As I reflect on the first six weeks of this school year, overall, I am pleased with the start. I have tried to implement several ideas from NTI this summer into my classroom. I have the "line of transition" on the floor as the students enter the door and have explained how they should transition. I use the "lights off" method to get the attention of my students when the noise level gets too high. Also, I have used some of the "take five" things fromt he notebook, which the kids seem to be enjoying. I try to refer to my classroom procedures as often as possible when need be. Even when utilizing all of these things, the students still get off task at times and I feel that, on some days, it is a true struggle to get much work out of them. Last week, I started using writing assignments as a form of discipline and they seem to be good. The writing assignments are paragraphs that I have students who choose to remain off task copy. They emphasize the importance of the student staying on task and the problems that his or her not doing so cause to the teacher and within the classroom. Like I mentioned, I am truly trying to utilize several of the things from class this summer, but I often reflect on something that I should have used or said after the fact. I am hoping that with practice, I will continue to grow as a teacher.
I think the thing that I have had the most problems with this year is stopping class towards the end of the period for closure and transfer-out. If I am doing a lecture or something that requires them to remain seated, I typically watch the clock and am able to fit it in. Although, I still can't get the timing completely right yet. On the other hand, when I am having the kids work in groups and when the room has to be fixed, I find that it is harder to do. Mostly, it is hard to get the kids attention again at the end of group work, after they've reorganized the room. Getting them completely quiet to close out after group work has been difficult for me to do. As, the year continues, I hope to master this, as well as other issues that may arise. All I can do is take it one step at a time and that's what I am doing.
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.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
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6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, 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?
1 comment:
One step at a time is a good attitude. You may want to do your closure with them standing ready to go if you can't get them back to their seats and quiet after group work. Can you circle them up around you? Dr. J.
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