So, I did assign those prompts for homework on Friday. The second one, though, I gave them as "What can I do differently to help you learn and succeed in this course? 15 lines."
I was VERY clear with them that I am not going to drop my expectations of them; it's pointless, because there's a standardized test at the end and if they get a 20 on the exam and have an 80 in the course, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to spot the discrepancy. Secondly, I literally CANNOT learn the material for them. Sooo... I'm interested in seeing their responses, definitely.
And maybe I could do everything right and still have students fail. However, I don't think I'm there yet! *laugh* I don't expect to be a perfect teacher, ever, but I do hope that perfection would be the only point at which I would stop trying to improve.
I'd planned to do some parent calls over the weekend... and I haven't. Le sigh. I'm debating whether I want to set tomorrow afternoon aside for that, or if I should finish getting the room set up. *grumble*
And finally, I'm working on a rather-lengthy email to the principal where I ask that my students be allowed to break ALL THE RULES! Okay, not all of them, but the journalism class is gonna need to be allowed to be out in the halls from time to time to get their interviews and photos... I hope...
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
(...I just wanna bang on my drum all day)
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3 comments:
Oh, never, ever, EVER lower your expectations of students. Ever. As a matter of fact, setting the bar just a little higher than you expect they can reach is pretty much always a good plan; the ones who want to please you will go above and beyond and the ones who don't think they can reach your bar will STILL go higher than they otherwise would have, had you set your bar too low. There are always going to be students, though - and you need to get used to this idea - who are NOT GOING TO CARE. They won't do even the barest minimum of work, regardless of how easy or pleasant or fun you make it for them. Please, don't set yourself up for taking responsibility for everyone's learning - you open the door; THEY have to decide whether they're going to walk through it.
They'll live up to your expectations or learn to live with their choices - I agree with the above, keep them high! When you get their feedback, use it as counsel, but make your OWN decisions because YOU are the expert!
--Mz.H
High expectations are a compliment as long as they are within the capabilities of your students. All you can do is your best. Learning is a two way street.
I'll post more cliches later. :)
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