I would say the teaching practice that has improved most for me is in planning group activities. After one of my observations by Ms. Greene, she suggested that I have smaller groups. I had always divided the groups mathematically… I had five computers so I had five groups. Unfortunately, this caused me to have larger groups and that meant less “hands-on” learning for some of the group members. It also meant more playing around and potential for trouble. By decreasing the group sizes, I have better control of the groups and we are getting to work on a variety of projects.
In order to improve, I need to be more consistent. I am so stressed with life and work that I have a difficult time maintaining consistency. I will start something and then drift off down the path of least resistance. We may start a project, but if the kids are having a really difficult time with it, I will break it down and make it easier. I know this may be a good idea on occasion, but I think it would be better if I set the standard and keep to it. I’m pretty sure the State would prefer that as well.
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.)
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.
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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.
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?
2 comments:
Josh, a reminder of an NTI saying; things don't always work the first time you try them. When I do a project I try to make changes as I go, not for the current class, but for the next time I do the project in hopes that it will work better. I also try to let my students (especially after their first semester) have a say in the development of the project. I even use this plan on projects that I have fully planned out already and may change a thing or two depending on their ideas. But, when they have input they fully know the expectations as well as consequences of the project. Recently I allowed a class to develop their project rubric and had great success with it. They like that ownership.
I adjusted a few lessons early on and found the students talked to other classes and started using this in an effort to do less. I adjust lesson plans for implementation only as a rule. I seldom lower my expectations. These students are good at getting their way, some only have to ask twice at home to get their way. If they see a soft underbelly they will feed.
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