Trying Something New
I have always said all a good teacher needs is an audience. All the other stuff was just window dressing until now. When educators couldn't see their audience each day it was time to rethink how we reach our audience. I truly believe this will all make us better and hopefully create a batch of life long learners thirsty for knowledge. This blog will be a place to share ideas to improve teaching and learning.
This is very difficult for me as a math teacher. I have found that students fall into two categories, students get logical, step by step thinking or they don't. For the ones that don't, which to me is a bigger category, they need the one on one, face to face interaction of teachers. I can do this step by step on a video and even give them something to print out, but it is not the same as me being there to facilitate their learning and praising them when they get a step learned. I worry for these students and the progress or lack of it, they will make. Suggestions?
ReplyDeleteMaybe setting up a google meet or zoom call with students can help. I know I found an app or site that can turn your chromebook into a whiteboard. Maybe face to face that way can help them walk through the steps. I am hoping between the teachers, assistants and the rest of us we will make enough contact weekly they will do some work. I worry about our kids too.
DeleteI have learned a lot by completing the various PD assignments and Google training. I have been excited to find some programs/websites I did not know about before and blessed to become more comfortable with the Google platform and other technology that I did not previously embrace or use. However, it has been a stretch (at times) and frustrating (at other times) trying to fit my "other" role into the dynamics (square peg meet round hole). No doubt I, my position, and my duties can benefit from and utilize all the technology, virtual components, and other things I have been learning about, but it is unique and often requires the "thinking cap" because it may not be as straightforward as a classroom teacher working with his/her students. I will say this has probably been some of the most meaningful and long lasting (will be used in the future) PD we have ever done.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDinah, I agree that this PD has been very beneficial and I know that I will be using it to directly impact my teaching. I plan to incorporate Google Classroom and other online resources more consistently. I think consistent use, while we are face to face, will help them if we have to transition back to online learning. All of the middle schools, in our county, use Google Classroom in some form. Therefore, our transitioning students can build confidence while learning about the tools with one on one support.
DeleteI agree with you Dinah. I am glad to know more and although there has been a lot of frustration, I do feel more confident using everything. I do still struggle with the thought of my students using it and providing activities for them.
ReplyDeleteIt says Social Skills but that is me. Ginger
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. This obstacle created by COVID-19 preventative isolation, whether justified or other than necessary, has forced us to rethink our pedagogical strategies and to stretch our horizons. (This is a repeat comment. This is Roby. I couldn't figure out why it replied as "unknown" as it clearly says, Comment as: sroby@dcstn.org. Perhaps I neglected to title it correctly. Anyway, now you know who "unknown" is.)
ReplyDelete