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.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Open Mic
Well, I would have to say that my biggest issue, besides classroom management with my first year students, is HOMEWORK. They don't do it, they don't care, and would rather fail than have to take time out of their evenings to get a grade. They all think their "F's" with work their way up to C's by the end of the semester. Students and parents aren't fully aware of the semester grading system. That there is only about 7 weeks of classes, then they are stuck. I have more students failing this year than the last two years combined! I don't get it. Most parents think CTAE classes are 100% hands on "fun" classes. They don't understand that there is reading, writing and mathematics involved. Oh, and lots of memorization. It's in my best interest to send students home with two eyes and ten fingers, so it is hard to explain to parents why it is necessary for their child to have certain assignments that aren't "hands on".
This is quite the issue with CTAE classes. I find it difficult for some students to take even the daily work seriously let alone homework! I teach only first year classes and I think the students come in with some very unreal expectations about what Cosmetology classes are like. I try to prepare them at the 8th grade meet and great. But some of them still act shocked when they see the subject content. Lots of written work! 2nd year and up students seem much more motivated as the unmotivated ones are "weeded" out after first year. Maybe this is the case for your program too? All we can do is our best, oh and DOCUMENT!
ReplyDeleteHi, Andrea - yes, students and parents really do need a clear understanding of your grading system at the very beginning of your class. Possibly run through an example of how much each section of your grading system is worth, and how much zeroes affect their grades. They really do need to be shown this in detail early on to avoid a large failure rate midway through. How much of the total grade is homework? I assume your hands-on daily grades and projects are the bulk of your grading system.
ReplyDeleteYou may also bring in a successful former student or two to speak to the class and, among other things, emphasize how critical each section of your grading system is.