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?

Monday, November 30, 2015

Last day of class

I am all for whatever you have planned Dr. B. I am very sure that any activity you have prepared will instrumental to our careers, just as everything else has been. I would agree with Ms. G. about doing the circle activity again. I do feel we may be able to find out if the advice/suggestions we all received helped in any way. We could also get some more advice/suggestions to help finish out the year.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

I think it would be beneficial (again) to do the inside circle/outside circle activity that we did in the beginning of the semester. It would be nice to see if we had different problems than last time and how we can fix our new problems or get advice on the problems that we are still having. I learned a lot during that activity the first time and I know other people did too. I think that no matter what we do on that Saturday, I will learn a lot (just like I have during the whole semester).

Monday, November 16, 2015

Last Day

I know that whatever we will do, it will be beneficial.  However, as someone suggested, going over things that are actually working in our classes might have added benefit for each of us.

I know that there are some things that I try that just don't seem to work at all.  Some times I will ask trusted students to give me feedback on how to make it work better.

An example that took place this past week in my advanced class was that I wanted to have a test on Friday, but most of the students were behind on a project we were trying to complete.  So, instead of reviewing on Thursday and testing on Friday, I allowed them to come up with the plan for the class for a few days.

Instead of the review, I allowed the students to break the unit down into questions.  Each group was given a section of the unit to cover and submitted seven questions each.  The rest of the class they worked on their projects.

I took those questions that night and created a study guide of 26 questions that might be included on the test.  The next day, Friday, I gave them the study guide with the idea that they would complete it in class, if they were done with their project or they could take it home and do it over the weekend and use Friday to complete their projects.

That worked out great for the class.  Though we did have to test on a Monday, something I hate to do, they chose it.  It was their plan and I felt like it was a good exercise for all of us, for me to step back and allow them some control over their learning, which isn't a bad thing I don't think, and for them to step up and come up with a plan that worked for everyone in the class.  We had a good five minute debate in class about the pros and cons of different proposals that was very good, I felt.

As young teachers, sometimes we become isolated and don't know what's going on in other rooms around us.  But we have kids that are in those rooms every single day and they will gladly tell you what they like and don't and how to make something work better for them.  You might as well use that resource.

Anyway, talking about things that work in our classes would be my suggestion.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Plan for Saturday December 5 session

We have covered a lot in this class. The only word I can say is what I learned have been priceless.
I am drawing a complete blank right now. I know that is so lame and not creative. We have done so much with project based learning, perhaps as a team we select one of the projects and create it, or perform it....etc

Friday, November 13, 2015

Ideas for class

I have learned a lot this semester in NTI. I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of class time that we have gotten to experience. I think the last class would be a great day to discuss what has really worked in our classes and what has not. We could also share ideas on how to make the next semester go smoothly and how to improve our classes. Looking forward to meeting again.

Thursday, November 12, 2015




What I have learned about teaching: That we as teachers are empowering and can be inspirations to many young minds. 
What I have learned about learning: For me on a personal note…You can teach an old dog new tricks.  As pertaining to my students, learning is a habit.  They are sponges if you make the teaching fun, the learning will be engaging and fun as well.

"What is the most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning?"

The most important thing that I have learned about teaching and learning is that you never stop learning and teaching is very influential.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

What is the most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning?"

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE LEARNED
This question is easy for me. I have learned that we all don't learn the same way.
so that makes it very challenging for a teacher to figure out how to get the curriculum
across to a class of 32. As a new student now I see that i learn much differently than the
other New Teachers. Sometimes I feel like I am moving in slow motion (lol). We all process things differently and with learning as well as teaching we must a approach learning and teaching with
patience and understanding.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

"What is the most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning?"

The most important thing I've learned about teaching and learning is organization.  When I first started teaching before NTI I was literally figuring out what I was going to be teaching on a daily basis.  A lot of the times as I'm driving to work which takes 45 minutes.  The lesson plan project we did over the summer really has enlightened me to how organization and technique really help in gaining the students attention.  This year has been a lot smoother and productive than when I took over last year.  So in retrospect the learning I gained at NTI enabled me to improve as a teacher which in turn made it a better learning experience for my students.
"What is the most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning?" 

I believe the most important thing teaching has taught me is, patience. Growing up, I wasn't the brightest student. Honestly, I went to school to have fun and socialize. It wasn't until later in life I realized I didn't want to "work for peanuts" all my life. I believe my personal experiences have allowed me to appreciate my students more yet at the same time, I consistently remind them, "we all have CHOICES". I wholeheartedly believe life is all about choices. My students and I recently watched the movie, "Gifted Hands", a biography of Ben Carson. It was an enlightening experience for ALL of us and completely coincidence that he is currently a presidential candidate. I believe it reiterated to my students, anything is possible if you have the will to follow through and set your mind to doing something. It takes "guts" to change yet this week, I'm glad I took that "leap of faith" and made the switch to teaching. :o)

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

The biggest thing that I have learned since the beginning of the school year is that you can never stop learning and improving. EVERY assignment I do, EVERY lecture I give, EVERY project I give, etc. I learn something. I figure out a better way to do it the next time I do the assignment or project. This is important to realize because even when I think I have an air tight assignment or project, there is always something that I find to improve for next time

"What is the most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning?"

The most important thing I have learned about teaching and learning is that is must be a passion. I always thought teaching was easy and could be easily mastered. Boy, was I wrong! There is an art to this profession and one must possess the desire to teach and learn. I thought was just going to roll in and perfect this thing and it didn't happen like that. I am very knowledgeable of the pathway, but it is not that simple. The good thing is that this is what I want to do and I have the passion of seeing young adults be successful and learn. I am also learning at the same time as teaching and it has helped me become better by the day. I have the desire to be an impact on every student I come in contact with, whether they are in my class or not. I have learned that teaching is not for everyone and those that do not have the passion for this profession should find something else to do. Our kids don't deserve to suffer!!