Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

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?

Sunday, September 14, 2008

First weeks blog assignment

1st Blog Assignment

Has worked well

During the first four weeks of school, I divide my three different classes into precincts. In each precinct, I assign different ranks to each student. The ranks are captain, lieutenant, sergeant, corporal, and officer. I have four precincts in two of my classes and two precincts in one class. By giving each student a chance to become the leader of their assigned precinct, students stay on task and put extra effort into their assignments. The students regard the rank structure as a goal setting accomplishment. The majority of the students respond in a positive manner. Therefore, I have fewer disruptions during both lectures and hands on assignments. The precinct concept is an excellent way for students to work together with structure and teamwork.


Hasn't worked well

I use a blog to give information for my three different levels of law enforcement. The levels are Intro, Concepts of Public Safety, and Constitutional and Criminal Law. The blog informs the student what is going to be taught, and what they will be doing during a certain week for each level. On the blog, I place ten vocabulary words after each level's information. According to some of the students, it was difficult to determine which vocabulary words went with the correct level because the vocabulary words were listed in a jumbled manner. This caused confusion for some students. I am currently looking at different ways to correct the problem.

2 comments:

Jessie H said...

Your "worked well" strategies are quite interesting. They essentially constitute a motivational instructional strategy because of the "rankings" of students within each precinct. Sometimes the artificial or simulated goals we set for our students are the most motivating.

In terms of your "hasn't worked well" issue with the vocabulary words, I'm not sure which blogging tool you are using, but maybe you could simply add headings (with text features like bold, underlined fonts) that identify each level, and post the words under the appropriate headings.

Cool stuff!

Dr. J said...

It sounds like you are off to a great start! Keep us posted on how it's all working. Dr. J.