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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.
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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?

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

A visit from a past student

I have taught now for 1 year. Time enough to reflect back over that first year with some regret for what I would call "the guinea pig class". You know what I mean....first time in the classroom and the teacher is not the seasoned professional that every parent and administrator hopes for.  With more blunders than success, I found myself often thinking, "That was an epic fail....I won't do THAT again..." I mean who knew that a hot glue gun could get THAT hot, or that students would sneak out of your classroom when you weren't looking, and not come back! So it was a really nice surprise to have a student from my first class come by to visit me this week. She is still a student at my school but could not fit the next class of the pathway into her schedule this year. She came by to tell me how much she appreciated what she learned in my class last year. She's smiling and speaking and in my head I'm thinking, "You learned! and remember it!" She went on to explain that in her AP Psychology class there is a large amount of nervous system anatomy and how overwhelmed many of her classmates have been with the subject matter. She however, was sailing through because she remembered it from last year. I don't know if I was more surprised that in all my shortcomings last year, some actually learning was accomplished, or that a student would have the kindness to come by to express her gratitude. Either way, it was a nice surprise.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

It looks like one of the BEST things about teaching students "happened to you". More times than not, we wonder if what we're teaching students is actually getting through to them or as the ole saying goes "going in one ear and out the other". But when a student from the past, comes to you out of nowhere, and thanks you for what you taught them - It can "Blow You Mind". There's and old Twilight Zone episode entitled "The Changing of the Guard" about a college professor who is forced to retire due to his age, an feels that he's no longer needed, and that what he taught his students had no effect on them - in short, he felt like he had failed the school, but most important - his students, but in true Twilight Zone style, as he is about to commit suicide, he hears the school bell ring, and heads to his old classroom where he sees the spirits of his students seated in class. One-By-One, they stand tell the professor the great impact that his teaching had on them and there lives. A profound statement relating to what you experienced. If you get a chance, look the episode up on YouTube and check it out!!

Unknown said...

Sorry about the typo's, too late to correct after I posted.