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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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?

Friday, October 14, 2011

surprise

"What one thing this week surprised you most about your teaching, and why?"

One thing that I am constantly surprised by, more so this week, is how the students constantly "beat the system" when it comes to discipline and consequences.

Students in my school know exactly what to do when they are called in for discipline. They know to hand off any illegal objects to their friends when they get called to the administration office. They know how to point blame onto someone else when they get accused of doing something wrong. The even know that they can get away with straight up refusal to follow policy or procedures. When they do get to the administration office, they know that they can refuse to answer questions if they choose to, and refuse to cooperate. Students also know the "consequences" of each infraction, and brag about each one...

The administration turns a blind eye to what is going on, despite it being widely known by the teaching staff. Administration refuses to change their policy on discipline, and denies that the system is flawed and failing. Administration also "cannot come up with any way to stop students from potentially handing off items" when students are called to the office - even though we teachers have suggested sending an escort to retrieve students. And the list goes on...

How does this relate to me? I have written referrals for several students over the past 3 weeks, and only one student has been disciplined in any way. I am surprised at the apparent apathy by the administration regarding student conduct. I am also surprised at the fact that the administration places the blame back on the teachers...

However, the more it happens, the less surprised I am.

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