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?

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Something very helpful that I learned in NTI that I implemented the first week of school was to establish an effective classroom management plan to help set the tone to prevent behavioral problems and learning curriculum. This is how it worked, the students were able to be more involved in the rules about the classrom. It made my new year different by having the stuedents more involved and motivated to engage with classrom activities.
Something I learned in NTI this past summer that I implemented the first few weeks of school was teaching zones, classroom managers, and I also switched my desk from the front of my classroom to the back. All of these strategies worked very well. Teaching zones enabled me to exchange dialogue and make contact with students. Students in all 6 of my classes were very excited about the possibly to be the classroom managers. Having my desk at the back of my room allows me to view each student to ensure they are remaining on task. These things made my new year different by allowing students to feel involved, and be integral parts of how the classroom tasks, and assignments are ran.

A Different Start to the School Year...

The 2016-17 school year began very differently than the prior year...

I implemented many of the strategies that I learned in my NTI courses this past summer.  Clear and precise classroom rules were supported by a detailed syllabus.  Each of these documents laid the foundations for expectations in my Health Care Science class. What a difference it makes to point to a rule and refer to the syllabus - it's huge!

Another thing I implemented was a review game that we did at NTI.  As a knitter, I have no problem coming up with stray balls of yarn.  Attached is a picture of a class review game using a ball of yarn.  The kids loved it!


Kolena Chavers

Something I learned in NTI this past summer that I implemented the first few weeks of school was __the introduction to the student and what they are wanting to know on the first day. This is how it worked, student were glad to know how the class would run and the way they would be graded, and they learned a little about me. It made my new year different by letting the students know more about me and the class, making the student know what is expected.
Something that I learned this summer that I have implemented in my classroom is the use of Celtx, which is a professional website used for screenwriting. Adding this site to my instructional practices continues to meet my personal goals of preparing students for life in the industry that desire to work in video production or film. So far, students have been excited about using the site and it allows them to really take ownership of their work and have something to follow along as they continue to create videos. 

Great start to my year due to NTI class

Something very helpful that I have learned is how to build great classroom management with starting classes with great group activities. This allowed each person to learn more about each other and the end result was knowing how to deal with different personalities in a positive light.
Some things that I was able to implement the first week of school was the Halo Effect.It was extremely important to me that I made a good first impression. I also made sure to focus on my objectives. The "how well" was the most challenging. I will continue to work on it.

First Impressions!



There were several things I learned over the course of the summer during NTI class. Considering I have never taught before and I was going into my first year of teaching, there were a lot of things I didn’t know. I knew that I needed help in every aspect of teaching. One thing I remembered learning was “First impression is the last impression” and that is what students will remember. I said to myself, “Crystal, you will make the first impression our best impression.” Well the summer went by and the first day of school grew closer and closer. I grew more nervous I thought I was going to forget all of the good information I received over the summer. Well, here it is, the first day of school, and I made the BEST impression ever. I let the students know that I was excited to be there and I wasn’t there for a check, but to help them succeed in their educational career. We are now going into the 4th week of school and the students all say the dame thing to me, “Ms. Kimble, I wish I had your class for all my periods.” I can’t get rid of them. That is a good feeling to know that my students enjoy being in my class. I guess I made a good impression on them.
Something I learned in NTI this past summer that I implemented the first few weeks of school was __the introduction to the student and what they are wanting to know on the first day. This is how it worked, student were glad to know how the class would run and the way they would be graded, and they learned a little about me. It made my new year different by letting the students know more about me and the class, making the student know what is expected.
Anthony Love

During my first week of class I used my classroom management plan that I created in NTI this summer. I went over my classroom expectations that were posted on my wall. Last year I did not have classroom expectations posted on my wall because I did not know any better. I learned that teachers must set expectations in their classrooms and ensure that the students are following them on a daily basis. I also posted some movie posters on the wall as indicated in my classroom management plan. Students that I taught on last year were very impressed and thanked me for putting up my expectations as well as the posters. I am definitely having a better start this year than I did on last year. I feel honored to be a part of the NTI program at GSU.

Week 1 Reflection - Jessica S.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure..."
Currently we are about 3 weeks into the school year (crazy to think we are nearly a quarter through the Fall semester already!). I have had a really good start to the school year, and have implemented many things I learned from Summer NTI. 

One of the things that has been most successful and beneficial to my classroom has been the approach I took to teaching classroom procedures and behavior expectations. I decided to dedicate the first 3 to 5 days of the school year to a program "orientation." During this time, we discussed procedures specific to my classroom, covered the syllabus, use of Google Classroom, and employability skills. 

I believe that taking the time to communicate clear expectations has helped this year get off to a smooth start and I have had very few issues with transitioning activities or behavior problems because of it. 

Additionally, having the clear expectations posted both on the wall with my poster and in the syllabi for my courses allows me to frequently reference the policy when behavior corrections are necessary. It has made classroom management a much more seamless part of my job, and has given me more time and energy to focus on instructional activities. 

I'm looking forward to learning even more new methods this Fall and my continued growth as a professional educator. 

Good afternoon,

things that I learned in the NTI session this summer were classroom management. I made sure that when I started the school year off, my students knew that I meant business. I learned that we can work hard and also be able to play too. I treat my class like a family and work together.


Abshul
Something I learned in NTI this past summer that I implemented the first few weeks of school was the first day of school agenda and teacher introduction video. This is how it worked I...Greeted the Students at the door, Instructor introduction video, class rules, syllabus scavenger hunt, design challenge, presentations of design challenge, transfer out / closing.  It made my new year different by allowing me to know exactly what I was going to do and say.  
Shelley Carter

Test Post!

Hello Class,

It has been such a pleasure meeting each of you! I wish you all much success this school year....

During the summer I learned the importance of applying economics to my daily life and teaching practice. For example, what is the cost benefit of me completing this course or spending time with friends? I decided to complete this course, which is a requirement for my job and overall provides future employment possibilities.


 I learned from the Summer NTI session was to always monitor my students when they are completing their assignments and ask them for feedback when the assignment has been given to them. This strategy helps them understand and provide some source of feedback if they got a full understanding of their directions. I also will like to add how having the Sponge/bell ringer for the students to begin their assignment is great for them to transition into the class and focus on education.
Hello fellow NTI ...It is such a pleasure to see all of you again. I would like to welcome the new teachers who are joining us today. You will find Dr. Burns instruction to be helpful and very useful when navigating the classroom.

This Summer in NTI I learned classroom management as it relates to behavior. I have used the eye contact technique as well as walking up to the student when they are off task. It truly works when you follow the systems in place.

Mrs. Day
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?

I posted my main classroom rules in the front of the classroom where all students could see them.  I went over them in detail the first day of school and continue to review them with the students on a regular basis.  One of my main rules is no cell phones in class unless instructed to use by your teacher.  This was a huge problem for me last year.  I have strongly enforced this rule since day 1.  I am certainly off to a stronger start with the cell phone problem this year than I was last year. 

Another rule I posted this year was students will remain seated until dismissed by the teacher.  I no longer have a problem with students lining up at my door at the end of class and waiting for the bell to ring. 
Something I have started using to get the students quiet is turning off the lights like Dr. Burns does to get our attention. It has worked really good. Now I do not have to raise my voice to get their attention.
I learned some great things in the NTI this summer session. I am implementing the positioning of the desk really determines the kids focus. I also have classroom managers that keep up with the day to day work of the class. The last thing that helps me is the ask three then me rule it makes the kids really think before they ask the same question repeatedly.
Something that I learned in NTI this Summer was how to effectively write an objective and complete a task analysis for upcoming units and demonstrations.  This helped me in the sense that it taught/allowed me to completely dissect the steps that needed to be covered in an orderly and coherent fashion.  In doing so, I was able to pinpoint specific areas that need more focus and very clear, basic instruction.  As a result, I've noticed it has helped slow my teaching pace down so that all students fully comprehend the lesson, and no student is left behind!
NTI First Fall Semester Blog Post

Hello all,
During these first few weeks of the 2016/2017 school year, I have implemented several of the techniques that we learned in NTI over the summer semester. One of the strategies which has had the biggest impact is the use of the "events of instruction". This includes the set induction, transfer in, learning activities, closure, and transfer out. By structuring my classroom in this way, it has provided a framework which encourages learning. It also helps me with my time management. I plan to continue to use the NTI lesson plans and events of instruction to structure all of my units in AVTF I.
Thank you for reading,
Anna

What I plan to do.

Since Murray County does not start school until September 6th I plan on creating groups for lab management to help me keep track of time, organize tools, clean shop, and do all PR related activities. I hope this will free me up to monitor the class better thus keeping students on track. I also hope to answer questions and assisted groups that cannot be answered or helped by my "foremen".

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Sample Post to First Week Question

Here is a sample post for you:
Something I learned in NTI this past summer that I implemented the first few weeks of school was _______________________________________________________________________________. This is how it worked _________________________________________________________________.  It made my new year different by _____________________________________________________.