become a better teacher

sigh

I am trying to put all my energy into becoming a better person. I would like that to transfer over into helping others become all that they can be. I know that comes from within-but what transfers in the way of enthusiasm, content, and love of learning that transcends the inertia of “maybe tomorrow?” I want to be that person NOW!

At the moment, it looks as though I have a class of mainly boys next year (23 out of 25), so I want to do some reading during the six-week Christmas break about implementing an indoor-outdoor program for 2008. It is something I have been interested in doing since I started work at my current Kindergarten four years ago, but never had the get-up-and-go to actually start. Hopefully I can get this off the ground for 2008 without treading on too many toes!

I just took a class on integrating technology into my teaching practices. I’m so fired up to try a blog with my kids – a grammar blog! They might hate the topic, but it could be cool and ultimately really useful as a teaching tool. And I’ve worked up a survey for the kids on SurveyMonkey. I’m not sure how it’ll play out, but it will definitely be useful to get some feedback on classroom atmosphere, activities, etc. Though ultimately, student preferences being what they are (to do NO work if possible!), it is my call on how things are managed in my classroom.

Well, I teach Psychology for over 14s. I have been using a digital projector to offer Slideshows covering key material.
I am aware that I’m maybe ‘lecturing’ a little too much (though adults seem to quite like this) and not allowing them to “discover” on their own own or in pairs/groups. I guess this is partly for my own peace of mind as I know, through the slideshows that they are covering the essentials and I know full well that they don’t read the text book religiously at home each week!

However, it’s a little too intensive for me as I don’t have much prep time and I feel they’re maybe getting it too easy?

Now, not that I needed this shove, but it seems I may have to give back the laptop and projector. So this is perhaps an opportunity for me to make them do more of the work. The trouble is with an adult class – I don’t want them to feel they’re turning up to class only to read the text book, or some variation on that theme.

I keep wanting to come up with exercises and projects etc but I don’t always get the inspiration or manage to research anything. I could keep preparing my slideshows, but can’t print out the slides as I doubt the photocopying budget stretches to this!

I have the Ginnis’ “Teacher’s Toolkit” book but fear much of it is for younger kids?

Discussion works quite well and engages them, but by no means covers what they need to for the exam and I have to keep them from going off at tangents, often losing precious time!

I’m thinking maybe something like worksheets with missing info, a “fact hunt”, if you will. The kinds of things I can prepare relatively quickly, giving them a little freedom, autonomy and responsibility?

I admit to being new to this and anxious to give the best experiences for my students but there’s no way I can be up most nights preparing outstanding resources, not differently each time. I need to find a few variations on tasks and activities that will see me through the year across whatever topics.

I thought the slide shows with occasional exercises, video and discussion would cover it, but my resources are being threatened! :-D

I could duplicate highlights of the slideshows, and worksheets to complement the text book, while not covering it entirely – having to trust, I guess, that they WILL read the text properly on their own time?

I suppose there are a whole range of different worksheet and mini-project ideas, so I could explore this. My next lesson is in 2 days. I’m not ahead with my planning because I teach only part-time and work a couple of other jobs!

Anyone want to share wisdom? Thanks…

this is on my other 43things

I think I’m better this year… More organized, more on top of my students needs (IEP’s, 504’s). Trying to smile more in every class, every day. Trying to play games from time to time. Developing more tech things, WebQuests, on-line activities. I love what I do. Why does it feel like all that I do is never enough?..

While I focus a lot in my Kinder room on literacy, numeracy, creativity, social skills (and other concepts that can be taught in a play-based way), I have identified gaps in both music and science.

I went to an early childhood conference last week and was lucky enough to get into workshops covering each of these areas. I am especially excited about putting into practice different ways I learnt about incorporating science concepts into my room :)

I teach Chinese to grades P-10 and I get too grumpy at the little things in class. I need to chill out! Also, I want to have more engaging classes – using more technology.

Officially, I taught elementary school for ten years. Teaching, if you have the gift, is something that never leaves you. You are always teaching someone and you probably do a pretty good job of it. I left the profession of teaching but the art did not leave me.