The effectiveness of parent contacts continues to amaze me. This is one of the tools that we learned from NTI in our earlier classes. Certainly we should begin at the first of each school year as we welcome students to our class.
Later if we need to call the parents for their assistance and to share knowledge and viewpoints, it is surprising how we both seem to have the same concerns. Just as we are seeing a change in the students at school, so are the parents/guardians. Often times not only does the call help us to correct the behavior, it helps the parents to deal with other issues. The call from us provides the parents the motivation they need to address things they are dealing with at home. A lot of times the parents are sitting back thinking this is not a big concern and that the problems will pass. A call from us often gives them the reinforcement they need.
Just this week I had an opportunity to phone a parent and find they were noticing similar attitudes. It mostly had to do with the condition called senioritis but it provided the parents a chance to address the child’s lack of focus, motivation, declining grades and generally poor attitude. This student has big plans for college and a career and needs to understand the need for staying focused.
Thanks,
Ron
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?
1 comment:
Ron I agree keeping good contact is a nust. I have had so many parents thank me this year for calling and keeping them informed. Good or bad that line has got to be open and is crucial to the education process of the students. Without that communication to me the process is broken.
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