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.
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.
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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?
2 comments:
I do the same thing with my classes. I like to ask a few of them how I could improve on a lesson. I also like to get their feedback after a long project to see what they liked, didn't like, and/or how the project could be improved. I think it is important to get student feedback, after all, they ARE the one's performing the activities/projects.
Good idea Tuck! I'll have to try that next semester.
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