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?

Friday, October 25, 2013

CTAE is the best elective program ever!

After reading a few of the blog posts about this week’s discussion I couldn’t help but be a little discouraged in some ways. I know in my area of the state (Pickens County in Jasper, GA) there is a massive interest in agricultural and culinary education pathways. Those two programs are pretty much maxed out with teachers taking extended days to meet the needs of the students. However, in the past two years there has been a shift in interest to the business and technical end of the spectrum.

The good news for many of us back in CTAE is that the counselors have begun to shift more and more of the student population in our direction. I would say a majority of these kids at least show SOME interest in the course offerings that we teach back here. I know at least in my classes I am at max numbers of 32 with the exception of my third period class.

I know in my own experience the students I have love my classes because I have done things totally different than any other teacher before me. I have posters of comic book characters, movies, video games, and popular TV shows like Duck Dynasty. I have a few video game figurines on display as well and I have made it my mission to tailor all of my lesson plans using MODERN day subject material. I talked a little about this at our in class session back in August and I must say now that I have actually been implementing this stuff it has shifted the students interest in ways I never thought possible.

A lot of the kids just talk to me about movies, video games, and comic book characters. Giving them a common ground to at least SOMEWHAT relate to me on has helped me to keep them on task and doing what they are supposed to do. In my situation at least, it has been good for me to share that side of me with them. My wife teaches fourth grade and the biggest thing she said is that your classroom should have SOME part of you in it. Something that the kids can look at and say, “So that’s what he’s all about…”

Taking this practice to heart has made a difference at least in my situation so hopefully this encourages some of you to do the same.


Mr. H                                                     
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