September 2011 Reflection
This is such a wonderful learning experience. After our last meeting I had much to think about. I often think in such a determined one lane approach that sometimes I forget that there is more than one way (like a book we are to read for the month).
After reading The Book of Learning and Forgetting, I felt I was capable of changing education or even the world by myself. At first, I was so amazed that the entire group didn’t feel the same way. I was shocked that there were so many ways to look at it. Once I stopped, and listened, to my fellow educators I realized that, yes, there are other opinions and always more than one answer. Ahhhh me!!!!
I still feel that this book is spot on - but I do realize that as educators, it is okay to be a balanced classic view and official theory. I will continue to lean towards classic theory and believe this is the ideal way of teaching. Putting it in practice will take patience and perseverance.
After our last meeting, I continued to contemplate how to apply all of this learning to my classroom. I continue to struggle with classroom management. Eighth and tenth grade students are not always prepared for a student centered classroom. This is an on-going struggle for me. As I write this I am continually drifting back to the days activities. I was so sure that I could “hook” them with my plans. Sometimes it is so difficult that I feel hopeless and tearful. How can I help them with their behavior and learning?
I can see a picture of how I want it to evolve. Some say I am a hopeless idealist. I can see my students coming to class, sitting in a circle (much like us), and having intelligent conversations about our reading or lesson. I have some students that are eager to learn - they are waiting for the rest of the class to engage - and I often spend sooooo much time asking them to be quiet and taking care of behaviors - that I see the eyes of those wanting to learn and I feel so guilty that it is not happening. Of course, this isn’t all of the time, but often.
On the other hand there were definitely positive things these past few weeks. I continue with the learning circle and it works really well for my 8th grades students. We continue reading a novel together, and as we sit together, it is easy to pause and ask questions that lead to great discussions and thoughtful responses.
This has led to a much deeper understanding of the diary for most. Yeah! Secondly changing a lesson after the first one was weak was quite invigorating and exciting. We are exploring sonnets and how to make them relevant to the students. First section tried the same old way, but the second section was used to make it specifically relevant for this particular class.
Today I compared myself to an alcoholic. You have to hit bottom before you can move up. That is how I felt with one of my classes. I believe this idea came from one of my students. I have used the learning circle in all classes except this one. Of course the first few students in the room sat and used the phrase, I’m an alcoholic and my name is . . . My neighbor teacher and friend said, “No, it’s the circle of love. Aren’t you learning about poetry and oxymorons?” I do not understand these creatures pretending to be human beings. It is a small group - 15 or so - but a determined group.
My readings thus far have given me many tools to bring them closer to human beings. It is a difficult task and a lonely one. I see first year teachers with quiet rooms. What gives? Much to think about.
As I reflected about this class, I knew I had another shot to make it different and relevant to the students. Section two of the non-humans were on their way. I threw caution to the wind, as they say, and let it all out. We rapped, listened to music (sonnets, lyrics). I even rapped to one student who was very adamant about not working on any kind of poetry. Well . . . when I rapped, “Yo Bryan, Yo Bryan, why is it you won’t listen, and so on and so on. Personally, I didn’t think it was very pretty, but I got a huge smile from him and he engaged with us. Woohoo!!!!! So, I believe what I am saying is, like we discussed in class, there are many right answers. It is up to us to make sure the students are allowed to pursue those answers or learning in a variety of ways.
Sorry - back to the class of non-humans. I realized at once this was not going to be the peaceful, joyful experience of sonnet writing. I truly did not recognize these students. I contemplated how I could hook them and actually had them for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it did not last long. Once they were each seated separately, and in a no-talking class (which I loathe), I sat at my desk and continued to read this months book. The room was completely quiet and I read very quietly, “We are all responsible for our own learning. The teacher’s responsibility is to create educational environments that permit students to assume the responsibility that is rightfully and naturally theirs.” As I finished reading this quote, I could see several students really thinking over what I had read. I am hoping this was one of those great teaching moments.
Enough about my lack of classroom management. I feel our last encounter was definitely an Ah-ha moment for me. I slowly am starting to put the pieces together. I love that the facilitators put our learning on us (what I am trying to do in my room). It gives me such hope and I actually get to see it modeled on a monthly basis. Love it!!!!
Well, my reflection seems very wavy to me - I go towards one side and keep swinging back. I know that I will find the right or best stream for me. I am trying somewhat unsuccessfully, to compare myself and my teaching to a ship or boat. I keep swaying back and forth but refuse to sink.
After reading The Book of Learning and Forgetting, I felt I was capable of changing education or even the world by myself. At first, I was so amazed that the entire group didn’t feel the same way. I was shocked that there were so many ways to look at it. Once I stopped, and listened, to my fellow educators I realized that, yes, there are other opinions and always more than one answer. Ahhhh me!!!!
I still feel that this book is spot on - but I do realize that as educators, it is okay to be a balanced classic view and official theory. I will continue to lean towards classic theory and believe this is the ideal way of teaching. Putting it in practice will take patience and perseverance.
After our last meeting, I continued to contemplate how to apply all of this learning to my classroom. I continue to struggle with classroom management. Eighth and tenth grade students are not always prepared for a student centered classroom. This is an on-going struggle for me. As I write this I am continually drifting back to the days activities. I was so sure that I could “hook” them with my plans. Sometimes it is so difficult that I feel hopeless and tearful. How can I help them with their behavior and learning?
I can see a picture of how I want it to evolve. Some say I am a hopeless idealist. I can see my students coming to class, sitting in a circle (much like us), and having intelligent conversations about our reading or lesson. I have some students that are eager to learn - they are waiting for the rest of the class to engage - and I often spend sooooo much time asking them to be quiet and taking care of behaviors - that I see the eyes of those wanting to learn and I feel so guilty that it is not happening. Of course, this isn’t all of the time, but often.
On the other hand there were definitely positive things these past few weeks. I continue with the learning circle and it works really well for my 8th grades students. We continue reading a novel together, and as we sit together, it is easy to pause and ask questions that lead to great discussions and thoughtful responses.
This has led to a much deeper understanding of the diary for most. Yeah! Secondly changing a lesson after the first one was weak was quite invigorating and exciting. We are exploring sonnets and how to make them relevant to the students. First section tried the same old way, but the second section was used to make it specifically relevant for this particular class.
Today I compared myself to an alcoholic. You have to hit bottom before you can move up. That is how I felt with one of my classes. I believe this idea came from one of my students. I have used the learning circle in all classes except this one. Of course the first few students in the room sat and used the phrase, I’m an alcoholic and my name is . . . My neighbor teacher and friend said, “No, it’s the circle of love. Aren’t you learning about poetry and oxymorons?” I do not understand these creatures pretending to be human beings. It is a small group - 15 or so - but a determined group.
My readings thus far have given me many tools to bring them closer to human beings. It is a difficult task and a lonely one. I see first year teachers with quiet rooms. What gives? Much to think about.
As I reflected about this class, I knew I had another shot to make it different and relevant to the students. Section two of the non-humans were on their way. I threw caution to the wind, as they say, and let it all out. We rapped, listened to music (sonnets, lyrics). I even rapped to one student who was very adamant about not working on any kind of poetry. Well . . . when I rapped, “Yo Bryan, Yo Bryan, why is it you won’t listen, and so on and so on. Personally, I didn’t think it was very pretty, but I got a huge smile from him and he engaged with us. Woohoo!!!!! So, I believe what I am saying is, like we discussed in class, there are many right answers. It is up to us to make sure the students are allowed to pursue those answers or learning in a variety of ways.
Sorry - back to the class of non-humans. I realized at once this was not going to be the peaceful, joyful experience of sonnet writing. I truly did not recognize these students. I contemplated how I could hook them and actually had them for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it did not last long. Once they were each seated separately, and in a no-talking class (which I loathe), I sat at my desk and continued to read this months book. The room was completely quiet and I read very quietly, “We are all responsible for our own learning. The teacher’s responsibility is to create educational environments that permit students to assume the responsibility that is rightfully and naturally theirs.” As I finished reading this quote, I could see several students really thinking over what I had read. I am hoping this was one of those great teaching moments.
Enough about my lack of classroom management. I feel our last encounter was definitely an Ah-ha moment for me. I slowly am starting to put the pieces together. I love that the facilitators put our learning on us (what I am trying to do in my room). It gives me such hope and I actually get to see it modeled on a monthly basis. Love it!!!!
Well, my reflection seems very wavy to me - I go towards one side and keep swinging back. I know that I will find the right or best stream for me. I am trying somewhat unsuccessfully, to compare myself and my teaching to a ship or boat. I keep swaying back and forth but refuse to sink.