This semester wound up being a great experience so far. I have three periods of the best kids in the school. They are attentive, behaved and curious. I have good leaders and good followers. Each seems to understand their position without being told, and it seems to rub off on those 12 students who have returned from the 1st semester; a semester of learning on my part.
I introduced the curriculum with stories from my 30 years of experience. This took on the the theme of a "Norman Rockwell" painting of children sitting on the floor listening to old Grandpa tell stories about the good old days.
I set up my classroom differently by placing my work station in the rear. This seems to have given me a tatical advantage. I have a split class 1st period so I have started labs earlier. 1/2 of the class works in the computer lab while the others get a lecture (abouot 35 minutes) then I "flip" them. I have their "after school" activities and, as last semester I will try to go to as many of their functions as I can
I have learned that, although it's the nature of kids to try and get away with as much as they can; if they have a mentor as well as a teacher; if they see that I care about them, then I have the battle half won.
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?
3 comments:
My desk is in the rear too but it doesn't seem to deter the efforts of those who are going bto cheat anyway. During that test that I mentioned in my blog I stood in the front of the class the entire time and let them know that I could see everything! For once I had some genuine grades from a lot of kids who would otherwise have cheated. I try to tell them that in order to be helped you have to know what the problem is.
I agree with you because when students see that you really care about them and are not just there for a paycheck, they begin to respect you and focus on their work more. They develop a trust in you and will ask for advice in all areas of their lives. Great work Grandpa Vinsant!
Steve, you always make me laugh! I love your sense of humor. And I just know your students enjoy that too! Yes, I agree with you, if students know you truly care about them that builds trust and respect.
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