When I feel disconnected.....
I'm taking it as a sign that this is this week's blog topic. I have felt very disconnected to my 7th period level 3 students all semester. In fact, my classroom is literally divided. I have 15 students in this class. The left side of the class is engaged, interested, and well behaved. The right side of the class is disrespectful, unengaged, and very lazy. I've tried every tactic I know to get them involved and improve their behavior, to no avail. I even had a student approach me after class last week and say, "Ms. Antonelli, those kids don't care and they don't respect you." This has been weighing heavy on my mind. I have been brain storming and asking other teachers for advice. This too, has proven to be unfruitful. Across the board, the other teachers have told me they have or currently are experiencing the same difficulties. I feel so disconnected to this class now. I struggle every day because there are so many fun activities I want to do with this class, but I know that half of the class couldn't care less. I know that it is not fair to the other half of the class though. Often times in this class, I just find myself going through the motions. This is NOT the kind of teacher I want to be! I want to be engaged and connected every class, every day. I am struggling with this and I hope that the lightbulb is going to go off soon. I keep waiting for the students to shape up. However, realistically, I don't think this is going to happen. I cannot let the actions of some of my students dictate my attitude in the classroom.
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.
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.
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:
Hey Laura,
If you figure out the secret to fix this issue please let me know! I have this same problem in one of my classes. I often dread that time of day because I know that half of the students are not going to be engaged and the other half are going to be distracted by those students. It can get frustrating and instead of getting angry, sometimes I just find myself checking out. I am working on a new seating chart and hoping that helps!
Anna
Hey Anna,
Sometimes it is good just to know that you are not alone in your struggle! Hope changing the seating chart up works for you!
Post a Comment