This past week went relatively well. I began my unit on functions in Algebra I. I'm continued using guided notes for this unit. I sang a popular song for the students but changed the words to talk about functions. The students loved it and begged me to dance to the song. I didn't, but it did get them interested. I am still shocked at how fast most of my students learn new material.
An issue that I am facing is my struggle with being fair to all students but using my best judgement. For example, I have a few students in my seventh period who want to leave the classroom all of the time. I know that they are not going to the restroom or getting a drink of water; they are roaming the hallways. So, I told the students that no one in my seventh period could leave the class for any reason. This didn't no become an issue until a very trustworthy, honest student asked to go to the restroom. I immediately struggled for the right answer. I knew that I could trust him and that he had done nothing wrong to deserve to not be allowed to go, but I also wasn't allowing anyone to leave the class. In the end, I did let him go. I need to realize that although I might tell one student yes and the other no, I am using my best judgement and sticking with what I think is best. Hopefully I will not dwell so much on these situations.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Week 8 Reflection
Week 8 at East Fairmont High went well. I continued my action research, which allows me to implement guided notes during direct instruction in my Algebra I classes. Monday and Tuesday we continued to lecture and complete the guided notes. I also collected a student survey that asked the students how they were feeling about the guided notes. Students seem to enjoy them. Common themes that I saw during the free response questions were that the guided notes were helping them during homework and that they were assisting the students in becoming more attentive and participating during the lectures. I am very pleased with the progress so far.
Also this week, my students completed Tech-Steps. Tech-Steps is a computer based assessment. The students were given three class periods to complete the assignment. The assignment is graded using a very elaborate rubric. The students worked very well during the assessment.
Dr. Benson was also able to come do an observation for me. I hated that it was while I was in the computer lab completing tech-steps. I would have preferred her be able to see a lesson where I was implementing my action research, but the observation went well.
Also this week, my students completed Tech-Steps. Tech-Steps is a computer based assessment. The students were given three class periods to complete the assignment. The assignment is graded using a very elaborate rubric. The students worked very well during the assessment.
Dr. Benson was also able to come do an observation for me. I hated that it was while I was in the computer lab completing tech-steps. I would have preferred her be able to see a lesson where I was implementing my action research, but the observation went well.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Week 7 Reflection
Last week was another good week for me. I began implementing my action research strategy. Students were given guided notes during direct instruction. The students seemed to really like the guided notes. They were able to be more attentive during the lecture because they didn't have to write as much. Also, I've seen homework grades beginning to improve. The students now are able to take their guided notes home to help with the homework. So far it is working out perfectly!
I also encountered a small issue this week. On Friday as the end of the day was approaching, my seventh period began to huddle around the door. Normally, I do not have an issue with this, but on this particular day, I noticed that a student had exited the class and was standing outside of the door with two other students. When I walked out there to tell the student to come back into the class, I noticed that he was distributing tobacco products to the two other students. I immediately confinscated the tobacco and called for my mentor teacher. This was one of my really good students and I was very upset with him. He was suspended for a day, along with one of the other boys. Since then, my seventh period is not allowed to exit their seats until the bell rings. I learned my lesson.
I also encountered a small issue this week. On Friday as the end of the day was approaching, my seventh period began to huddle around the door. Normally, I do not have an issue with this, but on this particular day, I noticed that a student had exited the class and was standing outside of the door with two other students. When I walked out there to tell the student to come back into the class, I noticed that he was distributing tobacco products to the two other students. I immediately confinscated the tobacco and called for my mentor teacher. This was one of my really good students and I was very upset with him. He was suspended for a day, along with one of the other boys. Since then, my seventh period is not allowed to exit their seats until the bell rings. I learned my lesson.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Week 6 Reflection
The sixth week of my intern year has been my favorite week so far. This week was homecoming week and the rest of the interns and I were extremely excited to participate. On Monday, the 8 of us dressed as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Tuesday we were the "Men in Black." Lastly, Wednesday we were the pink ladies and t-birds from Grease. The students seemed very excited. On Friday during a faculty meeting, the principal applauded our efforts and spoke of his appreciation for us and our hard work throughout the past 6 weeks. He rewarded us with lunch the following week. It was nice to get some recognition from the administration. To end the week, we chaperoned the homecoming dance on Saturday. It was a lot of fun to the see the students dressed up. All and all, a fantastic week! I can't wait for the East/West week.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Week 5 Reflection
Last week was a totally new experience for me. I was never given the opportunity to participate in an IEP, 504, or SAT meeting while at Bridgeport High or Bruceton School. On Thursday, I was told to participate in one of my students 504 meetings. I was very eager to attend because I had been dealing with a lot of frustrations with this student. The student would not participate, stay attentive, turn in work, and was a HUGE disruption to my classes (I had them two periods a day for Algebra I and Algebra support).
Those present in the meeting include the mother, the student, a counselor, the meeting's coordinator, and the student's teachers. I could tell very early on that the mother was not pleased. She made comments like "I don't like your attitudes," or, "You all went to school to do this!" When it came time for me to speak, I told her that when I could get the student to work, they worked, but that that was VERY rare. I also said that the student could not stay on task even if I were to stand over top of the student and redirect the student every single minute. The mother then told me that I would have to do that with her child for the rest of the year. My host teacher informed her that we have 28 other students in the class that needed our help as well, and that that would not be an option. The art teacher began to speak about her class after that. My heart was racing the entire time. I was so uncomfortable to be in that room and so amazed that a parent would have such a mean attitude with us. As the art teacher told the mother how her student performed in her class, the anger escalated. That is when my host teacher stood up and told me we could leave. Another student teacher and a special education teacher followed.
I was so thankful that my host teacher was able to talk to me after the meeting to calm my nerves. She informed me that I do not have to sit in a meeting and be talked to like that. Also, an administrator should have been present in that meeting and was not. It was not a good start to my day, since the meeting was before school.
Those present in the meeting include the mother, the student, a counselor, the meeting's coordinator, and the student's teachers. I could tell very early on that the mother was not pleased. She made comments like "I don't like your attitudes," or, "You all went to school to do this!" When it came time for me to speak, I told her that when I could get the student to work, they worked, but that that was VERY rare. I also said that the student could not stay on task even if I were to stand over top of the student and redirect the student every single minute. The mother then told me that I would have to do that with her child for the rest of the year. My host teacher informed her that we have 28 other students in the class that needed our help as well, and that that would not be an option. The art teacher began to speak about her class after that. My heart was racing the entire time. I was so uncomfortable to be in that room and so amazed that a parent would have such a mean attitude with us. As the art teacher told the mother how her student performed in her class, the anger escalated. That is when my host teacher stood up and told me we could leave. Another student teacher and a special education teacher followed.
I was so thankful that my host teacher was able to talk to me after the meeting to calm my nerves. She informed me that I do not have to sit in a meeting and be talked to like that. Also, an administrator should have been present in that meeting and was not. It was not a good start to my day, since the meeting was before school.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Week 4 Reflection
I've taken over full time now and am really enjoying it. Before I had the Algebra II class, I taught the same thing over and over again to my 4 Algebra I classes. Now that I have the Algebra II class, it breaks up the monotony. This week was also our first early release day. The students were dismissed 3 1/2 hours early. After the students left, the teachers split up into their PLC groups. My PLC group, the math PLC, was very frustrating for me. I felt like there were a lot of conflicting opinions, which led to no solution. Hopefully there are more positive attitudes during our next meeting.
Something else that I would like to say is that I am so happy that I am in the cohort I am in. The nine of us are extremely close. We are like a "herd" walking around the school. The drive home is always a reflective time for all of us. We are able to share our frustrations, accomplishments, and ask for help. I'm very lucky to have been placed here at EFHS.
Something else that I would like to say is that I am so happy that I am in the cohort I am in. The nine of us are extremely close. We are like a "herd" walking around the school. The drive home is always a reflective time for all of us. We are able to share our frustrations, accomplishments, and ask for help. I'm very lucky to have been placed here at EFHS.
Week 3 Reflection
Another amazing week at East Fairmont High School! I still have not taken over completely for my mentor teacher, but I only have one more class to go. We have planned for me to take over Algebra II at the beginning of next week. I am a little apprehensive but still excited.
Also this week, I attended a football game of theirs. It was nice to see the students participate in extracurricular activities. It made me feel more involved in the school.
I keep encountering an issue whenever I grade papers. I have discussed with my mentor teacher my frustrations with giving bad grades to the students. I feel horrible when I give a student a bad grade, especially a student that I know was capable of doing better. I know it is something that I will get over but for now it bothers me. A hand full of my students are doing awesome in my classes while others are failing miserably. Those are the students who refuse to turn in homework or participate in class. I am reaching out to these students but am failing. I don't know how else to get them to complete work without practically doing it for them!
Also this week, I attended a football game of theirs. It was nice to see the students participate in extracurricular activities. It made me feel more involved in the school.
I keep encountering an issue whenever I grade papers. I have discussed with my mentor teacher my frustrations with giving bad grades to the students. I feel horrible when I give a student a bad grade, especially a student that I know was capable of doing better. I know it is something that I will get over but for now it bothers me. A hand full of my students are doing awesome in my classes while others are failing miserably. Those are the students who refuse to turn in homework or participate in class. I am reaching out to these students but am failing. I don't know how else to get them to complete work without practically doing it for them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)