I believe that this class will have many unique challenges that I have not experienced in other classes. In most classes I usually get an assignment and then I complete it and turn it in for a grade. Even though we will still have an assignments in this class I think one of the challenges will be that it is not graded. Since this is what I am so used to, it will be a challenge, but it could also be an opportunity for me to learn more than I usually do. In the end there may be more purpose to completing the assignments because I have to prove what I have learned by defending the standards of the class. I enjoy the feeling of going into this class and not knowing what is going to happen that day, the unsureness is exciting and I think that is how students should feel about the classroom. If I bring that into my classroom someday I think my students will be more excited about learning. I will have some structure, but I will also add something engaging into each of my lessons so students won't get used to each class having the exact same structure. By adding something original, students will more likely be excited to learn, go to class and think outside of the box.
As a Math teacher, my goals for my students will be different based on the course that I am teaching. Some of these goals will be:
- Learn the value of mathematics
- Learn to communicate mathematically
- How math is used in everyday life
- Show confidence in their abilities
- Show respect to their classmates and I
- Demonstrate active learning in the classroom
- Build a classroom community
- Connect math to other content areas and life
- Demonstrate responsibility
- Understand the value of working hard
- Have fun
Jen, I too think that sometimes we too get a little too focused on the grades. Having that 5 point assignment, one of many in a 500 point class we focus on chipping away to get as many points as possible. In a sense we become too focused on the grade and less about the material
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree Jen, I think it will be good getting out of the old grading system routine for a change. For all my life I thought there was only one way to assess a class. It's nice to know that there are possibly better options out there. I also like how you brought up the fact that you want your class period to be engaging. This is so good because I think this is what must happen if students are ever going to actually learn their material.
ReplyDeleteAs the previous two posts, I too agree about the grading. I think it will set us up for a more in depth thought process when doing these assignments. I think it will be interesting to try and incorporate this type of grading in a high school class since most students, like us, are used to a point system.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be surprised how many high school students will resist good teaching. that is, they often want teachers to simply tell them what to think - it's easier. We'll spend some time discussing how to get students "on board".
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