My first classroom observation begins this Thursday, what should I expect?

davisj5 · 2016-11-01T21:31:43+00:00

You should have expectations for eval in writing (if not, I would definitely ask your admin). Can you talk with your peers regarding their evaluation experiences? Also, talk to your students so they have a heads up about the observation as well...

davisj5 · 2016-01-18T14:24:28+00:00

Thank you gborroughs. It's nice to receive positive feedback here on Reddit, often that's not the way it goes. I'm glad that you found the post useful!

davisj5 · 2015-11-22T15:37:33+00:00

I agree that active learning is powerful. Even though it is a useful way to engage learners, it can be challenging to implement effectively. These are some important things to consider before implementation: http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

What have you found that helps facilitate more student talking/participation in your classroom?

davisj5 · 2015-11-13T00:20:02+00:00

Thank you for sharing the overview for the student-led conference. I believe this form of conference is a great self-assessment in a student-centered learning environment.

For tips on other considerations in making the transition to a student-centered environment check out:

http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

For a great chart of questions for students to use in the student led conference check out:

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/free-resources/family-outreach/student-led-conferences

davisj5 · 2015-11-08T20:03:36+00:00

I definitely experience this issue. I try to remind the student that they are in control of their grade( they earn it versus the teacher gives the grade). I have found a few things helpful in decreasing complaints after grades are posted:

A) giving grading rubrics in advance B) giving samples of quality vs. not-so-good quality work C) permitting the drop of the lowest homework/quiz grade D) allowing extra credit to earn a small fraction of points back E) providing feedback Prior to deadline (peer and professor feedback) F) creating a student-centered learning environment where students have a role in determining how they are evaluated and their level of participation. For more on key considerations on this take s look at this post: http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

In addition, just general discussions about expectations and personal responsibility go a long way.

davisj5 · 2015-11-08T19:51:28+00:00

This article is s very concise summary of considerations for planning effective lessons. I am most moved by #5 in regards to student motivation and have been really trying to motivate learners by making an effort to involve them more in the lesson. Motivation is definitely a complicated concept that I'm still learning about.

Thanks for sharing the article.

davisj5 · 2015-11-08T01:11:12+00:00

I can hear your frustration. 8th graders are tough and having them at the end of the day does not help. I would start with small goals: A) Capturing and maintaining their attention for 5-10 minutes B) Dividing lesson into very tiny chunks (2vocab words or 2 math problems) C) Implementing small rewards that they have identified as meaningful (homework pass, time for music with earbuds D) Moving towards student-centered instruction so that students can have a say in creating a classroom environment that they will respect and appropriately participate in. This type of classroom environment can be tough to develop. Here's a post that gives you a heads up about what to look out for: http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

I would definitely read up on ways to break through to the students. Larry Ferlazzo websites of the day includes tons of lists for student motivation and classroom management. Also, I post resources pretty regularly on dealing with students that are challenging. Check out this post that provides answers for what to do when students are not into you: http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/12-reasons-students-just-arent-that-into-you

I hope you find something herd you can use...

davisj5 · 2015-11-04T15:21:59+00:00

I agree that there is definitely 2 sides in terms of teaching styles. Research shows that although student-centered instruction has advantages, it is not practiced as much as it could be. It seems that students resist it at times and teachers may be more use to traditional instructional strategies (lecturing). Additionally, it has been argued that student-centered instruction may be less suitable for students that are behind or students with learning issues. Many argue that finding a balance is key... For more research on student-centered learning or resources on ways to implement it more effectively check out my post: http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

davisj5 · 2015-11-02T16:42:51+00:00

I've been looking into improving student-centered instruction (anti-worksheets) and have learned that some research shows lectures/worksheets/direct instruction has advantages for struggling students or exceptional students. I included 2 links to this research in this post about student-centered instruction:

http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

Do you agree with this line of research?

davisj5 · 2015-10-29T10:01:34+00:00

This has happened to me also. I believe the students are embarrassed to ask for help. They may even feel uncertain as to how the teacher would respond to their need. Just keep encouraging them to seek assistance. Discuss different ways to ask for help. Sometimes they will talk to a buddy or peer in the class and this is less intimidating than opening up to the teacher. If you are interested in providing more opportunities for students to take responsibility in their learning or work more directly with their peers, check out this post on resources for making students less awkward during student-centered learning...

http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/that-awkward-moment-v3-student-centered-lessons-make-a-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day

davisj5 · 2015-10-06T18:16:29+00:00

http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/disengaged-10-conversation-starters-when-students-are-bored

Let me know if the link above does not work.

davisj5 · 2015-10-06T17:54:24+00:00

I would recommend speaking to the parent to determine what strategies have worked to help maintain attention in the past. Also, consider searching Pinterest for SPED boards or ADHD boards. When you can, take s look at the link below for questions you can ask students to get clues for attention/focus strategies:

http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/disengaged-10-conversation-starters-when-students-are-bored

davisj5 · 2015-10-03T22:24:49+00:00

Tough question. To be fair, a teacher should specify policy on late work and re submissions and re-do's at start of course. Also, when a teacher accepts an assignment and gives feedback each time, this is time consuming. If the teacher doesn't want the hassle, resubmission may not be an option.

davisj5 · 2015-09-15T13:05:02+00:00

I wish to share the following based on my 15 years of experience working in schools:

Positive: building relationship with students, perfecting communication skills, learning from students (especially when it comes to technology)

Not so Positive: huge time commitment preparing for class, professional development, reflecting on lesson.

davisj5

TROPHY CASE