Wins
Throughout my time here I have been getting to know not only students but teachers as well so I am starting to feel a sense of community within the building. I am enjoying the courses and I am learning a lot about managing a classroom and laboratory in order to keep students engaged with the task at hand. I've also had a few wins in the classroom. On Friday, I had created a Shop Safety CSI crime scene where students had to find the safety hazards spread across the shop. They all were excited and found more hazards than I created. Losses
I am struggling to reach every student. I don't think that I am engaging each student every day, and it really bothers me. On Friday I even called a student by the wrong name and I felt terrible. I know how it feels when someone doesn't say your name right or calls you by the wrong name. The last loss I would like to mention is also a question I would like to pose for an educator reading this blog. I have a student that refuses to participate in class. How would you go about getting that student engaged in the class before it is too late? What would be a good strategy to keep that student's interest?
I am learning a lot here at Solanco, and I am excited to see where my future leads.
Luke,
ReplyDeleteI am totally going to "steal" your CSI safety crime scene. Thank you for sharing. I like the fact that you are reflecting on what you are noticing as areas needed for improvement. I think that I would try to have a one-on-one conversation with the student to really learn something that interests the student. Maybe there was something that pulled him/her into the agriculture class in the first place, which could help you in designing something for him/her to get interested in. You could also do a "class-wide survey" on interests and this might give you some insight into this particular student's thinking.
-Dr. Ewing
I also love the crime scene idea! I also know that names are a very important and the fact that it bothers you that you don't know them all yet shows just how much you care, but don't forget to have some grace for yourself too! It's only been a few weeks, so I have a feeling that the students understand.
ReplyDeleteHi Luke,
ReplyDeleteThe CSI safety is an amazing idea that I may have to try on my freshman! I also want to tell you that you are not alone. I have a student who refuses to engage as well. I was told to just find out what they like and make a review game around it! I also found that a "prize box" had sparked motivation in the students that did the bare minimum. Hope this helps!
Jess
Keep trying to reach that student, sometimes it just takes time. Some kids I have had the biggest impact on I had no clue, they seemed so out of my reach. Keep trying to learn more about them and tie it to class.
ReplyDeleteIf you are shy you could practice vocab, parts ID with a little game. Just thinking that way they keep going over it but it isn't new content. I am a big believer in revisiting things and reflecting, that might be a way to help fill time with meaningful things. If it is your shop class have them come up with ways to fix the dangers, especially the ones you didn't put in there. CSI shop safety sounds awesome!