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.
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?

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Before I forget...

Dr. M came to visit me last Friday and I must say I was as bit apprehensive and anxious. Our school had been closed for two days that week due to the flooding and I was sure I was going to crack under pressure or the kids would since their neighborhoods had been affected. Anyway Dr. M. made it on that Friday and business went on as usual. Things were going okay and my class was transitioning as normal until we began the powerpoint of Report Writing. To make matters worst, it covered writing a Narrative Report using Passive and Active voice so it was more of an English lesson than a CTAE one. Man this lesson was so boring until I almost dozed off. Well shortly after the second slide kids started "dropping like flies". I had about 4 students sleeping after being called on the carpet and others were slowly joining them. If that wasn't bad enough, an unrelated student (from another class) knocked on my door asking to use my microwave..I know right!!!???? Anywho, I went immediately into damage control and instructed my entire class to stand to their feet and do the Hokey-Pokey in an event to wake them up. Did they do it? Not really. Did Dr. M and I do it? Of course we did. Did they (students) wake-up?.yeah with the weight of a detention hanging over their heads. Eventually we got on with the lesson and things picked up.
My point of sharing this story is to say, please do not make the mistakes that I did. For starters I got overwhelmed with the thought of Dr. M. coming and prepared way too much work for my students (something I have a tendency to do on occasion). What I didn't mention was the class went from a gallery walk into a boring presentation. I set my kids up for the "okey-doke" and almost lost them in the end. Dr. M.'s visit allowed me to see the err of my way and he offered me some great suggestions. I now know that when there is a subject that is hard to teach or is more of a content area opposed to a hands-on I will allow my students to teach parts of the sessions to keep them active and alert. I will also consult and collaborate with other departments for assistance as well.
Thanks again Dr. M.!

2 comments:

ZELDA said...

GIRRRRLLLL my goodness but you made it through if we don't make mistakes how can we get better at what we do. I am proud of you keep up the good work.

Dr. M said...

Hi, AJ - as you know I enjoyed my visit and especially the way you responded to your class. You were attentive to their behavior and made proper modifications as you went along - all signs of a good teacher! Keep up the great work!