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?

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Relinquishing the moment

I would have to say that I found a moment of complete engagement while I wasn't even teaching, sort-of. Two weeks ago one of my more annoying sophomores started interrupting the lesson with a barrage of questions unrelated to the lesson, much the way Dr. Burns had Scott do to me this summer if you recall. He was correcting me about something I had said about "drifting". Drifting is some ridiculous new sport wherein you spin your car around and around and melt your tires off the rims. Anyway, I had told him to research the topic himself at home and I would be glad to revisit my earlier comments. That shut him up so I could continue the lesson. Low and behold, last week he came to class with articles proving his point. I was wrong. So here is what I said. " Listen up class. Do you remember recently when Danny and I disagreed about drifting? Well, he was correct and I would like for Danny to correctly explain what he was trying to tell me before." I took Danny's seat and said "Go ahead Danny, the floor is yours." Danny proceeded teach us about an aspect of drifting I knew nothing about. The class asked pertinent questions while Danny beamed at the attention. In the days to come I had three administrators pull me aside and ask about it. Apparently, the kids are talking about it all over the school. I think I knocked that one out of the park, and so did Danny. I love this job.

3 comments:

Tonya said...

I think this is awesome! I love the fact that the kid actually went and did the research, but what I love more is how you handled it when he brought it in. I think that it is great that you admitted your mistake to the class and gave the student the opportunity to teach the class. What a fantastic example you have set for your class. You have let them see that it is okay to admit when we are wrong and that we can always learn something new if we are open to it. I am anxious to see if his behavior changes. I think I could use this technique in some of my classes. Keep up the great teaching!

Dr. M said...

Hi, Pat - and I love your post! By grabbing hold of a 'teachable moment', you reached a level of class engagement that is still resonating. The point that I really like is that this student went out on his own to research a relevant topic that was interesting to him. It is always amazing what our students can do when something in our subject matter really captures their interest, and it is to our great benefit to help them find that interest. Kudos to you for letting him share that with the class as well - a great teaching experience!

NATE said...

Teaching I have found means that you are always a student as well. We don't know everything and I think students enjoy the fact that we don't! We know our trades and they know theirs. All people like the feeling of accomplishment. Small ones can always turn into big ones. That one chance to shine can turn someones life around.