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.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Relinquishing the moment
I would have to say that I found a moment of complete engagement while I wasn't even teaching, sort-of. Two weeks ago one of my more annoying sophomores started interrupting the lesson with a barrage of questions unrelated to the lesson, much the way Dr. Burns had Scott do to me this summer if you recall. He was correcting me about something I had said about "drifting". Drifting is some ridiculous new sport wherein you spin your car around and around and melt your tires off the rims. Anyway, I had told him to research the topic himself at home and I would be glad to revisit my earlier comments. That shut him up so I could continue the lesson. Low and behold, last week he came to class with articles proving his point. I was wrong. So here is what I said. " Listen up class. Do you remember recently when Danny and I disagreed about drifting? Well, he was correct and I would like for Danny to correctly explain what he was trying to tell me before." I took Danny's seat and said "Go ahead Danny, the floor is yours." Danny proceeded teach us about an aspect of drifting I knew nothing about. The class asked pertinent questions while Danny beamed at the attention. In the days to come I had three administrators pull me aside and ask about it. Apparently, the kids are talking about it all over the school. I think I knocked that one out of the park, and so did Danny. I love this job.
I think this is awesome! I love the fact that the kid actually went and did the research, but what I love more is how you handled it when he brought it in. I think that it is great that you admitted your mistake to the class and gave the student the opportunity to teach the class. What a fantastic example you have set for your class. You have let them see that it is okay to admit when we are wrong and that we can always learn something new if we are open to it. I am anxious to see if his behavior changes. I think I could use this technique in some of my classes. Keep up the great teaching!
ReplyDeleteHi, Pat - and I love your post! By grabbing hold of a 'teachable moment', you reached a level of class engagement that is still resonating. The point that I really like is that this student went out on his own to research a relevant topic that was interesting to him. It is always amazing what our students can do when something in our subject matter really captures their interest, and it is to our great benefit to help them find that interest. Kudos to you for letting him share that with the class as well - a great teaching experience!
ReplyDeleteTeaching I have found means that you are always a student as well. We don't know everything and I think students enjoy the fact that we don't! We know our trades and they know theirs. All people like the feeling of accomplishment. Small ones can always turn into big ones. That one chance to shine can turn someones life around.
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