers (124)

    1. Adrienne Donovan is a Fine Arts teacher at the Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    2. Aaron Eaton is a Spanish Teacher at Hull High School in Hull, MA.
    3. Airami Bentz is an English teacher at Nauset Regional High School in Eastham, MA.
    4. Alison Macdonald is an English teacher and English Department Chair at Boston High School in Boston, MA.
    5. Alison Potoma is a teacher at Northeast Elementary School in Wilmington, MA.
    6. Allison Youngworth is a French Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    7. Andy Dizel is a History Teacher at Middleboro High School in Middleboro, MA.
    8. Ann Marie Galotti is a Math Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    9. Anthony Gonzalez is a Math Teacher at Hopkington High School in Hopkington, MA.
    10. Anthony Defranzo is a Physics Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    11. Arianne Lozan is a Chemistry Teacher at Norwell High School in Norwell, MA. She also tutors math.
    12. Ashley Murphy is an elementary school teacher at the Thomas Nash School in Weymouth, MA.
    13. Audry Busa is a Spanish Teacher at Canton High School in Canton, MA.
    14. Auriana Halsey is a Special Education Teacher at Walter S. Parker Middle School in Reading, MA. She tutors elementary and middle school students.
    15. Beth Shevlin is a taught at the Donald P. Timony Grammar School in Meuthen, MA.
    16. Bonnie Schuman is a teacher at Charles G Devine in Randolph, MA.
    17. Bonnie Doyle is a teacher at Walpole High School in Walpole, MA.
    18. Brendan Mosher is a an elementary teacher at North Pembroke Elementary School in Pembroke, MA.
    19. Brian Cerone is a Math Teacher the B.B. Russell Alternative School in Brockton, MA.
    20. Caitlin Rogers is a teacher at the Cedar School in Hanover, MA.
    21. Carol Burke is a Special Education Teacher at Silver Lake Regional High School in MA.
    22. Carolyn Kasabian is a teacher at the Abigail Adams Middle School in Braintree, MA
    23. Casey Dobbins is a teacher at the Hobomock Elementary School in Pembroke, MA.
    24. Catherine Stavrakas is a teacher at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School in Salem, MA.
    25. Charlene Martel is a teacher at the John F Kennedy School in Brockton, MA.
    26. Chris Kelly is a Physics Teacher at Cape Cod Academy in Osterville, MA.
    27. Christine Parker is a retired English Teacher from Del Norte High in San Diego, CA.
    28. Cindy Lopez is a principal at the Elizabeth G Lyons Elementary School in Randolph, MA.
    29. Corinne Nagle is a Teacher at Marshfield High School in Marshfied, MA.
    30. Courtney Russillo is an English Teacher at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA.
    31. Daniel Rego is a Teacher at the J Henry Higgins Middle School in Peabody, MA
    32. Danja Mahoney is a Latin Teacher at Reading Memorial High in Reading, MA.
    33. David McCarthy is a Latin Teacher at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA.
    34. Debbie Krasnow is a Special EducationTeacher at the Maria Hastings Elementary School in Lexington, MA.
    35. Debi Leahy is an Elementary School Teacher at the Daniel Webster School in Marsfield, MA.
    36. Deborah Crawford is a retired Elementary Teacher in Duxbury, MA.
    37. Diane Azevedo is a Math Teacher at Duxbury High School in Duxbury, MA. She also has taught at Hanover High School.
    38. Diane Agnew is a Teacher at Carver High School in Carver, MA.
    39. Dori Gray is a Teacher at the Center Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    40. Eileen Pantano is  a Special Education Teacher who is currently teaching English at Quincy High School in Quincy, MA.
    41. Elizabeth Bloomer is a Teacher at Silver Lake Regional Middle School in Kingston, MA.
    42. Elizabeth Burnham is a Special Education Teacher at Cedar Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    43. Elizabeth Kaplan is a Science Teacher at Watertown Middle Science in Watertown, MA.
    44. Emily Harmon is a Reading Specialist from Newman Elementary School in Needham, MA.
    45. Emily Barner is a teacher at the Henry E Warren Elementary School in Ashland, MA.
    46. Erin Kennedy is a History teacher at Bourne High School in Bourne, MA.
    47. Fred Damon is a Math Teacher from Rockland High School.
    48. Gail Dwyer is a retired Middle School Teacher who lives in Marshfield, MA.
    49. Heather Healy is a Teacher at the Center Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    50. Heidi Rubenstein is a Teacher at the Edgar B Davis School.
    51. Hlias Halampalikis is a Middle School Teacher at the Tenney Grammar School in Meuthen, MA.
    52. Jackie White is a Teacher at the Squantum School in Quincy, MA.
    53. James Britton is a Middle School Science Teacher who teaches at Plymouth South Middle School in Plymouth, MA.
    54. James McAdams is a Spanish / ELL Teacher at North Quincy High School in Quincy, MA.
    55. Jen Walter is a Middle School Spanish Teacher from Harwich, MA.
    56. Jennifer McGonagle is a Teacher at Wellesley High School in Wellesley, MA.
    57. Jessica Chiusolo is an Teacher at the Eames Way School in Marshfield, MA.
    58. Joan LaCroix is a Science Teacher at Pembroke High School in Pembroke, MA.
    59. Joanne Reilly is a Special Education Teacher at the Hanover Middle School in Hanover, MA.
    60. Joanne Fallon is an English Teacher at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA.
    61. John Zuccaro is a Special Education Teacher at Hull High School in Hull, MA.
    62. John Killeen is a teacher from Weymouth, MA.
    63. Julie Bradford is a teacher at the Cedar Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    64. Karen Pray is a teacher at the First Baptist Christian School in Weymouth, MA.
    65. Karen Bernier is a Science Teacher at Ashland Middle School in Ashland, MA.
    66. Kate Scales is a Teacher at the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School in Quincy, MA.
    67. Kate Brown is a History Teacher Old Rochester Regional High in Mattapoisett, MA.
    68. Kathleen Kirby is a Teacher at the John F Kennedy School.
    69. Kathryn Kennefick is a Teacher at the Bryantville Elementary School in Pembroke, MA.
    70. Kathryn Kershaw is a Science Teacher from Marshfield High School in Marshfield, MA.
    71. Katy Powers is a Teacher at the Milton Fuller Roberts School in Medford, MA.
    72. Kelly Jordan is a Teacher at the Cedar Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    73. Kenneth Magno is a Science Teacher at Marshfield High School in Marshfield, MA.
    74. Kerri Moran is a Speech and Reading Specialist at the Center Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    75. Kevin Perry is a History Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    76. Kim Richardson is a Teacher at the Cedar Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    77. Kim Alston is a teacher at the James M. Curley School in Boston, MA.
    78. Kristin Marani is a Teacher at the Oliver Ames High School in Easton, MA.
    79. Laura Glassanos is a Spanish Teacher from Boston College High School in Boston, MA.
    80. Laura Mulcahy is a Teacher at the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School in Quincy, MA
    81. Liz Albon is a Special Education Teacher from Bridgewater-Raynham, MA.
    82. Marlaena Auriemma is a Teacher at the Daniel Webster School in Marshfield, MA.
    83. Maria Swirbalu is a Reading Specialist from Hingham, MA.
    84. Marianne Apuzzi is a Teacher at the Martinson Elementary School in Marshfield, MA.
    85. Mark Molloy is a Social Studies Teacher at Hanover High and the founder of My Town Tutors.
    86. Mark Centorino is a Math Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    87. Mark Bates is a teacher at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA.
    88. Martha Stamper is a Middle Sch0ol Teacher at the Hanover Middle School in Hanover, MA.
    89. Mary Albis is  a Teacher at the Cape Cod Academy in Osterville, MA.
    90. Matthew Schnider is a Special Education Teacher at the Franklin School in Rockland, MA
    91. Mary Carrig is s Special Education Teacher at the Thomas E. Willett School in Attleboro, MA.
    92. Matthew Leach is a Math Teacher at Northbrook Academy in Raynham, MA
    93. Matthew Paquette is an English Teacher and Humanities Director at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    94. Matthew Shea is a Math Teacher in Massachusetts.
    95. Megan Stewart is a Teacher at North Shore Vocational in Middleton, MA.
    96. Meghan Corcoran is an Elementary Teacher at the Grace Farrar Cole School in Norwell, MA.
    97. Melissa Robillard is a Teacher at the North Pembroke Elementary School in Pembroke, MA.
    98. Meredith Bowser is an ELL Teacher at the Milton Fuller Roberts Elementary School in Medford, MA.
    99. Michelle Boudreau is a Math Teacher at East Bridgewater High School in East Bridgewater, MA.
    100. Nicholas Liquori is a Math Teacher from Rockland High in Rockland, MA.
    101. Nick Gould is a Teacher from Lexington High School in Lexington, MA.
    102. Nicole McCormack is a Teacher at the Hanover Middle School in Hanover, MA.
    103. Noelle Pourbaix is a Math Teacher at Pembroke High School in Pembroke, MA.
    104. Patrick Newton is a Biology Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    105. Paul Muller is a Teacher at the O’Bryant School of  Math & Science in Roxbury, MA.
    106. Philip Schnipper is from Hull, MA.
    107. Rebecca Paul is a Teacher at Hanover Middle School in Hanover, MA.
    108. Rebecca Roy is a Chemistry Teacher at Holbrook High School in Holbrook, MA.
    109. Rita Silvia is a Spanish Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    110. Ryan Lamey is a Teacher at the Immaculate Conception School in Lowell, MA
    111. Sara Rhoades is a Teacher at Smith Junior High School in Mesa, AZ.
    112. Sarah Smith is a Teacher at the Martinson Elementary School in Marshfield, MA.
    113. Scott Hutchison is a Math Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    114. Scott Perceval is a Special Education Teacher at Leominster High School in Leominster, MA.
    115. Shawn Avery is a Teacher at Dennett Elementary School in Plympton, MA.
    116. Shelley Jaruse is an English Teacher at Plymouth North High School in Plymouth, MA.
    117. Shelley Hou is an ESL Teacher at Boston Latin Academy in Dorchester, MA.
    118. Stacie Barlow is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the Hanover Middle School in Hanover, MA.
    119. Stephanie Darling is a Math Teacher at Weymouth High School in Weymouth, MA.
    120. Steve Rodday is a Special Education Teacher at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA.
    121. Susan Monfette is a Teacher at the Hosmer Elementary School in Watertown, MA.
    122. Susan O’Malley is a French and Spanish Teacher at the Sullivan Middle School in Worcester, MA.
    123. Wilma Bilton is an occupational therapist at the Center Elementary School in Hanover, MA.
    124. Yvonne O’Brien is a Math Teacher at Marshfield High School in Marshfield, MA

    California Teachers (6)

    1. Casey Irwin is a teacher at Field Elementary School in Pasadena, CA.
    2. Casey Gadwood is a teacher at Alhambra Senior High in Martinez, CA.
    3. Kevin Harp is a Teacher at Gretchen Whitney High in Cerritos, CA.
    4. Casey Stapleton is a teacher at Alma E. Pagels School in West Haven, CT.
    5. M. Luong is a Teacher at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
    6. Rudy Perez is a Teacher at Canyon High in Canyon County, CA


    Connecticut Teachers (4)

    1. Ann Wentworth is a Teacher at the Washington School in West Haven, CT.
    2. Jodi Memmott is a Teacher at the Edith E. Mackrille School in West Haven, CT.
    3. Mark Consorte is a Social Studies Teacher at West Haven High School in West Haven,  CT.
    4. Michael Hetherington is a Math Teacher at the Horace W. Porter School in Columbia, CT.

    New Jersey Teachers (3)

    1. Bill Krakower is an Elementary Computer and Special Education Teacher at Charles Olbon in Woodland Park, NJ.
    2. Dana Sirotiak is a Teacher at the Number 3 Middle School in Jersey City, NJ
    3. Tanya Lesser is a Teacher from Ridgewood, NJ.

    Florida Teachers (2)

    1. John Gee is a History Teacher at the New Gate School in St. Petersburg, FL.
    2. Yaschika Edwards is a Teacher at Indian Trails Middle School in Winter Springs, FL.

    Texas Teachers (2)

    1. Michael Biasini is a Special Education Teachers at Lexington Creek Elementary School in Missouri City,, TX.
    2. Becky Brent is a Middle School teacher at Dobie Middle School in Austin, TX.

    New York Teachers (1)

    1. Marc Hoberman is an English Teacher at Spring Valley High School in NY.

    Michigan Teachers (1)

    1. Laron Carter is a Teacher from Eastern High School in Lansing, MI.

    Maine Teachers (1)

    1. Brenda Bechtel is a teacher at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME.

    Georgia Teachers (1)

    1. Adrian Dingle is a Chemistry teacher at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta, GA.

    Rhode Island Teachers (1)

    1. Carrie Sorensen CVS Highlander Charter Elem School in Providence, RI.

    Tennessee Teachers (1)

    1. Angela Redden is a Middle School Teacher at Dickson Middle School in Dickson, TN.

    Pennsylvania Teachers (1)

    1. Ann Hemeon is a Latin and English Teacher at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, PA

    Wisconsin Teachers (1)

    1. Janine King is a Middle School Teacher at Passage Middle School in Greenfield, WI.

    My Town Tutors is a website that connects parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, we are always looking for qualified teachers from all 50 states who tutor to join our national directory of teachers who tutor.

  • Newton Tutors: Teachers are Great!

    We are pleased to welcome a elementary school teacher who tutors, Miss Back to our expanding network of teachers who tutor: Please visit her profile page:
    http://www.mytowntutors.com/tutors/253/tiffany-back-02465
    We now have 34 teachers within 15 miles of Newton, MA 02465.
    My Town Tutors is a website that connects South Shore parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, for a limited time, you can register for using promo code: usteachers. Teachers set the hourly and keep 100% of the fees! One of our teachers made $5,000 last year tutoring.

    It is FREE for parents to search for a teacher in their area.

  • Plymouth Tutors: Cold Spring Teachers are Great!

    We are pleased to welcome a 5th Grade Teacher who tutors, Miss Shaughnessy to our expanding network of teachers who tutor: Please visit her profile page:
    http://www.mytowntutors.com/tutors/252/alli-shaughnessy-02050
    We now have 70 teachers within 15 miles of Marshfield, MA 02050.
    My Town Tutors is a website that connects South Shore parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, for a limited time, you can register for using promo code: usteachers. Teachers set the hourly and keep 100% of the fees! One of our teachers made $5,000 last year tutoring.

    It is FREE for parents to search for a teacher in their area.

  • Rockland, MA Tutors

    My Town Tutors makes it easy for South Shore parents to connect with local teachers who tutor. Parents can search for FREE! With our special limited promotion, teachers can register for free using promo code: usteachers.
    Below is our list of teachers who tutor in Rockland, Massachusetts. We are always looking for qualified teachers who can tutor.
    Rockland, MA
    Adrienne Donovan is a Fine Arts teacher at the Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    Fred Damon is a Math Teacher from Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    Nicholas Liquori is a Math Teacher from Rockland High in Rockland, MA.

  • 13 Connected Moms: 100% Perfect Twitter Accounts

    As part of our goal to be a great resource for parents, we decided to create a list of moms who received a perfect 100% score from tweetgrader.
    The only  requirement is that the account receive a perfect score of 100 / 100 from tweet grader.
    For each account we have included the twitter name, the twitter profile, twitter followers, and the perfect twitter grade. We hope you find them helpful and would love your feedback.
    Since all these accounts are 100% perfect. We have listed them in reverse alphabetical order. We will be adding additional accounts in the future as we come across them.
    1. @pragmaticmom “I blog excessively about children’s and YA books. When I cover education and parenting, KidLit somehow slips in. Boston, MA · http://pragmaticmom.com” (40,600+ followers / 100/100 twitter grader)
    My Town Tutors shared a guest blog with @pragmaticmom called Avoid Summer Learning Loss: Use a Summer Journal.
    @pragmaticmom returned the favor with a guest post of her own called Summer Reading List for Kids of Fun Books with Science and Math Concepts

    2. @mommyniri “Engineer for 12 years before I traded rat race for my rug rats. Social Media Junkie and Founder of http://www.MommyNiri.com & http://www.MommyNiriCares.com Boston · http://www.mommyniri.com“ (8,900+ followers / 100/100 twitter grader)
    3. @mommymoment – “Mom of 2, daycare provider, yoga instructor, mom blogger @mommymomentswithabby@blogspot.com, and twitter fan! · http://mommymomentswithabby.blogspot.com/“ (5,900+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    4. @MomCentral – “Engaging and helping influential moms build their platforms and increase their influence to support the brands they love! Boston, MA · http://www.MomCentral.com“ (35,500+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    5. @mombloggersclub – “Founder: Global network of 18k mom/mum bloggers. Also: @socialgoodmoms @momblogmag. Writes for Gates Foundation, Babble Voices, Ricki Lake Here, there, everywhere · http://www.mombloggersclub.com“ (32,500+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    6. @massholemommy – “Mom, step-mom, wife, WAHM, blogger, brand ambassador…oh, and I love living in New England! Questions? Just ask. South Shore MA · http://massholemommy.com/“ (7,600+ followers / 100/100 twitter grader)
    7. @HappyHousewife – “Happy Housewife, Savvy Blogger, #DealPro. Classical pianist, wannabe trapeze artist. Slept in Cinderella’s castle. Shattering homeschool stereotypes since ’00. Florida · http://thehappyhousewife.com” (13,500+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    8. @everythingmom – “Sharing what’s at the Heart & Soul of Every Mom. Connecting with Brands: http://bit.ly/IptMml Tweets by: @cbadov & @michdavies Canada · http://www.everythingmom.com” (15,200+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)

    9. @coolmomdotcom – “Making moms laugh since 2008. Forbes one of 100 top sites for women also at @daphbrog Basic cable superstar,comic, funny. youtube.com/coolmomdotcom Los Angeles · http://www.coolmom.com (9,700+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    10. @bridgettela – “The Experimental Mommy, Brand Ambassador, Mom Blogger, Double Duty Diva Blog Network and Reviewer’s Retreat Co-Owner, New Orleans native and Science Geek – New Orleans, LA ·http://www.thenotsoblog.com “ (11,900+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    11. @Boston_Moms “Edited by @kristipalma, a married, full-time working mom of two, who aims to provide resources and information for parents in Boston and beyond. Boston, MA · http://boston.com/moms“ (6,000+ followers / 100/100 twitter grader)
    12. @bostonmamas “Christine Koh = Boston lifer. Music + brain scientist turned writer, editor, designer, + consultant. Mom of Laurel & Violet. Proponent of Oxford commas. Boston · http://www.bostonmamas.com/” (9,900+ followers / 100/100 twitter grader)
    13. @bigcitymoms – “Marketing, Research, &Local Events for expectant moms, new moms,& families.Events include- new moms lunches, expectant events, support, seminars,classes,& more. NYC · http://www.bigcitymoms.com (142,000+ followers, 100/100 twitter grader)
    My Town Tutors is a website that connects South Shore parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, for a limited time, you can register for using promo code: usteachers. Teachers set the hourly and keep 100% of the fees! One of our teachers made $5,000 last year tutoring.

    It is FREE for parents to search for a teacher in their area.

  • Massachusetts Tutors: Tutors by Town

    My Town Tutors helps parents and students in these communities find teachers who tutor. We believe “Teachers are great tutors!”
    We are confident if a parent needs a tutor, they will find a qualified teacher in each of these communities to meet their needs. If you are having trouble finding a specific subject area or grade level, contact us and we will recruit a teacher to meet your needs.
    My Town Tutors has a goal to be the #1 resource in Massachusetts for parents looking for tutors. Please help us spread the word!
    If you are teacher in the area, we are always looking for qualified tutors. Register now for FREE using promo code: usteachers. A teacher sets the hourly fee and keeps 100% of the fees.
    Tutors by Town
    We currently list 94 tutors within 15 miles of Abington, MA (02351).
    We currently list 27 tutors within 15 miles of Carver, MA (02330).
    We currently list 81 tutors within 15 miles of Cohassett, MA (02025).
    We currently list 82 tutors within 15 miles of East Bridgewater, MA (02333).
    We currently list 89 tutors within 15 miles of Hanover, MA (02339)
    We currently have 1 tutor within 15 miles of Harwich, MA (02645).
    We currently have 68 tutors within 15 miles of Hull, MA (02045).
    We currently have 3 tutors within 15 miles of Mashpee, MA (02649).
    We currently list 27 tutors within 15 miles of Middleborough, MA (02346).
    We currently list 80 tutors within 15 miles of North Quincy, MA (02170)
    We currently have 86 tutors within 15 miles of Norwell, MA (02061).
    We currently have 92 tutors within 15 miles of Rockland, MA (02370)
    We currently list 77 tutors within 15 miles of Pembroke, MA (02359)
    We currently list 78 tutors within 15 miles of Scituate, MA (02066)
    My Town Tutors is a website that connects South Shore parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, for a limited time, you can register for using promo code: usteachers. Teachers set the hourly and keep 100% of the fees! One of our teachers made $5,000 last year tutoring.

    It is FREE for parents to search for a teacher in their area.

  • Rockland Tutors

    My Town Tutors makes it easy for South Shore parents to connect with local teachers who tutor. Parents can search for FREE! With our special limited promotion, teachers can register for free using promo code: usteachers.
    Below is our list of teachers who tutor in Rockland, Massachusetts. We are always looking for qualified teachers who can tutor.
    Rockland, MA
    Adrienne Donovan is a Fine Arts teacher at the Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    Fred Damon is a Math Teacher from Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    Nicholas Liquori is a Math Teacher from Rockland High in Rockland, MA.

  • South Shore, MA Tutors: Rockland Teachers are the Best!

    My Town Tutors makes it easy for South Shore parents to connect with local teachers who tutor. Parents can search for FREE! With our special limited promotion, teachers can register for free using promo code: usteachers.
    Below is our list of teachers who tutor in Rockland, Massachusetts. We are always looking for qualified teachers who can tutor.
    Rockland, MA
    Adrienne Donovan is a Fine Arts teacher at the Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    Fred Damon is a Math Teacher from Rockland High School in Rockland, MA.
    Nicholas Liquori is a Math Teacher from Rockland High in Rockland, MA.

  • Psychology Lessons: Mnemonic Devices for Classical Conditioning

    I have been teaching a high school introduction to Psychology class for over 15 years. When I first started teaching the course, students had a very difficult time understanding the concepts of classical conditioning. It might be safer to say, I had a difficult time presenting the material in a clear, understandable way.
    Since those first years, I have added two mnemonic devices, an additional helpful step to the equation, and two video clips. This blog will focus on the mnemonic devices and equation.
    Mnemonic devices
    VOICE – For the learning unit, students are introduced to two mnemonic devices.  The first one is the word VOICE. VOICE points out the major difference between operant conditioning and classical conditioning. This word reinforces the role of the subject in the learning process.
    V          voluntary
    O         operant
    I           involuntary
    C          classical
    E          extra (no purpose. The E only completes the word)
    “S starts it off and R is ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL right.” Before introducing the 3 steps of classical conditioning, I share this sentence with the students. I stress the word ALLLLLLL because I have found it helps the students remember the sentence better. I also really like saying it this way.
    I developed this sentence a few years ago. The purpose of the sentence is to help the students remember where the terms are placed in the classical conditioning equation. The CS and UCS will always be to the on the LEFT side of the equation, starting it off, and the CR and UCR will always be on the RIGHT.
    The equation
    Below are the notes I present to my students in a PowerPoint. (Teachers can email me at mark@mytowntutors and I will gladly share the presentation):
    (Helpful)        NS       +          X                                  —X–>                          UCR
     
    Step #1           X          +          UCS                            ———>                         UCR
     
    Step # 2          CS        +          UCS                            ———>                         UCR
    CS is ALWAYS BEFORE UCS!!!!!!!!
    Step #3           CS        +          X                                ———>                           UCR
    The helpful step – The traditional classical conditioning equation consists of three steps. Students seem to gain a better understanding of the concepts when I include the “helpful step.” When reviewing the notes I say “The neutral stimulus DOES NOT PRODUCE the unconditioned response.” (The arrow with the X through it was the best way for me to created a visual with my limited computer abilities. I am sure other teachers could find a better visual.)
    The helpful step reinforces the term “neutral stimulus” which is not included in the traditional steps of classical conditioning. It is also helpful to show that anything can be a neutral stimulus / conditioned stimulus. Additionally, I circle the conditioned stimulus and the neutral stimulus, drawing an arrow connecting them. The arrows illustrate that the word that is placed in the equation for NS and CS will be the same, similar to the UCR and CR being the same.
    The Xs – I place an X in the spot of the term that is not used in step #1 and #3. This visual enhances student understanding of the material. It helps students remember that CS always comes before the UCS. During quizzes and tests, I leave the spaces for the Xs and deduct points if incorrect.
    The BIG crossed out U – To reinforce the fact that the final response of classical conditioning is conditioned (learned), the students write a very large U (it is not to scale in this blog) and then place a line or an X through it.
    Hopefully these tools are helpful in teaching classical conditioning to high school students.  I also have a powerpoint presentation that goes with the unit on learning. If you would be interested in a copy of this, please email me at mark@mytowntutors.com
    My Town Tutors is a website that connects South Shore parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, for a limited time, you can register for using promo code: usteachers. Teachers set the hourly and keep 100% of the fees!
    It is FREE for parents to search for a teacher in their area.

  • Teachers Love Positive Feedback!

    One major goal of the Grandparents’ Day activities (these can be completed at any point during the year) is to strengthen relationships between the parents and the students. It is important to receive feedback from the grandparents for a few reasons. First, it is a great way to introduce the activity the following year. Before completing the activity, the students can see the impact the assignment has had on people. Second, it allows for me to know who actually gave a great effort.
    Below is the note I include with the memories and letters.

    HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!

    You have been chosen for this activity because you have created and shared so many great memories for a student in my class. You have made a BIG DIFFERENCE in someone’s life and they will never forget this or you. THANK YOU!
    The class is very interested in your feedback. Could you please share your thoughts on our activities and what it was like to receive the letter. Email YOUR NAME (teacher) at youremail@yourschool.org or send a note to:
    Your Name (teacher)
    Your School School
    Street address
    Town, State zip code
    Here are the responses first 5 responses I received. I will share more later.  I did not include any of the students’ names.
    Response #1
    “What a lovely surprise to receive my letter along with the memories of  “Me and You” my granddaughter sent me…I have rarely received any card or letter to acknowledge this day and am very impressed with your thoughtfulness in making this a class project.   It will be kept in my “treasure box” of cards and letters.
    It was great fun to read her memories…I had forgotten one SHE remembered!!!  She is a wonderfully loving and happy granddaughter (and our first girl after 4 sons, 4 grandsons and 2 step grandsons, so she was special from the day she was born).
    I am delighted our granddaughter will have the experience of your teaching skills and getting to know you.  I have fond memories of my years working at Hanover High School…glad you are still there to make a difference in our grandchildren’s lives.
    Best wishes for a fun and successful school year.”
    Response #2
    “What a pleasant surprise to open a letter that my grandson composed.
    It was refreshing to know that he has fond memories of his Great Grandparents, swimming and boating on their property, and dinners with his great grandfather. He mentioned mystery rides to Southie, food from the Sullivan’s, and Ed Amaral’s favorite dessert, congo bars.
    My hope is that years from now he will share those memories with generations of family to come. Thank you for prompting my grandson to compose warm and fuzzy letters to grandparents. Keep it coming!”
    Response #3
    “I loved the note from our granddaughter! So many memories I have of her and all the other grandchildren!
    It brought back memories of taking them up to our camp in New Hampshire and the fun we had up there with no parents. We got to do things that kids like to do and especially not having to “hurry up” to do anything.  I enjoyed the part about “trying everything” at camp….they always had to take a bite of all food served…then if they didn’t like it, they didn’t have to eat it, but it had to be tried…It’s funny she still remembers that.
    Families are important, and I’d like to think that we were a good influence on our grandchildren’s lives.  I know she was on ours!”
    Sincerely,
    Grandparents of a wonderful granddaughter”
    Response #4
    “Let me commend you on such an admirable assignment.
    Our Granddaughter’s letter is something we will always treasure.  It is something that we can scan into the computer, and pull up on a dreary day to remind ourselves that we are indeed the kind of grandparents that we hoped to be.  There is nothing more important than to know you are truly loved. Her memories spoke of the time spent with us, not the material things we have given her, demonstrating that her values and love of family are the things most important to her.  It has been a great privilege to share her life so far and we will miss her very much when she goes off to college. But now we have this wonderful letter and our own memories of her to keep in our hearts.
    Nina & Grandpa”
    Response #5
    “I would like to thank you for the letter writing activity you gave your class.
    What a surprise and a pleasure it was to receive a letter from my granddaughter! Her letter to me brought back so many memories. In our busy lives, it is so nice to realize how much something means to someone else. Reading her letter and having her share her memories of the two of us brought a smile to my face.
    Thank you again. I am so proud of her and am happy to be included in a special part of her school day”
    I am glad that many of the the grandparents and students had a positive experience with this activity.
    After I read the letter, I photocopy it for the future, then give the original to the student who wrote the letter and memories.
    Next year I will present the students with the following to have a record of the letters for the future
    CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!
    You made a great effort and made someone’s day. I would like you to take the note home and TYPE IT out. Send it to me in an email so I can share with future classes. I will change the names to protect the innocent.