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?

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Nov.3 Blog... Jennifer W.


Think about your teaching this past week and then answer the following question: "What was the event that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

The timing of the blog posts always seem to coincide with things I have going on in my life. Just this past week I sent out an email to the parents of my second year students because I am amazed at the caliber of work they are doing. They were given a patient with a list of symptoms. They had to decide what tests they would order, then use the results from those tests to determine the patient’s diagnosis and treatment. They were allowed to ask me questions but the questions had to be very specific therefore not questions that just gave away the “answer”. I will just paste the email I sent because it sums up my proud moment.

Dear Parents,

I hope you are doing well. We have just finished up our unit on the Neuro system. The students learned not only about the anatomy of the nervous system but about common diseases as well. Instead of giving a conventional test over the unit I chose instead to give out case studies. The students were given a little information about the patients and they had to research to make decisions such as the patient's diagnoses, what tests they would order to reach that decision, how would they treat the patient, etc. I have to say I am floored by your young men and women. They by far exceeded my expectations!! Don't let them kid you these are very very intelligent students who rose well above the high school level and were doing college level work. This assignment really challenged them beyond what they normally do in school and again they rose to the challenge. I am so grateful you've given me the opportunity to work with them.

Thank you,

Mrs. Whitfield

2 comments:

e.lear said...

I love this and totally thinks that this letter of reccognition makes a difference. We are often suprised at what our kids can do and they need the boost! Love the letter and the way you worded it.

Dr. J said...

Jennifer,
I am very impressed by your letter. First, you took the time to write in. Next, your humility and competence shines through! Everyone needs something positive said to them - even parents. Keep up the good work.