Once in a while it is fun to blog about anything you like related to you and your school. We call this "open mic." This week is your choice and what you would like to share.
I need a moment to vent about what I like to call the "mid-semester meltdown". For some reason, about halfway into each semester, all of my students seem to go through this behavioral anamaly. that during my first few semesters, was hard to manage. During this time, all of my well behaved, on task, angels turn into michevious little envelop pushers in regard to classroom behavior. I have noticed this trend every semester that I have taught, but am finally learning how to manage this phase without totally losing my mind. The most affective strategy that I have found is changing the assinged seating arrangment. I don't tell the students of the change until it is actually taking place. This unanticipated play seems to check them back into reality regarding who is the boss of this rodeo. I have spoken with other teachers here at my school and they too have this issue around week 9. From what I can gather, my strategy in handling this matter is a fairly common practice. If anyone has any additional suggestions, please let me know. :)
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
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.
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?
1 comment:
Erin, I feel your pain. Having been teaching now for 2yrs, I too have experienced the mid semester blues. I find it interesting that one has to continually re-assert themselves as the boss in a classroom setting. I have found along with assigning new seating to reconfigure the classroom in general. I start with the face forwarding seating but by mid-semester have arranged the seating momentarily to accommodate an open floor pattern with desks at the perimeter. Of course this depends upon your classroom configuration. It makes for some interesting remarks, and sets the stage for reestablishing order in the class room.
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