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, October 5, 2008

Week 3 Post

Hello everyone!

I find it challenging to get students to respect others when they are commenting or asking a question on a topic of class discussion. I have to say, "OK guys, remember to raise your hand before speaking. I want to hear what everyone has to say, but we can't all speak at once." This typically only works for one or two comments and then they are at it again, and gain, I have to repeat myself. Maybe it is the age group? I don't know, but it amazes me to witness how difficult it can be for teenagers to have a civilized conversation.

I do see this as a minor problem in my classroom, but a problem nonetheless. Since I teach Public Safety, there are many class discussion as I like to bring real world occurrences in to the classroom as often as possible. Therefore, I feel that it is key to have students share comments about various topics and listen to comments from others in a respectful and civilized manner. I do not want to end class discussions as I feel that a lot of good things come from them when they are done correctly. Any suggestions out there?

2 comments:

bernardo said...

Hi Cristina,

I had the same problem with my some of my students who were determined to make themselves recognized in the classroom. I noticed that the majority of these students did not have a valid answer but was looking to get a response from their classmates. I know this is a difficult situation because you would like for all students to be involved in classroom discussions but they must understand how the real world operates.

I informed them that I wanted to operate the classroom in a business like manner. Therefore, each student would have an opportunity to lead the classroom discussions. By using this method I could identify the students who were serious and the ones who were class clowns and really didn’t have and valid input. For the students who did not participate in the discussion received a grade of 0 and the students who continued to be disrespectful were assigned to detention. I know this sounds a bit harsh but this was the only way I was able to receive results.

Bernardo

Teresa said...

Christina, sometimes during classroom discussion I will just pause as the comments come to a close. The quiet from me actually gets their attention...eventually and they know something is up. At that time I can redirect their attention to proper classroom discussion. I typically have strong opinions voiced when we do our ethical debate. I set the rules up front and make sure everyone knows that they cannot be disrespectful of each other. That typically works, but the debates can become quite controversial. Since our last class meeting you might try the large group/small group discussions when you believe it's a topic that they will become very verbal about. That will allow each student to have a voice, but it will also reign in some of the "outburst" of making sure they are heard. I also liked Bernardo's suggestion, but I have some very shy students in my class and they listen intently, but don't always want to participate in group discussion. I can obtain their input in other ways though so that they maintain a certain comfort level as well as a trust in my class. Hope some of this info. helps.