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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?

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Reflection

This semester, I have really learned how to be more efficient in managing my classes. Having the tools to manage the class properly in the beginning and close it properly in the end was very useful. There used to be a time where I would literally run out material during a 90 minute class period with 20 minute left in class and the rest of the class time was in disarray. But with all the added material where I would do a set induction, a review in the beginning, and closing and cleanup at the end eats up that 20 minute gap that I used to have. I notice that it is also easier for me to manage the class by setting the expectations with written objectives and have the class follow it. I have been told that I do a good job with the "look" but I haven’t quite bought into that yet, but I am certain that I have perfected the “choice” as a discipline tool. I use that as much as I can. I also feel that the kids I have do like the class better because of the routines and expectations that I provided from day 1 of my ‘introduction’. Overall its been great, the visits from our advisor have been very helpful and I will continue to use all of the things that we have learned. I have not implemented all of the knowledge that we have learned in with group dynamics, but I am gathering the tools as we speak and have a plan to implement some, if not all of the things that I have learned this semester for next semester!

2 comments:

ConnieB said...

I agree that using the components of the lesson plan and the many techniques for classroom managment we learned in NTI has been the most helpful to me. I have also seen smoother transitions, smoother lesson plans, and the biggest plus is that I feel less hectic. The students can tell when I am in a rush, frustrated, etc. Being better prepared translates to a calm and controlled atmosphere. It is that psychological environment we are creating.

Jayna said...

I feel the same way about my classroom management. It sure would have been wonderful to have had these classes BEFORE we started teaching. This year is so much better for me, I can't begin to tell you the confidence I have this year that was lacking last year! I know you are a good teacher, you really are a caring teacher too! Lucky students.