I'm learning so much each day. More and more questions keep building with fewer and fewer answers.
Early in the second week I was struggling with the question: How do you accommodate all types and levels of learners? How do you achieve a balance that works for all students in one class? I want to move fast enough to challenge and maintain the interest of stronger students without overwhelming students who are weaker in those areas.
The more I get to know the students the more nuanced this question becomes.
Later in the week I found myself asking: How do you make sure to teach both the content and the structure of each assignment/expectation? I have seen the importance of scaffolding not only the information the students are expected to know but also the format they will be presenting it in.
I think great teachers set their students up to succeed.
Some of this question can be answered by having authentic assessments. I am working on an assignment for next week. I'd like the students to write something on a controversial issue related to science. They have already done a poster and a skit for history so I thought a letter or an opinion piece would be a good example of a different kind of text. How will I have time to teach the difference between fact and opinion? The importance of backing up our opinions with information, how to choose a topic, pick a side to argue, do research and write from a perspective etc... I am going to have to narrow things down a little bit.
I still have a lot of planning to do for next week so I better get to it. Bye!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day 3
Wednesday was great!
I am most enjoying the students and getting to know them. I have taught 2 lessons in class and 3 phys ed classes.
I also sat in on an insightful meeting for all grade 7 teachers. A Grade team meeting about their "critical pathways" for language and cross-curricular. For the first 3-4 months they have chosen the theme of relationships.
I had a lot I wanted to contribute to the meeting but I decided to just sit back and listen since I didn't have enough background information.
There are many unexpected things that happen everyday but I like how busy things are.
Tonight I am working on the answers to the History quiz so that I can mark it tomorrow. I have to say quizzes are not my preferred form of assessment but I am still working on alternatives.
If anyone is working on Science - Pure Substances and Mixtures (Particle Theory, mechanical mixtures etc.) let me know. I'd love to share ideas.
I am most enjoying the students and getting to know them. I have taught 2 lessons in class and 3 phys ed classes.
I also sat in on an insightful meeting for all grade 7 teachers. A Grade team meeting about their "critical pathways" for language and cross-curricular. For the first 3-4 months they have chosen the theme of relationships.
I had a lot I wanted to contribute to the meeting but I decided to just sit back and listen since I didn't have enough background information.
There are many unexpected things that happen everyday but I like how busy things are.
Tonight I am working on the answers to the History quiz so that I can mark it tomorrow. I have to say quizzes are not my preferred form of assessment but I am still working on alternatives.
If anyone is working on Science - Pure Substances and Mixtures (Particle Theory, mechanical mixtures etc.) let me know. I'd love to share ideas.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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