Wow, what a week! I'm exhausted after reading the posts of my fellow classmates who are dealing with issues much larger and deeper than mine. I'm so thankful for this blog that we can share our struggles and triumphs. I'm thinking of each of you each day!
On Friday, I was introduced to three new students. Only one of them speaks any English whatsoever. I have a foreign exchange student from China and one from Japan. They are TOTALLY clueless as to what is going on (just the school atmosphere is overwhelming for them) and I'm struggling to help them get settled in. I have been told these students must go home with A's or B's. How is that even possible if they don't speak the language? My Japanese student couldn't even decipher when I introduced myself to him (complete with a handshake) and had to pull out his translater for that! I'm concerned that he will become completely lost today when we start notes over a new unit. He is sitting next to another Asian student (who I don't think speaks anything other than English) so it helps that he can physically identify with someone else. Any suggestions on teaching when there isn't much of a lab activity that can go with it? What we are doing now is strictly lecture material over facts and history. I haven't even had a chance to really talk to my Chinese student but I did get enough information to know that she doesn't even want to be here. Suggestions for making lecture easier for them to follow along with? I have given them copies of my notes, completed with the hopes that will make it easier to follow along. Should I have done that?
And yes, for those of you wondering, exchange students populate our programs quite readily. My question is, if they are here for cultural immersion, is a career/tech ed class the best place for them? I teach a language other than english (medialese) and it's hard enough for those who speak english to grasp it, imagine coming from another language and not knowing!
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
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2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
2 comments:
These foreign exchange students were probably placed in your class because the guidance counselors perceive your class to be "lighter" than a core academic class. You can try to incorporate some of the strategies I modeled for you this summer at NTI when I did the ESOL session, but if the students' English is a limited as you describe, these kids will simply be lost. Just do the best you can to make them feel included. You could find simple tasks for these students to do such as pass out and collect books and papers for you. You will need to use a lot of body language, visuals, and context clues to convey meaning to them. It would also be helpful to pair them up with English speaking students in your class who will be kind and supportive of them. Those are some immediate suggestions. When I come out to see you on Thursday, we can hash out more ideas together if you like.
Last year, I was faced with the same issues. The good thing for me, there was a student that actually spoke the language. I would agree with Jessie, just do what you can . Provide the notes, when you are testing, maybe let them use the notes. Those are really the only things I know to do. You can check online and see if there are websites in their language that can provide activities for the student to complete. The lesson may not be completely related, but this alternate assigment can count as a grade.
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