The James Logan Courier

By Tierra Negra, Courier Special Correspondent

A few years ago, when I attended a conference that talked about the brain, I came to the realization that teachers can benefit from its innate nature to solve problems. The presenter also helped me find the answer to the question most commonly posed by my students: why do I need to learn a subject matter I would never use in the future? To create new connections that eventually raises the ability among the neurons to communicate therefore processing information more efficiently.

Since then, I no longer merely gave data but tried to question students so they would come with the answers on their own. I provided examples that would feed their brains making them naturally think about solutions to problems.

Margrete Blossom Dearie (April 28, 1924 – February 7, 2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist, often performing in the bebop genre and remembered for her girlish voice. One of the last supper club performers, she performed regular engagements in London and New York City over many years.

Dearie was born on April 28, 1924, in East Durham, New York to a father of Irish-Scottish descent and a mother of Scandinavian descent. As a child she studied classical piano but switched to jazz in her teens.


Learn more about Blossom Dearie, free from National Public Radio.

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