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.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
My Evaluation and My Values
Since we have been talking about evaluations, I have had to do some thinking and re-evaluating of myself. I believe and stand for honesty, integrity, excellence, and high morals and values. I failed to realize how my presentation/teaching skills could affect the evaluation of my students. When we discussed this in class, it was like a light bulb came on. I need to not only evaluate my students but also evaluate myself. I can't just think that something is wrong with my students. I had to realize that I need to improve in some areas as well. I work with a student population that come from varying levels of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. I have to take this into consideration when I lecture, give homework/classwork assignments, as well as tests and projects. Students learn at varying levels and I need to make sure that I am accomodating to all of them, the higher level as well as the middle and lower levels. From my heart I want all of them to be successful. When they leave the high-school, they represent me. I appreciate the constructive criticism that I received from this lesson. I also appreciate having the opportunity to work on the areas in my life and in my teaching that need improvement.
Yeah, I know what you mean Penelope. There are so many times in our classes that the light bulb comes on and most of the time it is me realizing that I am doing something wrong. I agree with you that realizing that diversity of your class goes a long way. We have learned that just evaluating through tests is not the best method for our courses. Seeing a student's work from the semester from tests, homework, group assignments, and participation in class gives us a better understanding of the student's grasp of the subject matter. I have personally gone to only three tests per semester. I do not give quizzes. I give daily grades on participation and work ethic. I learned my first year that just giving grades for group projects allowed a lot of students to slide through my class with little to no work. Making this adjustment after NTI this summer has made all the difference in my classes.
ReplyDeleteHi, Penelope - your self-reflection on your own teaching goes to the heart of our blogging. As usual you are right on the money - very thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteDr. M