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, April 3, 2010
Assumptuions. The Mother of all mess ups!
When I began teaching high school students, I had some preconceived notions. I didn't believe they could understand the importance of the information. I didn't believe they could behave like normal humans because of the raging hormones coursing through their veins. I didn't think they would care. I didn't think they could hold a position of authority and use their position wisely and safely. Well, I was wrong. Given the opportunity, most students will rise to the challenge. Given motivation, they usually excel. I have recently been working with a few of my graduating seniors on some small and some large projects. It's has been an eye opening experience. It's like watching a machine work. All parts fill their place and perform as required to achieve a goal. I had no idea students could be so focused on a task at hand. The determination to complete an assignment or project has been invigorating. Probably my best year teaching yet. I would imagine I haven't seen anything yet.
I am glad this has been a good year for you. Many times I become frustrated with some of my students for not taking things seriously. They talk the whole period. They try to surf the web instead of editing. But, in turn, I have been absolutely floored at the caliber of their final project. They have done everything to a T of what I have taught them. It is creative and it is done on time. Maybe what I consider "taking it seriously" is an old fashioned way of thinking. Just because the student doesn't consistently apply themselves, doesn't mean they can't produce stellar work.
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