Developed and maintained by Frank LaBanca, Ed.D.
Dr. LaBanca was recognized by eSchool News and Discovery as the 2006 National Outstanding Classroom Blogger for his blog, Applied Science Research
In Search of Creativity was a 2011 Edublog Awards Finalist in the "Best Teacher Blog" Category
Problem finding is the creative ability to define or identify a problem. The process involves consideration of alternative views or definitions of a problem that are generated and selected for further consideration. Problem finding requires individuals to set objectives, define purposes, decide what is interesting, and ultimately decide what they want to study.
Andragony offers an effective use of formative assessment 10/22/08
Do teachers understand? 1/31/08
An apparent paradox in idea and workload 8/29/07
The disenfranchised student, the suspect counselor, and a reflection on an Ed Tech’s perspective 6/1/07
A chat with Carol 5/2/07
I am proud to announce the release of my paper: Online Dynamic Asynchronous Audit Strategy for Reflexivity in the Qualitative Paradigm, just published in The Qualitative Report. It was a long process to publication, but I am really excited about this work. The data for the study originated here on this blog back in 2007. This study is about this BLOG from 2007-2008. I first presented the research concepts in 2009 at the Connecticut State University Faculty Research Conference, and then in 2010 at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting in Denver. Feel free to read it and leave a comment below.
At my last stop, I had the pleasure of working with Donna Ragaini. Donna was a special education paraprofessional and spent a period a day with me while I taught academic biology each year. I taught the 10th grade section that included all of the special education students and always appreciated Donna’s candor, dedication to the students, and ability to reach them on a personal level. I think we really made a great team. I often told Donna that she should have been a special education teacher – she had all of the skills, knowledge, and certainly the dispositions. She had a gift – she could hold students to very high expectations while being a compassionate, caring adult. She had children of her own, a bit older than mine, and would sometimes pass along a used Leapster or funky sweater that was too small. At the all-to-young age of 46, Donna passed away. Even though we aren’t working together now, I know I will miss her wit, sensibility, and friendship. Donna was a 21st century educator – the ones we are really looking for now.
From the New Haven Register:
Donna Lyn Ragaini RAGAINI, DONNA LYN Donna Lyn Ragaini, 46, of Seymour, beloved wife for 22 years of William J. Ragaini, entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 10, 2011 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, after a short illness. She was born in Derby on February 20, 1965, daughter of Arthur, Sr. and Delores Cavallaro Valentine of Seymour. Donna was a graduate of Waterbury Technical School with an Associate’s Degree in Business. She was a devout communicant of Holy Rosary Church of Ansonia, where she was a teacher of religion. Donna was a paraprofessional for the Special Education Departments of Oxford High School and Seymour High School. She was a former assistant manager at Filene’s Department Store in Milford, and volunteered at the George J. Hummel Little League, and the Valley YMCA. She was past president of the Wildcats Swim Club of Seymour. Donna enjoyed the beach and camping. She will be missed by her family and many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Donna leaves her cherished children, Seth J., Sara A., Anthony P. and Peter W. Ragaini; all of Seymour; a brother, Arthur Valentine, Jr. and his wife, Rozlyn, of Terryville; a sister, Tina Marie Valentine, of Derby; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Donna’s life, will be held FRIDAY, June 17, 2011 (DIRECTLY) at 9:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank Street, (Route 67 across from Klarides Village), Seymour is caring for the family. Memorial gifts in Donna’s memory may be made to Yale-New Haven Hospital Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. To leave online condolences, please visit millerwardfuneralhome.com
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I am excited to report a new book review I recently wrote in the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education entitled “Practical Strategies to Promote High Quality Authentic Student Research in High School Settings“. Check it out!
Special thanks to my editor, Dr. Ruth Gyure, who worked with me on this project!
