CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: Open Mic

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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, 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".

2 comments:

Jayna said...: 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!; November 2, 2008 at 3:00:00 PM EST
Dr. M said...: Hi, 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.

You 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.; November 3, 2008 at 12:00:00 PM EST