My activities today included a line-up according to vacation spots (who was the closest versus the farthest), swimming number, and technology expertise. Although I liked learning about all the information, by far my favorite was the technology expertise. As an educator we hear so often how we are in the presence of the digital natives (the kids who have grown up with technology in their hands), but it is interesting to see just how comfortable the students are navigating the internet, or even better their; their fearless acknowledgement that whatever is asked of them technology wise, they can trouble-shoot it. (I realize that sentence is a little blotchy so any grammar gurus willing to help me out feel free.) The amount of students uncomfortable with technology is dwindling. Most of my students are at least at the point I am. I had maybe a couple of students in each class claiming discomfort, but I wonder how modest they actually are.
My other activity was going over norms with the students. What really interested me about this activity (One where you allow the class itself to make up its own guidelines, thus giving ownership) was how many teachers besides myself were doing this activity as well. By the time the students in the afternoon reached me, they had an idea of what they wanted for their classroom, and simply rolled with the idea of creating their own guidelines for the classroom. I am really interested in the long term application of norms. Will the students feel invested, thus creating a better atmosphere in the classroom? Will the teachers be able to maintain the guidelines along with the students allowing for a more trusting atmosphere to generate in the classroom? Both these questions are general hypothesis that I would like to revisit later in the semester.
I didn't get through my entire lesson plan, imagine that. I can't wait for us to come up with group names, and individual, group, and class quotes tomorrow.
2 comments:
I too have last year's freshies as soph. in biology. Have to teach so differently in biology bc is such a vocabulary jam at high speed all year. Requiring them to keep a running binder of all stuff until EOC in Apr. to review. Will test weekly to keep fresh. My first foot-in-the-mouth comment today,(Thurs.) Was discussing cell phone usage. Warned them to put on silent because if they have "loud vibrators" I might hear it. They laughed so hard. I told them they knew way too much for 9th graders!!! We all had a good laugh.
They are very perceptive. I'm looking forward to using their cell phones in class. I'm just not sure how it is going to work.
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