FYI

The second semester has ended. Grade distribution in this "honors" level class describes a "bell" elevated above the "B."  This is appropriate at this level.  There were a few more grades of "A" this time than there were first semester.

NOTE ******************

Mr. Joeb will not be teaching CTS in the 1999/2000 school year.  Philosophy, Humanities and History, junior and senior honors courses will consume all the time.  These pages will be left in place for former students, parents and interested persons who wish to examine/consult them.

Further Note *****  This page was written while at Sickles High School. Mr. Joeb moved to Alonso when it opened.

This CTS course is designed to help already bright, intelligent youngsters learn how to learn better.  Part of the mission of Sickles High School is to produce "lifelong learners."  This course contributes to that end.
In CTS, students learn to make more efficient use of study time; they develop abilities in linear and lateral thinking; they develop skills in the recognition and organization of information. Students improve reading and composition skills; they develop research skills. Test-taking abilities will improve and, in particular, those "higher-order" thinking skills necessary to successfully complete Florida's standardized assessment of high-school students are exercised.
There is very little "memorization and regurgitation" in this course.  There are few, if any, "hand-outs" in this classroom. Our focus is "conceptualization and application."   
"Holistic" development includes improved personal responsibility (see "absolute deadlines" on projects, etc.) and interactivity and "inter-reliance" as a responsible member of a group.
In short, this course will help students develop  learning "habits" that too often are undeveloped, particularly in those students for whom learning at the lower levels has come easily.
Parents:  Please read the syllabus.

What's Happening in Mr. Joeb's Class?

Second Semester has begun.

In order to keep parents and students up to date on assignments in CTS, this page is updated occasionally. An overview follows.

Minds work differently. The way one person organizes information (notes) may differ somewhat from another individual's system. HOWEVER, it is important that some sort of system be developed. During the first part of the course we demonstrate, model and try several systems. Have a look at a few here.
EVERY WEEK (first grading period of semester):
Students are required to analyze a newspaper column each week. The column may come from the St. Pete Times, Welcome to sptimes.com , or from the Tampa Tribune, Tampa Tribune . It must come from the Commentary/Opinion pages and have been published within the week preceding Friday's Turn-in Deadline (previous Friday - Thursday). Columns must be "well-reasoned arguments," taking a position on a controversial topic, and be analyzed according to a format (students were given this in week one). Click Analysis Format to see a brief explanation.  
A section on "invalid arguments" and "rotten reasoning" is covered during the first grading period.
During the second grading period, students are required to submit a weekly essay (due on Friday) based upon a controversial current news topic. They must employ the Well-Reasoned Argument Format . To see a brief explanation, click Well-Reasoned Argument Format .

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS:
Students regularly receive assignments involving essays on specific topics requiring critical/analytical thinking. An example from last year: In one assignment they took a position on the usefulness of "unwritten" rules to society, and supported their opinion with a "well reasoned argument."
Students may consult resources (I-net included) as they prepare their essays, but the finished product must be their own original work.

Other activities include research into one of Western Culture's Great Thinkers. They are to prepare a project that will inform other class members of some of the most important points about this individual. In particular, how did he/she impact history?


Analytical examination of print advertisements, locating and identifying specific "propaganda" techniques, is another of our "take home" assignments.

And in the classroom ....
The value of skepticism in critical thinking will be underscored by a series on some of history's greatest "scams."  Van Meegeren's art forgeries, the "sale" of the Eiffel Tower for "scrap," and other scams will be covered.  Critical thinking as it relates to propaganda "flows" from this series.
While studying propaganda, students will survey fiction as metaphor and its value as propaganda.  In particular, L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz seems to be a parable about populism.  We'll examine the possibilities.
After researching the Sixties (geezer assignment), students will watch 2001: A Space Odyssey and seek out metaphors and political statements concerning that period.

The Mind's Eye: Analyzing "pictorial images" evoked by classical music is a popular assignment. Students will explore the similarities in mood, emotion and images brought forth by the music.  Clips from Disney's Fantasia may be incorporated if time permits.

Examination of consequences of addiction: Analyzing rationale involved in individual self destructive choices and behaviors.

More in the CLASSROOM:
Proverb interpretation, rebus puzzles, lateral thinking exercises, analysis of "Rube Goldberg" type and other devices put wrinkles in students' brains.

SPEED READING:
Improved reading speed and comprehension are major components of this CTS class. Virtually every student will double his/her "effective reading rate" during the course.  
At the end of grading period two (98/99) several students are reading in excess of 800 wpm with 100% immediate comprehension.

Last year the top rate achieved was 1200 wpm with 100% comprehension.
Bear in mind, these are honors students so I expect great things of them.

A page for the philosophy class being taught to upper classmen this fall can be accessed by clicking philosophy .
UP TO DATE INFORMATION concerning current assignments, etc. may be obtained by calling (removed)

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