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, April 3, 2010

Assumptuions. The Mother of all mess ups!

When I began teaching high school students, I had some preconceived notions. I didn't believe they could understand the importance of the information. I didn't believe they could behave like normal humans because of the raging hormones coursing through their veins. I didn't think they would care. I didn't think they could hold a position of authority and use their position wisely and safely. Well, I was wrong. Given the opportunity, most students will rise to the challenge. Given motivation, they usually excel. I have recently been working with a few of my graduating seniors on some small and some large projects. It's has been an eye opening experience. It's like watching a machine work. All parts fill their place and perform as required to achieve a goal. I had no idea students could be so focused on a task at hand. The determination to complete an assignment or project has been invigorating. Probably my best year teaching yet. I would imagine I haven't seen anything yet.

1 comment:

Dwayne said...

I am glad this has been a good year for you. Many times I become frustrated with some of my students for not taking things seriously. They talk the whole period. They try to surf the web instead of editing. But, in turn, I have been absolutely floored at the caliber of their final project. They have done everything to a T of what I have taught them. It is creative and it is done on time. Maybe what I consider "taking it seriously" is an old fashioned way of thinking. Just because the student doesn't consistently apply themselves, doesn't mean they can't produce stellar work.