As part of a presentation on credibility of sources, I showed students a photograph of a shark attacking a soldier dangling from a helicopter. After we had discussed the photograph, my intention was to show students TruthorFiction.com, a web site designed to provide accurate information about e-rumors.

Before I could move to that part of my presentation, a student informed the class that there is a web site called Snopes.com that investigates urban legends and other myths. I pulled the web site up on the computer and then asked the student to show us how it worked. Then, when I gave students their homework assignment, I substituted Snopes.com for TruthorFiction.com, the web site I had originally intended to use.

Earlier in the day, a student in another class brought in a column from the Detroit Free Press because it was relevant to what we had been discussing. I photocopied the article and then distributed it to the class.

By welcoming students as co-teachers, I improve the quality of my classes. I also develop as a professional by learning from them.

–Steven L. Berg, PhD