This past week was an uneventful one at Shikellamy. Ironically, one of the most valuable aspects of my week comes out of a complaint about my Computer Applications class. The students are currently learning Microsoft Word skills and complete an activity every day that includes the new skill I taught during the class period. I heard many of the students make comments of how they don't like class. At first I thought it was me and went round and round with myself of how to make the content more interesting for the students. I finally asked them what was so bad about the class and the overwhelming response was that they actually have to do something during the class period. Many of the students named some of the other classes in their schedule and explained to me that all they do is sit and listen to the teacher talk or take notes. I think their views of other classes may be exaggerated a bit; however it made me feel better about their opinions of not enjoying my class. It's not that I am boring them, I'm actually making them do something in school. Imagine that!
My thoughts as to what I would change from the week switch to my other class, Money and Banking. I feel like I am in a planning slump. This past week went slower than any other week and I think it's because I was not thrilled with my lesson plans for the class. We are covering types of accounts offered by banks like checking, savings, certificates of deposit, and loans. The ideas I had while planning seemed like they would go well, but when I taught the class, the students didn't seem to have an interest. I am thinking this week will be different because they will be working on a group project for the first half of the week. Maybe it will be a change of pace for them and for me as well.
Have a great week!
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Casie I can't agree with you more. The students in my Computer Apps classes dread having to actually do something every day! And then a lot of the students don't work productively and fall behind on the work, but never come to my room during their study halls to get caught up. It seems it's easier to blame it on the teacher for actually requiring work than them being responsible for finishing their work.
ReplyDeleteWow I also agree with you about a planning slump. Sometimes it is just hard to find a way to relate the material to the students or a way to make it interesting for them (especially Accounting). It always is a bummer once you find something you think they will like and they don't even show an interest. Keep your head up, the material is always changing which allows for more creative ideas to be developed.
Don't worry not only will you get some new ideas, but this coming week is our last full week of student teaching! That means you will have lots of time to plan, and less classes to teach. Anyway, I am sure you are doing great, and you can hang in there for a few more weeks!
ReplyDeletePlanning slumps are the episodes in a teacher's life when we need to go outside our four walls in the classroom and talk to other teachers. Whether it's in the hall, in a faculty meeting, on the phone, at a conference, or online, fellow teachers are always there ready to help us with winning lessons, activities, and projects. Take advantage of your peers and reach out for a great idea or two. Research shows, we learn best from our peers than supervisors! : )
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