Lessons Learned

The most valuable lesson we covered in class was the different ways to group students. I really thought this was a strong point in my teaching, but after analyzing the way students work together, I realized I had a few weak areas I needed to focus more on when it comes to grouping. I found it eye opening to see that when I thought I was pairing like-minded students together, I was really creating a “power house group” that gave those students somewhat of an advantage with the assignment. I have since changed the way I create groups, and I have gotten better about not always letting the students pair up themselves. The biggest thing I learned about myself during this class, is that I am a lot more motivated and tend to stay on task when I am in a classroom or small group setting. I often times found myself shifting my focus to other things during online class and I found it extremely difficult to make myself sit down and do the assignments alone. I am fortunate enough to live near some of my classmates, and I found that I am a lot more motivated and focused when we meet up and complete work together.

Work Ethic Rubric

There were a few of us commenting (via blog) on tardiness. I forgot to mention that I had developed a Work Ethic Rubric which helps me to address this problem. I got the idea when Ms. G sent me a copy of a rubric she used with her classes. I include several areas on this rubric. Interpersonal skills, dress code, class/group participation, attendance and of course tardies. There are lots of subheadings that are attached to these topics. There are a lot of opportunities for students to excel within the parameters of this work ethic rubric. Work ethic is 20% of the student's grade.

I realize that some of my students have no desire to go into broadcasting upon graduation, however, the employability skills I teach can be taken with them into whatever vocation they strive to attain. I often tell them that I would do them a dis-service if I allow them to continually be late and let them think it's o.k. In the 'real world' frequent tardies usually lead to a disciplinary action that could include job termination. It is important to follow instructions. I tell my students that sometimes I do not like wearing my I.D. badge. It is a rule that I must abide by. I like to wear scarves and it gets in the way. Not to mention that hideous mug shot which bares my name underneath!

To sum it all up, maybe a work ethic rubric can help you address any problem areas you nay experience with your little lovlies. This rubric helps me to be more consistent in evaluating the employability skills of my students. It allows the students to see and know up-front the desirable qualities that employers seek in their employees. This rubric also gives my students a jump start on perfecting the skills that may be most challenging to them.

Another Week

I was going to get this done early and not have to worry about the 12:00 PM deadline on Saturday. However Saturday came and when I went to blog, it came back and said my invitation to the blog had expired. Thanks Jessie for getting it straightened out. Anyways, last week was a nice short week, too bad they all can't be that way. My students on Thursday were wound up and ready to be left out. They had no intentions of being students with cravings for learning. I was glad when the day was over. Classes are going better but I am still very short on time to keep up with everything. I am looking forward to spring break and the summer to have some time to get caught up lesson plans, rubrics, projects, etc.. I'm looking forward to this coming week and what it brings.

mikem

Future Generations…….??

Why do some students appear not to be interested in their future? They do not understand that by not completing their classroom work they really do not have a positive future. The apathy of some students can cause a teacher to question their worth? Most students do not understand the importance of education and how education can change what may become a gloomy future into one that is rewarding and bright. They do not seem to understand that America was not designed for the high school graduate to be financially able to take care of self and a family. Additional education or training above the high school level is necessary in order to move into a higher income level and enjoy a life of financial stability.

There are some students that understand this fact very well. They strive every day for excellence in the classroom and in their personal life. They are focused on graduating and starting a career for themselves. They understand that graduation from high school is only the first step. Having student like this is encouraging and heart warming to me. I tell those students, “I wish I had more students like you”.

Student Relations

I am really enjoying my students this semester. Don't get me wrong I LOVE what I do, however last semester I had 2 challenging blocks. One of my classes was not motivated by the same things (or ANYTHING) that my other blocks were motivated by. I had to fine tune some things in my teaching style for them. This simply made me reach way down and try to tap and juggle to keep their attention. My other challenging block was very loud. You know ...the "Hoochie Crew," yeah wit' Pookie dem! Yes, I dropped the ball a few times, but they didn't know it! I learned how to 'rock with it and lean with it'! It's all gravy baby!!! If anyone has any helpful ideas for motivating "business as usual" students or have a handout for "da' Hood" please advise. Have a righteous day... PEACE!!!
**I have a sincere concern for all of my students regardless of social status.**

Hopeless

I have been a teacher for 5 years now, and I keep sensing a great deal of hopeless among this new generation of students that we are having. I fear for them knowing what lies ahead of them and most of all, the complete lack of clue. I do not know if it is because of their age or part of growing up, but the kids do not care about anything. If there is something that they do care about, it is about how to get an A without doing anything that would involve critical thing and writing. I have a student who even questions the necessity of going to school. It happened one time when I spoke to them about the importance of getting good grades in school, but as I am finding out that some of the parents are getting younger and younger, I keep wondering about what actually happens at home after school: tv shows? or videos games?I-Pod? cell phone conversations? . Does anybody have a better clue to address this generation of students? What i have been hearing is that, there you have them figure it out ( be a teacher, a mentor, a baby sitter, a counselor, sometimes play the parents role)