I have begun releasing some of the control I take in the classroom. These past weeks, I had students create a list of assignments in a sort of digital “ChoiceBoard”. They chose from previous technologies we used in the classroom, and some new technology of their own choice (after all this is all about choice). I am getting very skilled at flipping work onto the students, and out of the classroom. This streamlines my part of the job. My grading, and evaluating seem to take care of themselves, and my students stay on-task and engaged. This gives me more time to work on my game. I wanted to really focus on the relationship between science and math this year, and I have been working hard at it. Now that I have really unpacked the Common Core Math Standards, I realize I grew up with them. I can teach much of what I learned in grammar school, to help my students improve their understanding of math.
I have taken on a few students to tutor so I can really see where they need help. This is eye-opening in many ways. Especially since so much is done without a calculator. The bonus to this, is I feel the burn from truly integrating the “M” in STEM into my practices. The students are benefiting from the extra math time, and can relate this to real world experience in science.
So let’s see, Tech, check, Science check, Math check…..I guess I need to bust a move on engineering. I don’t mean to neglect the engineering practices, but I know I need to get there. I am just not sure how. Time will tell.
Finally, a few points about my goal of spreading the word. I am coaching a few students who are applying for the 2016-2017 MSUrbanSTEM cohort. I am excited in the fact they are applying. I still get a few ambivalent teachers when I bring it up at school, but I will keep at it. I have become the go to guy for tech questions these days. Even the Tech teacher has hit me up to show her some things she liked, (and she used them the next day). I have a number of teachers asking for help, and several students who are taking over some of the pre lab work, to improve their skills and understanding of the topic. Time marches on.
I have taken on a few students to tutor so I can really see where they need help. This is eye-opening in many ways. Especially since so much is done without a calculator. The bonus to this, is I feel the burn from truly integrating the “M” in STEM into my practices. The students are benefiting from the extra math time, and can relate this to real world experience in science.
So let’s see, Tech, check, Science check, Math check…..I guess I need to bust a move on engineering. I don’t mean to neglect the engineering practices, but I know I need to get there. I am just not sure how. Time will tell.
Finally, a few points about my goal of spreading the word. I am coaching a few students who are applying for the 2016-2017 MSUrbanSTEM cohort. I am excited in the fact they are applying. I still get a few ambivalent teachers when I bring it up at school, but I will keep at it. I have become the go to guy for tech questions these days. Even the Tech teacher has hit me up to show her some things she liked, (and she used them the next day). I have a number of teachers asking for help, and several students who are taking over some of the pre lab work, to improve their skills and understanding of the topic. Time marches on.