Yes, this past week has been slow. I only had 70% of my students for two days this week - Monday and Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday were dedicated for the Juniors and their Standardized Testing stuff that they have to do. That went from 1st through 5th periods both days. So, I only had one class after that. (Oh, and if you didn't know, nearly all of the students I'll have are Juniors) The classes I did have were dedicated to just a relaxing time - you can't teach with only one student in the class... that's too much make-up work :-) Thursday was dedicated to one class taking a test, another class going over their test, and another class watching a video. I'm trying to keep all of these classes together since they're all U.S. History classes. So, I'm going to start them on notes on Monday at the same time. Woo!
Today was Junior Work Day where they go out and raise money for their prom next year, or something like that. My cooperating teacher left after 2nd period, so I had the rest of the "classes" since most of them are made up of Juniors who weren't there.
But I had 8th period again. Remember that class period that I had issues with the last time my teacher was gone? Well, I had them again. All the same students. And I took the advice of those before me. I acted like they were my favorite class in the world and smiled and laughed with them as they came in the door and sat down. Before the bell rang, several of them had crowded around me to talk (since they've never had that opportunity before), so we did for a minute or so before I had them all sit down so I wouldn't have to count them tardy. They were very good this time. I was so very impressed. I gave them work to do and they worked on it for a while. But, they are a very talkative class (and I was very aware of that). I had them work for about half an hour and then decided that since it was Friday and I hate watching them do busy work, I would let them talk. They asked me a lot of questions, quizzed me on my state capitals (which I aced, btw, Mrs. Efaw), and talked about life in the country in various aspects. It was a very pleasant class period and they all seemed to really enjoy the fact that I wasn't afraid to talk to them and try to connect with them. I wasn't overly awful because I knew they knew that I meant business because of the last time. They actually did what they were asked to do, and I was very impressed. Students that I had never heard speak much at all were participating in the discussion we were having and they stayed after class to talk some more. That made me feel so good! Maybe I am doing something right. Of course, the fact that non-talkative students are now talking has been true in all of the other classes I've been taking over, too. They all seem to really enjoy the fact that I'm going to be teaching them. They say hello to me in the hall and seem very comfortable asking me questions. It makes me fall in love with teaching every day! I'm so glad I will enjoy what I've chosen to do. That makes a world of difference!
I wrote and gave my first test last week. Before the test, I told the students the format they could expect, as well as how many questions they were going to see. Then we went over everything on the test after I told them that it would be an excellent, very good, probably should do idea to write down everything we were going over. I said that at least 3 times and only two people took the hint and wrote anything down. It definitely showed when they took the test who had actually studied and who had not. The highest grade was a mid-B. We won't talk about the lowest grade.... The average? A 64%. I didn't curve the grade. Since I put several bonus opportunities on the test AND gave them a word bank for the fill in the blank (which I originally didn't have), I decided that it would be too nice to curve the grade so most of the students would pass. Maybe that's a little cold of me, but they sort of have to get used to the fact that I'm not going to hand them a grade. They're going to have to work for it - probably for the first time in their lives. That is so sad...
After I posted their grades, gave them their tests back, and went through it with them, I asked them what I could do differently the next time in order to help them do better on the next test. The unanimous answer? A study guide. Well, okay. I can do that. And a review game (which we did before the first test). I can keep doing that, too. Anything else? I got nothing. All they want is a study guide and a game. I can do that, but I won't hand them the test.
The thing that brought most of their grades down was the short answer. So, I'm going to have to go over how to write a short answer and that specifics are VITAL to a good short answer answer. Yep, a good heart to heart about short answer will be in place soon. And, hopefully, a writing assignment (which they're going to hate, but they need the practice).
Overall, connections are good and I'm excited to see how that will help in the classroom as I teach the students. Tests could be better, but I'm going to try my hardest to find out what helps everyone. I've been asking quite a few of the students personally how I can help THEM in the classroom as individual and then trying to think about how to incorporate that into the classroom for everyone. It's a work in progress, but, then again, so is all of the teaching profession. But, I'm excited to see where it all leads.
Next week is the last week before Spring Break and I can't wait!! Everyone's ready for a break at school. Then there's only 9 weeks left in school for them after that. Yeah!
If anyone has any suggestions for a game I can play with the students related to the Depression, the States, and/or the Capitals I would greatly appreciate it!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Love you guys!!!
Aimee
Why not try a Jeopardy Game, where you give an answer and they have to come up with the question?
ReplyDeleteThis comes from dear old Dad