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.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Lavoie
I think I have a better respect for the issues that all adolescence deal with each day. Like many of you have mentioned, I can apply what I am learning in my classroom, but also with my own children. As for special needs, it's the recognition of their needs that is the hardest. Only when you become aware can you begin to make interventions for them. We all like to have a great day, but when Lavoie stated "what can I do for you to make your day go better", WOW! If I can maintain that mindset during each block that I teach, all of my students will benefit. I'm not saying make lessons easier, or modify for all students, but keep in mind each of the students unique needs as well as talents. I think this is where we, as career tech. teachers, have an advantage. At present we don't have to worry about EOCT, therefore we can have a bit more flexability in the time that we take on a particular lesson, or the way inwhich we teach it. We can also have our students up and about practicing and applying the knowledge that they learn. Lavoie made me realize that, in a small way, we are all special needs people. It's just about identifying what our special needs are, right???
I agree, we all have special needs. I sometimes feel I have more than others at times! I liked what you wrote about remembering how we can help each student to have a better day or experience one day at a time. I also am glad we do not have EOCTs as of yet. I feel that not having EOCTs gives us a bit more flexibility to work more with those students who do need a little more guidance or who have different needs. I have to remember to also treat the students who are advanced with one on one guidance, because alot of the time, I feel closer to those who do have special needs or are a little more behaviorally challenged.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, very well said. It's so easy to get caught up in our own drama each day, that we forget we're there to help the students get through their day. After having a miserable day today, and, eh hem, thereby making THEIR day miserable, I'm going to go back tomorrow with the attitude of "How can I make your day better." And stop worrying about why the DVI output on the computer isn't compatible with the DVI to VGA adapter that connects the computer to the converter box so I can display CG overlays on video that broadcasts to -- aw, forget it...
ReplyDeleteI really liked your emphasis on individuality and the constant need to re-evaluate our methods. I also liked Shellee's point about remembering students who are advanced as well as those who require more assistance.
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