I believe that I am making satisfying progress on my Game Plan. I have been working hard as a professional to improve my skills and knowledge base. This has included an abundance of reading material, staying after for meetings, taking classes online, and just generally attempting to think like a professional. My biggest struggle over the past 3 years has been transitioning from college student to adult. Most of my friends are younger and weekends can be rough on me if I let them. However, I've been making progress with acting more professionally and responsibly.
My lesson plans almost all include some sort of technology now. Being a Tech Ed teacher, this comes fairly easy to me. I've been attempting lately to do two things with my lessons. The first is to attempt to add even more tech to each lesson. This I have been struggling with to an extent. Some of the lessons I have tried have flopped for various reasons. Others I have really liked and will use in the future. Secondly I have been trying to switch from paper tests to more active tests where my students have to perform a task. Students tend to like these tests more than more than the traditional style of test, and most do better.
I have the resources I need. I'm trying to meet my goals and become a better teacher every day that I enter the classroom.
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James,
ReplyDeleteTransitioning from student to adult/college student to professional can be a struggle as you said, only if you let it. For me the key thing was prioritizing. You are doing a great job at improving your knowledge base by attending meetings and taking classes. You can also gain knowledge from your colleagues as well as professional development when you school district has them.
Implementing project-based assessments is a great idea if you want your students to perform a task. In our reading this week, Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer stated six characteristics of this assessment, which are it is realistic, requires judgment and innovation, and asks the students to “do”-go through the procedures. The assessment is also done in as similar as possible to the context in which the related skills are performed, it requires students to demonstrate a wide range of skills, and it allows for feedback, practice, and second chances to solve the problems addressed, (2010). This assessment format also allows students to be creative. Good luck with everything. Just remember educators never stop learning. Therefore, that means you will continue to grow and become a better teacher one day at a time. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
-Farena
Hi. We are very different places in regards to stage of career and technological abilities. I've been teaching for over 25 years so thinking like a teacher comes naturally, but I am just now trying to think digitally. I wish I had your technological know-how. I am starting to use technology more and more and while the students enjoy those lessons more, I have not honestly seen a big improvement in their learning. This is probably because I am still learning how to incorporate the technology effectively. I will keep trying because my traditional methods are not working so well, either! The fact that you are reflecting on your transitioning is a positive sign that you will grow as a teacher. Cathy
ReplyDeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteThe great part about the transition from college to "adult" is that eventually your younger friends will be there, too. Then, it will get even easier. Priorities are definitely the only way to keep things in check. One piece of advice: Just make sure that you keep time set aside for things outside of teaching! That is just as important.
How is your digital-age assessment goal working out for you? What types of technology assessments are you doing with your students? Are these assessments over content material, or technology information? I ask because I am curious to see if you have come across any other great tools or ideas for technology assessment.
Hang in there!
Julie