I have learned this year that my students need my one-on-one attention more than I realized. All of my class periods are blended with students from level one up to level four. This setup presents a challenge when trying to "teach" every level in the classroom. What has happened is I am simply letting the advanced students work independently, guiding themselves through a project. I realize this each time the advanced students have an intermediate deadline for their projects, and those projects are not even close to professional standards. Actually "teaching" the level one students is essential for my program. There is no way I have found to split time equally between all four levels and come out ahead.
I have made it clear to my administration next year that I can no longer schedule classes this way. Since my numbers are up above my total available slots for next year, they have finally allowed me to split my level one students into their own class periods. I am optimistic that next year, my advanced level work will be better because I can focus my time and energy into helping my upper levels design and produce better, higher-quality projects.
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.
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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?
3 comments:
This is a huge issue with Career tech. I don't understand why they think we can teach all levels. Have you ever seen Spanish 1-4 in the same class? HOw about Algebra 1 and Calculus in the same class? This is so frustrating. It truly shows how little they understand our classes. Good for you that you got them to realize this for you for next year. I am sure it will be much better for you and your students!
Hey.
I can't believe your admin lets you teach that. That is crazy. The first year is so important to set the rules, expectations, etc.
I have taught two levels at once and that is pretty simple to do - even helpful at times, but I still prefer one solid class.
It is really vital to have one on one time to give students the appropriate attention needed for individual learning.
Hope you can sort it out for next year. If you don't, you run into potential parent complaints, etc.
Have a great week.
I have had a little of that in a couple of my classes. Sometimes the senior student will step to the role of mentor or leader. I have to give them separate tasks that challange them. Thankfully I have not had more than one in a begiining class. Next year may be a real challange if the registration gets mixed in the advanced classes.
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