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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?

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Well, I would definitely do Friday differently. I gave the students a test. We had worked hard all week. It was Friday. The students were tired. And I was tired. I didn't really want to start any new material after the test. So, after everyone completed the test, I gave them Free Time. There was about 15 minutes of class time left. I told the students they could talk quietly, work on other classwork, or they could put their heads down on their desks and rest. And that's what they did. The ones who were talking were barely speaking over a whisper, some were working on other classwork, and others had their heads down resting. Everything seemed just fine.

I never sit at my desk during classtime, but this day I sat down at my desk. Well, don't you know that this is the time one of the APs decides to come in and observe my class. I got up and walked over to him and told him that the students had just completed a test and I was giving them Free Time.

I dreaded to see the write up. The APs are doing what they call "fly-bys." They come in and observe for 10 minutes or so and complete a check-list. There are blocks that they check about what the students are doing, what the teacher is doing, if the teaching is student focused or teacher focused, where the teacher is (in the front of the room, circulating around the room, etc.)if all students are engaged.

My write up said I was sitting at my desk. The students were not engaged in any meaningful learning, some had their heads down sleeping. He did note that I had my Essential Questions written on the board. And that it appeared that the students had taken a test since I had that written on the board as well. He also wrote that I didn't appear to be fulfilling the mission of the school of teaching from bell to bell.

There was no need to discuss the write up with him. He wrote what he observed. But it sure made me feel like a complete failure. And it really hurt my feelings. I have never gotten a bad write up before. I have received some helpful suggestions, but never anything as terrible as this.

I learned a good lesson. I don't know how I could have done anything differently after he came into the room. What was done, was done.

Is it ever permissable to allow students to have Free Time? No. I should have used the Take Five handout that we got last semester to fill up the remaining time. I have used that handout numerous times to fill up leftover time. If only I had used it that day....

But, as Willie Nelson says, If a bull frog had wings he wouldn't bump his a@@. Enough said.

7 comments:

Trevor said...

Connie! I do feel your pain. Sometimes my students would finish what they are doing and I would give them some free time on the computer or to talk with their friends. As long as the students are not sleeping the principal will make things slides. Some teachers including the AP does not know what goes on in my lab. so it might be a little easier that yours. Always remember that there is never a mistake only learning experience

joec said...

Connie,
I have had this happen more than once. As a new instructor, sometimes we do not know how long things will take, so we end up with what I call "loose ends" time. Sometimes I will use this time to clean and organize the shop, etc. A couple of times, I have asked the students to write their own lesson plans for following days. ( Some of those I have used. You may not have that much room in your instructional time calendar, but it has worked for me.)I have been amazed at how students respond when asked their opinion about what they wanted to learn. Just a thought.
joec

Dr. J said...

Connie,
I feel so bad about this. I've seen you in action and I know what a good teacher you are. Well, we did talk about this very thing this summer, but like ME, you learned the hard way. At least you have a plan to use "Take 5" next time. You can always go to "current events" as well when you are in a pinch. Dr. J.

Jessie H said...

I LOVE your quote from Willie Nelson. My advice to you, not that you asked for it, is to let this one go. One observation/evaluation does not define you as a teacher. Your administer was obligated to report what he observed, but I'm sure your halo is still intact. Breathe!

Connie said...

Thank you Trevor and Joe for the thoughts and suggestions! Yes, Trevor, you are right. There is never a mistake, only a learning experience. And I certainly did learn from this...

Thank you Dr. Burns and Jessie! I appreciate the encouragement. I have just been sick about this. But I think I have definitely learned my lesson!

TracyF said...

Hey Connie, I just want to say you are not the only one that has given some free time to your students. I have to. Right now we are still in learning mode and we are not perfect. We have to pick ourselves up and go on. We both know that you are doing a wonderful job and your AP has no idea by doing a fly by what kind of teacher you are and how much these students learn from you. Keep moving forward. Tracy

jjumack said...

Connie,
Keep your head up. It seems no one comes around when things are going smooth ( if there is such a thing ). I had and observation done 2 days before the holidys started in December. The students were playing Hollywood Squares as a method to review. I had a group of girls with cellphones and electronic devices talking.I had spoken to them several times prior to the observer coming into the class. This behavior was noted on my observation becuase I did not re-direct them again. All I can say is "THIS TOO SHALL PASS."