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1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
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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?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Monday Morning Quarterback - What Would I do Different?



As I sit and ponder over the past week, I find that there are many things I would do differently. Oh how I can count the ways! Considering I am a first year teacher and I am constantly experiencing “trial and error” days. I would say the one thing I would do differently is to be better prepared and knowledgeable about the course subject (Forensic Science). Considering I have “never” worked in the forensic science field, there is sooooooo much I have to learn. I sat home all day on Sunday reading and thinking of things to do with my class. Because this is my 3rd level course, the students really want to know more about forensic science and they are eager to engage in class activities, such as, finger printing, crime scene investigation, etc. The current standard being taught is about the history of forensic science (not fun at all). I couldn’t seem find any fun activity to engage them. I feel like I was not prepared at all and they were all sitting looking at me like I had buggers on my face. A very uneasy and uncomfortable feeling. I said to myself, “Crystal, you have got to PREPARE and PLAN better next week so you won’t look like you don’t know what you are talking about.” I wanted to cry out for heeeeeelp so bad in class. Now that I am experiencing these days, it pushes me harder to make sure I am prepared at all times. I want to make sure my students are getting the best of the best when they are in my class. Why? Because they absolutely deserve it!

3 comments:

Laura said...

Thelma,
I often feel the same way in my class....You are not alone!
I find that in the Forensics area I have to teach, a few things come in handy for me: The teacher addition of my book has ideas of small class activities that I often use. I also have a good book on projects to do with high school students called: Detective Science by Jim Wiese. It is filled with easy activities for kids in the classroom. I have another one, but I can't find it at the moment, but if you remind me...I'll get you the name of that one too.
I also think that you are probably much harder on yourself than your kids are on you. I know youre doing a great job and putting in a lot of effort. I really want you to check that book out...Here's an example: There's an activity where you can recover writing off of a burned piece of paper. I only had to spend about $10 in supplies. It's a really cool activity.
Any time you want to plan activities for your forensic classes, you can always call me and we can brain storm together!

Unknown said...

Crystal,

I think we all (no matter the experience level) have topics we aren't as great on. It's a learning process for everyone. One thing I like to do is incorporate guest presentations from professionals. It keeps thing exciting and lets you supplement your knowledge with the knowledge of experts :)

Unknown said...

Crystal,

I am teaching a subject I know and love and I still at times feel unsure of myself. I feel like the more years we teach the better we will get. I feel like by year three the groove will be found and it will just flow a little easier. I am here with you it will get better.