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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.
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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?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The most important thing I have learned this year

One of the most important things that I have learned this year is that change is required. I actually felt that my lessons would be how I wanted them and that getting ready each day would be relatively easy. What was I thinking???? I am coming to realize through our faculty meetings, continuing education, and research that my lessons are just a good starting point. I am striving for high quality work from my students....not there yet. The question is how do I get me and them to that point? And the answer is probably perseverence and the idea that our students are ever changing. This will require me to continue to develop lessons, trial and error, and modifying to meet the needs of the students. It also means that I may not follow the state curriculum completely and that will be okay too.
Ultimately I am learning that to be an effective teacher I must be willing to change and to change often. I will continue to design and revamp lessons, try new things, and challenge myself and my students. I really like the idea of "Expectations of Excellence". That will be our class moto for now....until the students decide they want to change it.

2 comments:

Mark said...

I agree with you and what you say about required changing and adjusting accordingly with the students and their needs. I have tried so many different techniques in the classroom just to keep up with my students and their needs. I know that what we are doing today will have an effect on each and every student. I feel that effective teachers can have an influence in the way some students will become leaders or even teachers in the future. Challenging and giving the student a reason for having expectations is an important lesson. This year, I have already seen a difference in the way so many of my students look at the future. Sometimes, I lecture to my class on how I believe there is hope for them yet. Most of the students just laugh and agree me.

Dr. M said...

Hi, Teresa - one of the mixed blessings of education is that change is ever present. You have to be able to adjust, adapt, and roll on towards the excellence that you envision. I love that you have embraced the attitude that flexibillity and change are key to your success and excellence. Your students will absolutely benefit from this - keep us posted.