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1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
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?

Monday, February 11, 2008

New Open Mic

I don't want to get off on a rant first thing, but... Has anyone else experienced a "sophomore slump" in teaching? I fell like last year I taught at about a "6" out of "10". This year, I am truly struggling. From the time I walk in the door in the morning, until I leave for the day, I never feel like I do anything well. After last year, I thought "Great! I really love the kids and the job - regardless of all the nonsense." Now, I struggle through each day like I have the ghost of "Job" on my back. If it were not for a few select students and peers around me, this would really be the pits. As a real "detail" guy, it bothers me to feel "mediocre". If anyone else is feeling the same, let me know. All of that "no man is an island" stuff is sounding like a lot of hooey at this point.
Also-for all of the "Monday night folks"-YOU ARE MISSED! (But Saturdays rock. Especially when we break ou the cooler and the bongos - WooHoo!)
joec

7 comments:

Perry said...

see my post joe, "Suck it up." Those words are for my benefit too. I have those days also but we are almost done with this ride. My level 1 kids are the worst. They wont work unless I stand right over them and rule with an iron fist. My level 2 and 3 are great. I can tell them the assignment and I really think I could leave and the vast majority of them would turn it in. Seems like I don't get a lot accomplished with level 1 because I have to stay on them all the time rather than let them work. Just like a kidney stone, they to shall pass (probably not grade wise but I'll get a group of new recruits in a few more months.) Here is my new quote I coined, "Finish"

Dwayne Connors said...

With all do respect to Perry, sucking it up is sometimes easier said than done. I've felt and still feel from time to time exactly what you are feeling. I believe we all do. I'm trying to look at my program like it is a piece of unfinished furniture. We get to put the finish that we want on it. From one year to the next veteran students will inform new incoming students about how awesome your program is and all of the rough edges will be sanded off and eventually, with the repeating of sanding and finish coats, you'll end up with a beautiful piece. It takes time and patience. You can do it Joe!

Connie said...

Joe, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have had many days like that this year too. I think we are all under tremendous stress and I guess it just takes its toll. But, Perry is right. This too shall pass. Ready or not, tomorrow will come. And each tomorrow is a new beginning. And the good thing about teaching is that every year, we get to start all over again fresh as a daisy. I'm betting that next year will be a better year for all of us. At least stress-wise. We are all in the learning curve this year. I like Perry's new quote, too. Yes, "Finish." We are heading for the finish line with this year. Almost there...

And I love Dwayne's analogy too. Just like "a beautiful piece" of wood, all rough edges sanded and the finish coat being applied. That pretty much describes exactly what we are doing, doesn't it?

Dr. J said...

You weren't supposed to tell about the cooler and the bongos! Dr. J.

Jessie H said...

Now that you mention it, I think my second year was my worst year. The first year you're so focused on survival that you're not in a position to judge the quality of your teaching. By the second year, you have some concrete teaching goals, but you don't feel like your meeting them to the fullest extent possible. I think the third year is the charm. That was the year I thought "I can do this" for the first time. Hang in there. It will get easier and better. Like learning any new skill, it just takes time and practice.

jjumack said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jjumack said...

I can identify with the struggling.
It is a struggle to try to reach some of the students and it can really drain your ENERGY. I have to continue to tell myself that my efforts are not in vain even if I don't see the results. Keep your head up , back off, do something for yourself and prepare for the "battle" again.