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.
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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 17, 2010

Change in perspective..it's not about me

I made an assumption about one of my student's ability based on his behavior in class. He always had something negative to say, he was quick to challenge what was being taught and he made disruptive comments. I reached the point where I dreaded the days that he was in my class and silently rejoiced when he missed coming to class, because it was so peaceful without him. I don't remember exactly what lesson I was teaching, I feel it had to do with life stages, parental traits; because during the session, the student said in a challenging, very confrontational way that he was adopted. The first statement that came out of my mouth was "how wonderful...that means you where chosen." I went on to explain that most parents are "stuck" with what they receive at birth, but he had an opportunity to be selected..."a special gift" Of course, he did all the posturing that was part of his clowning behavior, but he said "yeah!! I was chosen".

The class went on and over the course of several weeks, I noticed a change in his participation and this year even though he is not in my class, he makes it a point to come and speak to me and calls me his other mom. He becomes agitated and raises his voice when he tries to explain things, especially when he feels he's right. We worked on that trait during the past year. I had an opportunity to assist him with another teacher this year, helped him clear up the altercation, had him lower his voice and apologize. He said "but that was what I was trying to do!!!

We discussed using a lower voice, so he can be heard and it worked. He is a better student, actively participates and my greatest joy was watching him help a fellow student calm down...what a change! Did he have a chip on his shoulder because he was adopted, I honestly do not know...but I'm forever grateful to the person who shared with me the idea that adopted children have the honor of being selected as part of a family. It sure helped and he ended 2009 - 2010 school year with a high B in my class.

My perspective changed because I realized my students have many issues underneath the surface that may overflow in the classroom and that in spite of what I may feel most of the time it has nothing to do with me.

2 comments:

Dr. M said...

Hi, Leola - I also like the 'chosen' aspect of adoption, and good for you for using that with your student. I'm sure that your attitude and persistence with him also made a difference and kudos to you for working closely with that student through some tough issues. Your patience and insight has made a definite impact on his life - thanks for sharing!

Pamela said...

Great job Leola, I think that your maternal instincts kicked in and it really added to your teacher capabilities. Telling the student that he was chosen was a great way to build a relationship with him. It seems that you have also realized that teachers have to do so much more than teach.