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?

Sunday, October 10, 2010

6 week progress reports

I realize that I'm emotionally affected when a large group of my students don't do well in my class. I left the corporate world with a need to give back to youth in inner city neighborhoods. I spent ten years with the Urban League as Director of Technology and Programs. While working on a "Welfare to Work Grant" for several years I realize so many young people never get a chance because they don't take school serious.

Every year in my first level courses about 40%-60% of my students are failing during the first progress report. And every year it puts me in a funky mood. I spend as much time teaching about character and integrity as I do my subject and its frustrating to see such a high failure rate. Although I try to focus on the long term effects I have on my students, its still frustrating. With my class averages in my two first level classes at 43% and 51%, it simply a stark reminder of how far behind these students are academically and socially.

But I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, because my 2nd year classes are averaging in the high 70's and my advance students are in the low 80's. And by the end of the year about 80% of my first level students will eventually see the light and will pass and move on to my 2nd level classes. But it's still frustrating to have to teach so much about life before you can begin teaching your subject.

2 comments:

sandra said...

I am so glad to know there is someone else who goes through what I go through in school. I can relate to everything you said. I am in the process of posting grades for the first I think eight weeks and just as yourself I spend a majority of my time teaching social skills to my students. It gets frustrating at times but I forge on determined that something I say will have a positive impact on someone.

Angie said...

Your students are very fortunate to have a teacher like you who takes everthing to heart and cares so much. You are probably one of the few adults in their life who points them in the right direction. You may never know the great influence and impact you are having on these students. And then again you may hear from a select few students later in life after they have graduated. And that is the best reward of all. Just to know you made a difference! Just like the saying goes, "To teach is to touch a life forever". Hang tough, you are doing a fabulous job and reaching more students than you will ever know.