tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post3123109539973240944..comments2023-11-03T04:00:24.785-04:00Comments on Kentucky School News and Commentary: A Chat with FayetteABCRichard Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14586435007687942849noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-42135591752113559542011-06-04T16:15:09.003-04:002011-06-04T16:15:09.003-04:00My sense of it is that Dr. Myrup and the rest of F...My sense of it is that Dr. Myrup and the rest of FayetteABC are trying to support not only students, but teachers themselves. Few of the latter came to their profession to teach children how to properly fill in a multiple choice bubble, I think. Certainly measuring and assessing progress is important, but instruction should not be geared primarily towards that end. The test is supposed to be a tool to help evaluate progress, not the point of the journey. <br /><br />I'm another one of Dr. Myrup's former students. I, like the others, gladly attest to the care and attention that he gives to his students. His lessons are carefully planned and pitched to different learning styles - moreso than many college professors who tend to favor one style or another exclusively. In our graduate course, he encouraged us to consider how we, as future educators, might teach a subject with consideration towards creativity and quality. I went to public schools, K-12, and the teachers who made a real difference in my life were the ones who challenged me to think in new ways. The ones who cared about my development. <br /><br />It's been my sense that Dr. Myrup got into education because its something he feels passionately about and I'm not surprised to see him act to try to address an imbalance between the attention to testing and learning. It's an important conversation to have and I hope that all sides consider it earnestly.Marielanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17772825122213479222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-67229154430141952442011-06-02T16:57:47.135-04:002011-06-02T16:57:47.135-04:00I think that when you focus solely on the test, t...I think that when you focus solely on the test, the student learn only the information required for the test then later in their school life they will be asked things they probably didnt learn but "should" have to use on universal test like the ACT and SAT. students learning should not be limited or focused for a particular test that is biased because everyone knows the end of the year is focus on the cats test materials and nothing else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-20681401341137918012011-05-28T16:04:46.939-04:002011-05-28T16:04:46.939-04:00Why are the students praising hsi teaching? Let...Why are the students praising hsi teaching? Let's speak to Dr. Myrick's ability to affect change here in FCPS. This testing crap is ridiculous. Three learning checks, testing extended over a week, strategies given to bubble tests correctly. This has gone too far in FCPS. Isn't time for the board members we elected to take a stand? Their silence says a lot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-20825815073804066832011-05-27T11:54:01.595-04:002011-05-27T11:54:01.595-04:00Dr. Myrup's ability to garner so much support ...Dr. Myrup's ability to garner so much support from his former students speaks volumes to the quality of his teaching and to his genuine commitment to education.<br /><br />I am a junior studying history at UK and this past spring I took HIS 580, the history of Brazil, with Dr. Myrup. I see no need to reiterate all the praise given above, but I would just like to speak as another voice of support for his refreshing and inspiring methods of teaching.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-67984038144193783852011-05-27T07:35:16.311-04:002011-05-27T07:35:16.311-04:00I find it difficult to separate the word "hub...I find it difficult to separate the word "hubris" from Dr. Silberman.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-48431385338486070562011-05-25T23:19:42.109-04:002011-05-25T23:19:42.109-04:00To Deborah from Glendover,
I am a teacher very af...To Deborah from Glendover,<br /><br />I am a teacher very afraid to speak about anything that deals with educational policy publicly. While my principal knows I do not trust Dr. Silberman, I would never challenge him publicly. I invite you to look at the look on Silberman's face as he introduces Dr. Myrick. It is positively sinister and reveals how he views dissent. If you want to get a take on this man and see what he stands for, I'd recommend the book "Anti-intellectualism in American Life" by Richard Hofstedter.<br /><br />Dr. Silberman strikes me as a man who suffers from delusions about his leadership. Almost everything he does is centered around the spotlight. Remember that first photo opportunity that showed him opening a child's locker? Since that time, I have never seen him in the hall of my school or in my classroom.<br /><br />Dr. Silberman's empahasis on test preparation is so formulaic that it robs students of creativity, as Dr. Myrick says. It's amazing how "Stu" can pull his teachers into the lockstep of practice tests. I do hope you, as a parent, will speak up to your principal and your school board member. Morale is low in our school district. Many of my colleagues are taking early retirement!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-29065708488880983882011-05-25T07:56:05.610-04:002011-05-25T07:56:05.610-04:00May 24, 2011 8:23 PM: Well, I'm not sure how ...May 24, 2011 8:23 PM: Well, I'm not sure how much I actually know, but I'm happy to shed what light I think I have on the issue.<br />As for how Dr. Myrick's students learned about Fayette ABC and the blog, I don't know. But I assume Dr. Myrick discussed the issue with them in class, or out of class. While it is probably unusual for a history class to find KSN&C, several education classes certainly have, at UK, Georgetown and at Eastern. While I would love to tell you that everyone knows about Kentucky School News and Commentary, fact is, we're a niche blog that averages somewhere around 2,500 2,700 unique visitors a month-depending on how well I do my job. It's not everybody's cup of tea.<br />To be honest with you, Dr. Myrup doesn't impress me as much of a crusader. On the contrary, I see him bending over backwards to raise his issues in as conciliatory a manner as possible. In fact, you are not the only reader to have questioned why he's being so careful not to go after Stu Silberman. I think a lot of people feel that way. I know that a few board members I've talked to in recent years feel conflicted from time to time, as have I. We are all a mix of strengths and weaknesses trying to find our way through very complex, and changing, circumstances.<br />I will even go so far as to say I felt some kinship with Myrup’s approach. While he disagrees with some things he sees going on, I don't get the sense that he's mad at anybody. But contrast that with teachers who work in Fayette County schools and have felt disrespected or trampled upon, and we see more passion in the commentary. I feel quite certain some teachers would like others of us who are more removed to feel their disgruntlement ourselves.<br />It is probably also good to remind everyone that Stu Silberman did not invent the current administrative philosophy, although he may be seen as one of its strongest adherents. To some extent, even powerful large district school superintendents are beholden to the powers above them to manage programs in a way that not only make the schools better but that leaves the district in good standing according to whatever yardstick the state of Kentucky is using at the moment. You have to follow the law-all the time. Of course Kentucky's new accountability system is still in transition at this time but we know it will feature some amount (a little less apparently) of standardized testing.<br />I'm glad you've found KSN&C to be a useful venue for discussing topics that impact our schools. Thanks for your comments.Richard Dayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586435007687942849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-58045538215592258562011-05-25T07:44:09.100-04:002011-05-25T07:44:09.100-04:00I am a Glendover parent. There is too much testing...I am a Glendover parent. There is too much testing there, for sure. I believe this is not the problem of the principal, but Mr. Silberman. I am disturbed by the fact that so many are afraid to criticize him. I actually wish FayetteABC would be more stern with him. I am still afarid to sign the petition lest it be known who my kids are.<br /><br />I, too, wish we could all be kind in this forum, but kindness is not always an American trait. But for that matterr, neither is fear. I am fearful to call Glendover's principal about testing. I am fearful of Stu. I think he is not a stable man and that he has become progressively worse since his biking accident. I would not go above saying he is vindictive. He is clearly a man who wants to be remembered as a reformer, and no parent is going to stop him. <br /><br />I wish Richard Day would address the problem of fear in Fayette County Public Schools. There is no "free speech" when it comes to being a parent in the school systemAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-15575487241325550962011-05-25T05:10:36.142-04:002011-05-25T05:10:36.142-04:00I am also a satisfied parent at Glendover school ....I am also a satisfied parent at Glendover school . My husband and I became interested in the school because its website had an international flavor and talked about life-long learning rather than meeting proficiency goals. We had also heard good things from other parents. We visited the school and were impressed by the quality and variety of work on the walls. The assignments seemed interesting and challenging, not lock-step in line with a posted standard. I have not seen more beautiful and inspiring children’s artwork anywhere. The atmosphere of the school was calm and there seemed to be respectful relationships among staff and children. We were aware that the school did not have the highest test scores in the city but took that as a sign that there might be less intensive test preparation ( as a former teacher, I am well aware of good and not so good ways of raising scores) not that the school was less good. We purchased our house specifically because of Glendover.<br /><br />As a parent, I trust what I see and what I hear from other parents with intimate experience of a school more than I trust test scores. Admittedly, had the Glendover scores been very low, I might have had reservations. <br /><br />I am so grateful to the many wonderful teachers at Glendover. Our children have grown by leaps and bounds. Overall, I believe that they have learned as much or more by being at Glendover than they would have at an expensive private school. I love that they go to school with children from all over the world and love watching all these children spill out of the school at dismissal , chattering happily. Our children are in good hands every day and on some days treated better by the Glendover staff than they are at home…. Staff devote their private time to provide children with extra opportunities like overnight trips, jump rope club, the talent show and international night to name just a few. Parents I know at other FCPS schools have also described some wonderful teachers and it is my understanding that the county attracts an especially talented pool due to relatively high salaries. I am not sure but think we have the Fayette County Board of Education and the Fayette County taxpayers to thank for that. I am appalled by what I see as frequent disrespect in the media for teachers. There are few more challenging or important jobs.<br /><br />That being said, I do feel that the quality of education at Glendover would be even better were the children not required to take so many additional tests beyond what is already required by the state. I have not seen the benefit of these extra tests for my children and they take time away from other work that could be done. For example, the computer lab is taken much of the year for MAP testing. The annual goals set by these tests do not have any meaning for my children. It is not my sense that the teachers chose these additional tests or think they are necessary though I do not know for sure. I also do not like the test score assembly, especially the isolation of children who have not scored proficient. I like the idea of an assembly that celebrates learning but would rather the assembly incorporate many elements with perhaps the school total test score being a component if the SBDM thought it served a purpose. The school does so many things to celebrate student’s accomplishments, academic and otherwise. <br /><br />I am curious to know what other FCPS teachers think about the extra tests. I do not like them but am only one person (though it seems that over 350 other people may also note like them….). Do you get useful information from these tests? Are the sacrifices of time and attention worth this extra information?<br /><br />Thank you, Richard for hosting this discussion. It is a more extended and interesting discussion of teaching than I have seen publicly in quite some time. I would love to sit in on Dr. Myrup’s class!<br /><br />As a final note, I wish we could have these discussions without personal attacks. I do not see their purpose in helping us all to make sense of complex issues.Deborahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-39540638120166845792011-05-24T21:44:37.613-04:002011-05-24T21:44:37.613-04:00I am currently a student at the University of Kent...I am currently a student at the University of Kentucky in the Secondary Social Studies Education program. Over the years I have taken Dr. Myrup's classes twice and enjoyed both greatly. He teaching style allows students to learn creatively and become involved in what they are learning (as shared by other bloggers who have had the privilege to learn from him). I praise his approach in the classroom and would take him again in a heartbeat. When I become an educator I would have no problem drawing from his example in and out of the classroom.<br /><br />Now, I would like to comment on this situation about testing. I completely understand how nice a set of data can be when one is trying to better a school. It can create a base for growth; however, I also understand that in this race for better test scores and more funding certain educational values could be lost. I do not feel that education is completely negatively influenced by these tests; just the problem persists when a district may put more emphasis on which school has the better score (or where they fall on the spreadsheet versus other schools) instead of the significance of educational points that may have been passed over in class due to standardized test prep. As long as educators can be instructed to use class time to prepare for standardized tests I believe that this issue will always be somewhat of a problem. <br /><br />All my best to Dr. Myrup and his wonderful familyAndrew Fordhamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-31424121562713635832011-05-24T20:23:27.569-04:002011-05-24T20:23:27.569-04:00I don't think the rhetoric has become too heat...I don't think the rhetoric has become too heated yet, but I wish someone, perhaps Richard, could explain how all these UK grad/undergraduate students of Dr. Myrick's are learning about FayetteABC. <br /><br />As a former graduate student myself, I was never interested in my professors' personal crusades. Why are Dr. Murick's students entering this discussion. Who let them know that there is this blog?<br /><br />I continue to be grateful for being able to post anonymously, and I desperately want to believe Dr. Myrick is doing the right thing. But there are mixed messages of praise and condemnation for Stu that don't seem compatible. If, as Dr. Myrick explained, several teachers are afraid to sign the petition, what kind of man would praise Stu, who is also the architect of the "testing octupus" in our county?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-35971916857163904552011-05-24T10:49:07.548-04:002011-05-24T10:49:07.548-04:00While I grew up in the Madison Co. school district...While I grew up in the Madison Co. school district and can not speak towards that of Fayette Co. I know from experience how everything is focused on standardized testing. Having my mother as an educator who was always involved in my schooling she too placed an importance on the system, but firmly disagreed with it's purpose. <br /><br />I have also had the joy of being taught by professor Myrup on two occasions. I can say that he is by far the most dedicated, understanding, creative, and learned educator I have had at the University of Kentucky. I have never been more interested in anything than when he teaches. He makes stories relate able and easy to comprehend at any level. He looks outside of the box on how to help his students understand what he is trying to teach. He makes class enjoyable and fun! Most professors cancel class if they are going to be gone, Myrup Skyped our class and lectured from Portugal. Can you say dedicated?<br /><br />And to add, from what he has shown us in class, he is an amazing father who is very involved in his children's lives. He will tell anyone a story about his children and even involves them when he brings them to class. His door to his office is covered in his daughters art work. <br /><br />I have nothing but good words to speak on behalf of Professor Myrup and believe that he is the real deal as an educator, father, and advocate for Fayette Co. education.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-15907800728580814372011-05-24T09:48:11.230-04:002011-05-24T09:48:11.230-04:00Let's spend a little less time insulting teach...Let's spend a little less time insulting teaching styles and realize that their are MANY ways to teach... but we all have the Program of Studies as content to teach and the Core Content test to help make sure it is taught. Rather than fight the fact that we WILL assess students in many ways- not only to hold us accountable that children are really learning what they need to learn but also to help drive our instruction- maybe FayetteABC can work with parents/schools to come up with ways to celebrate that they think would be appropriate. I hate to think that kids and schools are not recognized at all... We work hard! If schools should not have an assemby to celebrate- what would be appropriate? We do spend time saying it is important that all children make growth so how should we celebrate when we grow?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-3183967476807419882011-05-24T08:38:53.906-04:002011-05-24T08:38:53.906-04:00Glendover is a fabulous school and while teaching ...Glendover is a fabulous school and while teaching to the standards (which are tested) is an expectation of IAKSS there is so much more going on at Glendover for children. I choose to send my children to Glendover because I believe in public education. <br /><br />If the Myrup family is so unhappy, it seems that home schooling may be their best option.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-59995134848471988182011-05-24T01:09:25.638-04:002011-05-24T01:09:25.638-04:00My, such fierce words typed under the armor of Int...My, such fierce words typed under the armor of Internet Anonymity.<br /><br />As several of the other students above have stated, I have little knowledge of the state of Fayette County Educational Reform and, while I personally have little fondness for standardized tests (I did quite well for myself, thank you), I will admit that I have little to offer that others better informed would find of interest. But I do know quite a bit of Dr. Myrup, and I would like to add my own voice to the growing chorus of support that you can see directly above.<br /><br />First, my credentials for that choir position. I am a doctoral student in the University of Kentucky's History Department (exciting stuff, I know). Dr. Myrup has kindly agreed to be a member of my committee, though as an "outside" member, he is aware that our research interests rarely overlap in any concrete way. As part of his agreement to join my committee, he asked me to sit in on one of his undergraduate classes (a 300-level, which is intermediate for undergraduates) and simultaneously fulfill an independent study that was at graduate level. Therefore, I have actual experience of Myrup as a teacher at both levels, as well as a personal relationship with him that has developed over numerous formal and informal meetings in the department over the past few years.<br /><br />So, let me be blunt: regardless of what you might think of Dr. Myrup's opinions regarding educational reform, if you believe he is a hypocrite, a fake, a pot-stirrer with no real commitment to what he believes, you are wrong. I have been at the University of Kentucky for eight long years (undergraduate and graduate, before you smirk), and I have seen no teacher with a greater commitment to the art of pedagogy than Dr. Myrup--and I say this after having had numerous wonderful teachers. In approach, Dr. Myrup is fairly atypical, mixing historical fiction readings with the traditional nonfictional history, leading surprisingly lively discussions on materials (which is a dying artform, sadly), and engaging students' creativity in ways that most professors do not. I will not say that I loved all of this--creative writing is rather a new trick for an old dog used to the facts and figures of graduate school--but his mixture of approaches gave room for various students to play to their strengths, and, most importantly, made undergraduates eager to come to his classes to a degree that is exceedingly rare at a college level. <br /><br />He works hard at this job, and this is the point I would like to have taken from this post if no other, because he truly cares about education, not just for his children, but for others as well. He has a too-open office door, and many have been the times that he's invited me in to discuss my research when I knew he could desperately use the time to work on his own research. And I would like to think I'm special, but it's actually better to know that I'm not; he does this for all of his students. And really, if you need any further proof, just visit his listing on the often shark-infested waters of ratemyprofessor.com; he not only has exemplary ratings, he also has a chili pepper! <br /><br />So, again, feel free to question his ideas and arguments regarding education; he would want you to. But make sure that you do not make a mistake in extending that same skepticism towards his beliefs and practices.Stephen Pickeringnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-74168674507565288772011-05-24T00:13:20.659-04:002011-05-24T00:13:20.659-04:00Anyone who would question the efficacy of Dr Myrup...Anyone who would question the efficacy of Dr Myrup's teaching methods should probably retract their statements as they are embarrassing themselves. I have never seen a professor with his level of dedication. He grades in a manner that can only be described as tough but fair. Dr. Myrup not only conveys the information well but ties it into the overall themes of history addressed by the class. I learned vast amounts of information regarding the birth of the African slave trade and the consequences it held for the development of the new world as well as much much more(colonialism,Portuguese expansion into the Atlantic,the British abolitionist movement,the Asiento,syncretic religious traditions, the role of the French Revolution in the birth of the Haitian nation,the rise of Central and South American Caudillismo). Actually, when I stop to think of all the things I learned in his class I realize that there is no way I could sit and type it all as it would take all night.Dr Myrup's class (HIS 208) clarified parts of history for me that it was not even intended to address. His pedagogical technique is impeccable as is his repertoire with his students. As I said before, say what you will about Dr. Myrup's views on standardized testing. Unfortunately for his detractors they will have to find another avenue of attack because the integrity and efficacy of his teaching methods are ROCK solid. The man possesses immense teaching talent, end of story. I learned an absolutely massive amount of information that I not only retained but synthesized. Everybody really appreciated the class and his level of dedication(LONG essay and I.D. tests graded and photocopies of your exam emailed to you less than 24 hours after the test with constructive comments and critiques). University of Kentucky is FULL of incredibly talented professors and TA's that never fail to impress me and blow me away with their knowledge and dedication. Erik Myrup really is one of the best. Anyone who has studied under Dr. Myrup, or their relatives, will probably not have much respect for anyone attempting to bash his teaching methods as they automatically know the detractor has no idea what they are talking about. My parents got tired of me talking about how great the class was and telling them about the Inconfidência Mineira in Brazil and other topics we studied in the course. Anyone who would attempt to disparage Dr. Myrup is doing a great disservice to our community, our college, and a talented professor. He is UNIVERSALLY LIKED and respected for his dedication and no nonsense approach to not only ensuring his students learn, but also understand, the material he teaches. Shame on anyone who speculates otherwise as they are making assertions that are laughably untrue in a way that makes them look very foolish.ADGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-39071455631298494802011-05-23T22:22:46.527-04:002011-05-23T22:22:46.527-04:00I certainly hope our next leader of Fayette County...I certainly hope our next leader of Fayette County schools takes a totally different approach in his/her leadership. As a retired teacher from this system, I can tell you that no one I know is sorry to see him go. I worked as a remediation teacher for several years, helping students who were struggling in the regular classroom. At the end of the year, I highlighted in my plan book the amount of time my students missed my class due to testing and it amounted to about 20%. How am I supposed to TEACH these children when they spend so much time taking tests. One of the previous comments was very accurate about Silberman-he will tell you exactly what you want to hear. The testing environment really ramped up when he came on board, and anyone who has worked in the system will tell you that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-49651274170607288152011-05-23T21:28:50.294-04:002011-05-23T21:28:50.294-04:00I heard Myrick and the UK people who signed his su...I heard Myrick and the UK people who signed his survey are going to lead the charge to stop UK from using test scores in the admissions process. True? How many other colleges are already doing what he proposes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-88777397672313254782011-05-23T21:19:08.817-04:002011-05-23T21:19:08.817-04:00Someone stained a piece of paper and burned the ed...Someone stained a piece of paper and burned the edges, to learn about primary documents? Isn't that a third grade Art project? <br /><br />Let me guess, you learned for perpetuity that primary source documents are sometimes (but not always) O-L-D.<br /><br />Next week, PVC tubes and feathers: we're going to make blowguns! Don't forget your crayons!<br /><br />No wonder UK is second tier.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-39417056074392875532011-05-23T21:14:29.519-04:002011-05-23T21:14:29.519-04:00I am pleased Dr. Myrick is aware that teachers cou...I am pleased Dr. Myrick is aware that teachers could get into trouble with Stu and his staff (Jack Hayes, who is not leaving) over the signature board. Of course, then I was baffled at what seemed like a retreat into the familiar American custon of "praising the adversary." (The testimonial praising Stu seemed contradictory)<br /><br />My hope for FayetteABC is this:<br /><br />1) That the signers of the document reflect all classes of Lexington society. There sure are a good many UK professors signing!<br /><br />2) That Dr. Myrick does not discuss this issue with his students, who have no vested interest in the testing "octupus."<br /><br />3) That Dr. Myrick's religious convictions will enable FayetteABC to include ---and reach out to-- parents of all sexual orientations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-38008373103714902822011-05-23T21:10:40.312-04:002011-05-23T21:10:40.312-04:00I'm the anonymous, and a she, not a he.
Funny...I'm the anonymous, and a she, not a he.<br /><br />Funny, I reread my post, and I just can't see where I questioned Dr. Myrup's teaching credentials or practices. I only said IF he doesn't practice what he preaches, THEN he's a hypocrite. <br /><br />Clearly he isn't helping you scholars with your critical reading skills. D for Myrup!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-31603776325402316482011-05-23T21:09:49.643-04:002011-05-23T21:09:49.643-04:00+JMJ+
I too have had Dr. Myrup as a professor at ...+JMJ+<br /><br />I too have had Dr. Myrup as a professor at UK and I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience in the classroom. I enjoyed the first class so much I decided to take a second class taught by Dr. Myrup and to my disappointment he is not teaching any courses I am able to take in the fall! <br /><br />As stated above Dr. Myrup is an awesome teacher who makes learning fun, which as a college student I rarely come across teachers who care about the students experience in the classroom. He has a wealth of information about whatever topic is discussed and a true passion for teaching. He allows free range of creativity on his writing assignments which allows students to research and write about what they are truly interested in and offers them an opportunity to present it in a way they find best.<br /><br />Not only are Dr. Myrup's teaching styles effective he also reminds students before every test that we will do many more important things in life than take his tests! A teacher who is truly concerned about the education of students rather than the scores they achieve on a test is much needed in todays education system. <br /><br />Also as a testament to Dr. Myrup is the amount of information I have actually LEARNED from his class. After taking Dr. Myrup's class I was able to apply what I had learned to other classes as well. I don't know that I have ever retained as much information from one class as I have from his. I do not want to make his classes sound easy though because they are not. I had to dedicate more time to his classes than most others but because I enjoyed learning I didn't mind! I even found myself bringing up random facts about the history of Brazil to my roommates because it had somehow applied to our conversations! <br /><br />Aside from the quality of professor Dr. Myrup is I hold his opinion in high regard because he is very educated and has genuine care for the issues he advocates. He is truly dedicated to education at all levels and he is one teacher many others could learn from. If all teachers took the time to implement more effective teaching styles that students responded too and put less stress on tests scores true education would take place. Even if my grades on tests or papers were higher in other classes, the amount of information I learned in Dr. Myrup's classes far surpasses any score received because my education as a whole was enriched. <br /><br />I would not be able to thank Dr. Myrup enough for contributing to my education and for just being an honest good person.Leslienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-21516384263898668492011-05-23T17:13:31.252-04:002011-05-23T17:13:31.252-04:00I had professor Myrup for HIS 206 History of Latin...I had professor Myrup for HIS 206 History of Latin America from 1492 at the University of Kentucky. His teaching and testing methods are highly unconventional but they are extremely effective. The testing method he used forced me to permanently remember the information I had learned instead of simply committing it to short term memory and "mind dumping" it after the test. <br /><br />I can honestly say Professor Myrup is the best educator I have ever had the opportunity to learn from at any level of schooling. The environment of his classroom is so exciting and refreshing. He brings history to life and makes it exciting to learn. <br /><br />I can also say that he is one of the most difficult professors I have had. For a 200 level class, we easily did the same amount of work at a 400 level. Every day I went to class I felt pushed to do my best. I felt pushed to actually learn the information instead of simply BSing my way through the material like most students end up doing throughout college. <br /><br />Every day in class I felt both motivated and excited to learn. Professor Myrup is not only a wonderful teacher, but a wonderful person who truly cares about his students. <br /><br />When I missed an entire week of class due to a back injury, Professor Myrup took the time to meet with me and personally go over all of the information that I had missed. Most teachers wouldn't even notice I had been gone and would care even less if I missed what was taught in class. <br /><br />He is an upright and caring man and a gifted educator who brings passion to the classroom...and occasionally milk and cookies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-4367403125128508242011-05-23T17:12:27.431-04:002011-05-23T17:12:27.431-04:00I had professor Myrup for HIS 206 History of Latin...I had professor Myrup for HIS 206 History of Latin America from 1492 at the University of Kentucky. His teaching and testing methods are highly unconventional but they are extremely effective. The testing method he used forced me to permanently remember the information I had learned instead of simply committing it to short term memory and "mind dumping" it after the test. <br /><br />I can honestly say Professor Myrup is the best educator I have ever had the opportunity to learn from at any level of schooling. The environment of his classroom is so exciting and refreshing. He brings history to life and makes it exciting to learn. <br /><br />I can also say that he is one of the most difficult professors I have had. For a 200 level class, we easily did the same amount of work at a 400 level. Every day I went to class I felt pushed to do my best. I felt pushed to actually learn the information instead of simply BSing my way through the material like most students end up doing throughout college. <br /><br />Every day in class I felt both motivated and excited to learn. Professor Myrup is not only a wonderful teacher, but a wonderful person who truly cares about his students. <br /><br />When I missed an entire week of class due to a back injury, Professor Myrup took the time to meet with me and personally go over all of the information that I had missed. Most teachers wouldn't even notice I had been gone and would care even less if I missed what was taught in class. <br /><br />He is an upright and caring man and a gifted educator who brings passion to the classroom...and occasionally milk and cookies.Hunter Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-82684449263419241102011-05-23T17:11:16.609-04:002011-05-23T17:11:16.609-04:00I had professor Myrup for HIS 206 History of Latin...I had professor Myrup for HIS 206 History of Latin America from 1492 at the University of Kentucky. His teaching and testing methods are highly unconventional but they are extremely effective. The testing method he used forced me to permanently remember the information I had learned instead of simply committing it to short term memory and "mind dumping" it after the test. <br /><br />I can honestly say Professor Myrup is the best educator I have ever had the opportunity to learn from at any level of schooling. The environment of his classroom is so exciting and refreshing. He brings history to life and makes it exciting to learn. <br /><br />I can also say that he is one of the most difficult professors I have had. For a 200 level class, we easily did the same amount of work at a 400 level. Every day I went to class I felt pushed to do my best. I felt pushed to actually learn the information instead of simply BSing my way through the material like most students end up doing throughout college. <br /><br />Every day in class I felt both motivated and excited to learn. Professor Myrup is not only a wonderful teacher, but a wonderful person who truly cares about his students. <br /><br />When I missed an entire week of class due to a back injury, Professor Myrup took the time to meet with me and personally go over all of the information that I had missed. Most teachers wouldn't even notice I had been gone and would care even less if I missed what was taught in class. <br /><br />He is an upright and caring man and a gifted educator who brings passion to the classroom...and occasionally milk and cookies.Hunter Martinnoreply@blogger.com