Week 5 Post - 6713

As this is a summer course, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of any changes to my teaching practices or introduction of new technological tools. I believe that I have a certain advantage, however, in that prior to this course, I spent a good deal of introspective time considering what I could possibly change in my teaching practices that would have the greatest impact on my students. I decided that seating myself down at each student’s kitchen table each evening and helping my students on a “one on one” bases was the way to go. Unfortunately, while the prospect of a free supper was enticing, I sensed that inviting myself into my students home could have negative consequences. Never the less, my target goal of improving my student’s understanding of physics was undaunted and being a technogeek anyway, I decided that I would create a new approach to extending class time and providing a targeted, individualized lesson for each of my 180 students.

In early March I polled a dozen parents of struggling students using SurveyMonkey and phone conferences asking the following-

“If a self paced lesson that provided additional “one on one” tutoring were provided to your struggling student could be provided, would you ensure that your child attended the session?”
The answer was a resounding yes, but it was qualified with the comment that my child cannot stay after school because there is a transportation problem. A comment I had anticipated. At this time the parents did not know that I was intending to provide the additional help via the WEB.

The second question –
“Whose responsibility is it for your child’s education? 1. The Teacher; The student; The parent; The administration; All parties.” Most answered that they felt it was the student, the teacher and the parent. Follow-up questions usually stated that they would be happy to assist their student, but physics was intimidating.

The third question – How much homework does your student do each eveninging? ..physics? …all subjects?” I had asked my graduating seniors the same question and was surprised to find that they seldom did any homework. It is a malady that all teachers are contending with, especially for juniors and seniors.

Based upon the answers to these questions my WEB based tutorials that allowed student/parent study at a self paced tempo was designed.

(In order to answering the questions for this assignment, I consider the effectiveness of my WEB based tutorial initiative.)

How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
Both students and parents have commented on the tutorials and while it is an evolving task, the feedback has been outstanding.

What have you learned so far (in the course) that I can apply to your instructional practices?
I have used WIKIs and Blogs in the past and their use is questionable. I am not a fan of digital assessment and question its effectiveness especially in diverse classrooms. I have learned that we must continue to strive for a better way of teaching and the WEB may have a great benefit.

What do you still have to learn?
Each day a new question arises. This, in part, is the joy of teaching. Teachers are continually learning something new. Each day there is new discovery.

How will you adjust your plans to fit current needs?

Teachers are continually modifying their strategies. I am often amazed at how a homerun in the 9:ooAM class can be a strike out at the 1:30 pm class. In order to adjust my plans, I must consider the abilities, likes and dislikes and the aspirations of my students. There is no "one answer-fits all" to this question.