Update: 9-22-10
AR started slow but is starting to take form. I have come up with the title, “The Effect of Note Taking in a 9th Grade World History Class.” My guiding question is “How does note taking effect student achievement on chapter exams in a 9th grade world history class?” with the secondary question being “What note taking method improves student achievement the most?” Also, the research brief, first cop of the literature review, and signature page are all good to go. The process is going to be slow, but I feel the outcome will be worth the wait.
Update: 9-24-10
Now, action research is starting and the baseline data is collected. I collected the first test scores for my 2nd period world history and my host teacher’s 7th period world history class. The test scores were very good. I introduced note taking to 2nd period with some difficulty. They just did not respond to it. Out of the different methods I showed them, they all still use their own way of notes, whether it be outlining, summarizing, or bullets. On Monday, September 27, 2010, I will start giving them guided notes. I just have to wait and see how it works out; time will only tell.
Update: 10-1-10
Everything is going well. All of my documentation is done and signed. Yesterday, I collected some student work in the form of their partial notes. It seems like they are completing and using them. However, to see how the notes are working, I am going to give my kids a survey on Monday. Also, after the first test with notes, it seems like my hypothesis is right; the notes are increasing their exam scores, but it is still too early to tell. As of right now, I will continue to collect their notes, see how their scores change, and give them surveys to figure how it’s working.
Updates: 10-15-10
AR is going good. Next week, I’m going to collect my third set of exam scores and the 2nd sets completed notes. It still seems like it is helping but we will see.
Update: 10-25-10
Everything is going according to plan. This last data collection, chapter 4, of averages and scores was a little rough. Yet, I do not blame my students for the decrease in the scores because I blame homecoming. Homecoming weekend, I feel, had a big part in why the scores were low. Despite giving the test on the Tuesday after the test, I feel that my kids still were amped up from homecoming and chose not to study. The scores were by no means low, just below usual. Additionally, the notes were not as complete as usual, which could be another factor in why they were low. I will just see what happens on the next exam; this exam being a big one because we are going into ancient Greece.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Week 2 Reflection (August 30-Septmber 3)
So far, so good! This week I started teaching more than here and there, which is nice. I am following the suggested Benedum schedule for the internship year. So, right now, I am teaching two periods. The two periods are second and third period, first period being my planning. These two periods are World History honors and U.S. History honors. Thus, they are two different plans.
I’ve have really noticed how much progress I have made since the start of my student teaching. I am very comfortable in front of a class, and I know what I am supposed to do each period instead of being a lost puppy. I truly believe I chose the right profession. I know it is early in the year to make this judgment (sarcasm), but I just have an at-home feeling when I am teaching. To top it off, I really am enthusiastic about what I am teaching and get really excited when my kids are participating and get the material.
I owe a lot to my mentor teacher because he has beyond doubt guided me to where I am today. He is a great guy, a great teacher, and a great mentor. We are very comfortable with each other and I think this helps both of our teaching due to the fact that we can help each other out. All I can say is I hope he continues having student teacher because he has a lot to give, and I hope that he enjoys me being there as much as I do.
My students are a great bunch of kids. They might be a little loud but they are extremely intelligent. In fact, from being around two different grades each year I feel I want to teach tenth graders in my career…….hopefully. Also, I really hope to have U.S. History as a subject I teach. My teaching, thus far, is going fairly well. I know the material and only have to research a little. Something I have noted that I need to improve on is taking that extra step and making sure I know even the minute details in some areas. The other day I contradicted myself during a class and I felt really stupid. I realized what I did later but was still pretty hard on myself…….they always say you are your biggest judge. So, I am definitely learning right along with my students this year, whether it be content, things about the students, or strengths and weaknesses in my teaching.
Now onto everyone’s favorite topic, action research. I have narrowed my ideas down a little more since my last blog. I am thinking about doing how note taking affects student performance. The other option I have is how primary sources affect student learning. I am leaning more towards note taking but I will finalize my decision this week sometime.
I’ve have really noticed how much progress I have made since the start of my student teaching. I am very comfortable in front of a class, and I know what I am supposed to do each period instead of being a lost puppy. I truly believe I chose the right profession. I know it is early in the year to make this judgment (sarcasm), but I just have an at-home feeling when I am teaching. To top it off, I really am enthusiastic about what I am teaching and get really excited when my kids are participating and get the material.
I owe a lot to my mentor teacher because he has beyond doubt guided me to where I am today. He is a great guy, a great teacher, and a great mentor. We are very comfortable with each other and I think this helps both of our teaching due to the fact that we can help each other out. All I can say is I hope he continues having student teacher because he has a lot to give, and I hope that he enjoys me being there as much as I do.
My students are a great bunch of kids. They might be a little loud but they are extremely intelligent. In fact, from being around two different grades each year I feel I want to teach tenth graders in my career…….hopefully. Also, I really hope to have U.S. History as a subject I teach. My teaching, thus far, is going fairly well. I know the material and only have to research a little. Something I have noted that I need to improve on is taking that extra step and making sure I know even the minute details in some areas. The other day I contradicted myself during a class and I felt really stupid. I realized what I did later but was still pretty hard on myself…….they always say you are your biggest judge. So, I am definitely learning right along with my students this year, whether it be content, things about the students, or strengths and weaknesses in my teaching.
Now onto everyone’s favorite topic, action research. I have narrowed my ideas down a little more since my last blog. I am thinking about doing how note taking affects student performance. The other option I have is how primary sources affect student learning. I am leaning more towards note taking but I will finalize my decision this week sometime.
Week 1 Reflection (Aug 19-27, 2010)
The first two days of school were interesting to see. Since I started before the students came back (Thursday, August19), I got to see what goes on the few days prior the actual first day. It was pretty much what I thought it would be…..housekeeping. However, I didn’t realize that you go over and analyze the previous year’s test scores. Despite some boring parts, which you cannot escape, I really enjoyed going these few days because it gave me some insight on what I can expect when I start my first year as a teacher. Plus, it helped that there were a few new teacher there so I could see how they reacted and did things.
Once the students actually started, things were back to the same old. I am with the same mentor teacher that I have had for a while. So, we are both very comfortable with each other and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Thus, this is beneficial to the students because we can help each other out to give them the most out of the class. The students are a good bunch of kids. I have some of the same students that I had last year due to me having 9th and 10th graders.
So far, I have a pretty good rapport with the students. They respect me, while thinking I am the young teacher that they can relate to. Yet, there are a few students that I can foresee thinking I am their friend, but I need to show them that I am their teacher and not their friend. Along with having a good relationship with the students, I am starting to develop a good relationship with some of the faculty and administrators at FSHS. They offer their assistance and guidance, which makes me feel that I am part of the community. Hopefully, this continues because this seems like the making of a good year.
The classroom is run the same way as before, we like it loud and for the students to participate. So if someone came into the room, they might be shocked but it works. This is something that I think I will continue into my classroom once I have my own. Looking back at my first semester of the program, I have definitely improved my teaching methods and confidence. I am no longer nervous at the front of the room and I can teach a lesson without planning, if needed. In fact, this week I took the reins and started teaching a few lessons without planning it out because my mentor teacher was busy. I still need to be a little more assertive and develop a solid management plan nonetheless I think it will come in time.
Thinking about AR, I am still kind of at a loss on what to do. After thinking about some of the ideas I saw last year, portfolios, bell ringers and primary sources are a few that I am looking at. I would use the bell ringers to see if they affect how the students’ attention, while the primary sources would be used to measure achievement, and portfolios would measures organization. I am still not 100% sure what one I am going to use, if any of those, but it will come, ready or not.
Week 8 Reflection (October 11-15)
This week was rough; it was spirit week so the students were very hyper. It really put me to the test. I’ll admit I lost patience a few times but nothing too drastic. My fifth period was by far the loudest and most hyper class of them all. However, I decided to give them a reward for being good one day. The reward being going back to their original seats……….BIG mistake. The day when they were moved to the old seats, they ate me alive. I could not get or hold their attention. My host teacher realized what was happening and he stepped in. I was really frustrated with that class and myself because I didn’t have the tools to handle them that day.
Although I was frustrated, I turned to research. I looked at a few different Google searches to find out some information. I found about ten ways, that I liked, to keep a room quiet, including: lower my voice to make them listen (worked) and proximity (worked). On the other hand, a few members of the class were gone due to decorating for homecoming. So, I’m going to try these things again with them to see if it works. Some interesting things I found that I want to use are playing soft background music and not letting them in the class until they are quiet. I guess this is what this year is all about…..trying things out.
AR is going good. Nest week, I’m going to collect my third set of exam scores and the 2nd sets completed notes. It still seems like it is helping but we will see. Planning is going according to plan, too. Nothing has really changed from before. This Friday, I will be crowd control for the homecoming football game, and on Saturday, I will be chaperoning the homecoming dance. It will be interesting to say the least. The semester is half way done, and full-time teaching has roughly a five or so weeks left. Man, how times flies. Hopefully, it goes as well as it has been going……if not better.
Although I was frustrated, I turned to research. I looked at a few different Google searches to find out some information. I found about ten ways, that I liked, to keep a room quiet, including: lower my voice to make them listen (worked) and proximity (worked). On the other hand, a few members of the class were gone due to decorating for homecoming. So, I’m going to try these things again with them to see if it works. Some interesting things I found that I want to use are playing soft background music and not letting them in the class until they are quiet. I guess this is what this year is all about…..trying things out.
AR is going good. Nest week, I’m going to collect my third set of exam scores and the 2nd sets completed notes. It still seems like it is helping but we will see. Planning is going according to plan, too. Nothing has really changed from before. This Friday, I will be crowd control for the homecoming football game, and on Saturday, I will be chaperoning the homecoming dance. It will be interesting to say the least. The semester is half way done, and full-time teaching has roughly a five or so weeks left. Man, how times flies. Hopefully, it goes as well as it has been going……if not better.
Week 7 Reflection (October 4-8)
Week 7 and it is going faster and faster. Thinking back, people told me how stressful the intern year was but I am not seeing it. There is definitely more on my plate but not too much for me to stress over. Since I am getting my feet wet, this week I tried a few different things. We discussed a current, controversial event over the Westboro Baptist Church and the Supreme Court hearing on it. It was very interesting to see how my kids reacted. For the most part, the classes really took it and went with it. After seeing how they acted, I may try to incorporate more debates into my classroom because almost every student had something to say, even the quiet ones. Another thing I have done is I’ve implemented bell ringers into the day, as well as, some creative lessons with drawing or imagining things. So far, everything has gotten positive results.
This week did have its success, but it also had its bad areas. I am still struggling with behavior management in the class. Rewards seem to have been working but I can’t rely strictly on them. I have been trying different cues to correct things, too. I guess this is what this year is about……figuring out what works for you. I can say I have am getting more adapt to deal with disruptive behavior. I even had to write a student up for unhooking the Ethernet from the back of a computer to avoid work; since then, he has been an angle in my class. One thing that has helped a lot is giving them a schedule, posted on the front board, everyday. The structure must help them……. Hope it all continues to go well…….but we will see.
This week did have its success, but it also had its bad areas. I am still struggling with behavior management in the class. Rewards seem to have been working but I can’t rely strictly on them. I have been trying different cues to correct things, too. I guess this is what this year is about……figuring out what works for you. I can say I have am getting more adapt to deal with disruptive behavior. I even had to write a student up for unhooking the Ethernet from the back of a computer to avoid work; since then, he has been an angle in my class. One thing that has helped a lot is giving them a schedule, posted on the front board, everyday. The structure must help them……. Hope it all continues to go well…….but we will see.
Week 6 Reflection (September 27- October 1)
O, how I love short weeks; it was a four day week with students plus a IS day today, Friday. Today, I got to see how an IS day functions. It is definitely a lot of meeting, listening, and sitting. Despite sitting in a hard chair for around two hours, it was interesting to see how a faculty senate meeting functions. …..it gave me some knowledge for later. Also, we went into our PLC groups. Since I am in social studies, I went in the social studies group where we had to complete a focus journal on something we had to analyze and figure out how to improve it; we chose WV Writes.
Teaching is going good. I have my days where I have to scrap things but so far so good. I had a little trouble with my 5th period class being too loud and rowdy. However, everything is better due to some help from my host teacher. I am still struggling with gaining respect and control of this class period. As time will go on, I know I will but it’s frustrating.
Testing is going good, as well. On Thursday we had the chapter 3 exam. All of the classes I am teaching got very high scores. It made me feel good because I must be doing something right. Additionally, I attempted an incentive system for a few of my classes to get high scores. How I did this was I offered the students a free day if everyone in the class got a 92.5% or above on the exam. Now, no class got the required scores but I am still going to reward them for how well they did. As of now, I am trying to develop an incentive system that rewards good behavior. I plan to have a point system in which the class with the most points at the end of every nine weeks gets a fun day. However, I have not decided what I can do for this fun day.
This week was also interesting because I got to play around with EdLine a lot more, as well as WV Writes. Both programs are fairly simple to use. To me, it seems like WV Writes is a good program. Hopefully, it is better than Writer’s Roadmap, which was last year’s writing program. It had a horrible grading system and just liked big words. After talking to another teacher about it, he said that it’s harder on grading but still has its mess-ups. I guess we will see. As of today, ten more weeks until my internship teaching is done…….I can’t believe it.
Teaching is going good. I have my days where I have to scrap things but so far so good. I had a little trouble with my 5th period class being too loud and rowdy. However, everything is better due to some help from my host teacher. I am still struggling with gaining respect and control of this class period. As time will go on, I know I will but it’s frustrating.
Testing is going good, as well. On Thursday we had the chapter 3 exam. All of the classes I am teaching got very high scores. It made me feel good because I must be doing something right. Additionally, I attempted an incentive system for a few of my classes to get high scores. How I did this was I offered the students a free day if everyone in the class got a 92.5% or above on the exam. Now, no class got the required scores but I am still going to reward them for how well they did. As of now, I am trying to develop an incentive system that rewards good behavior. I plan to have a point system in which the class with the most points at the end of every nine weeks gets a fun day. However, I have not decided what I can do for this fun day.
This week was also interesting because I got to play around with EdLine a lot more, as well as WV Writes. Both programs are fairly simple to use. To me, it seems like WV Writes is a good program. Hopefully, it is better than Writer’s Roadmap, which was last year’s writing program. It had a horrible grading system and just liked big words. After talking to another teacher about it, he said that it’s harder on grading but still has its mess-ups. I guess we will see. As of today, ten more weeks until my internship teaching is done…….I can’t believe it.
Week 5 Reflection (September 20-24)
Another week is done. This semester is going by FAST! As always, I have my good days and my bad days. So far this week, I have been fairly successful dealing with the volume of my students during class. I have tried a few different approaches, such as moving talkative students and raising my voice to grab their attention. The best way, thus far, is by raising my voice a little and being stern. I have never had to yell at them but a stern, loud voice does the trick. I don’t know why they response really well to this but they do. It may be because some of the students need this reinforcement, which was brought up during my observation by liaison, due to the fact they don’t get it at home.
My observation went pretty good. My liaison, Rosemary, had some insightful information for me. She gave me some solutions that could definitely help me in my teaching. She noted about the vast amount of questions and need for my attention. She thought giving them a time to ask questions and giving them something concrete, perimeters, would do the trick. I agreed. So, I have been putting up a schedule at the beginning of each day telling what was going on that day. It has been working pretty well. I went over what I expect from them when they come (e.g. sit down, be quiet, get out their homework, etc.) and they understood what I wanted. I will say this, the start of class and expectations are a lot better because the students are acting better.
Now, action research is starting and the baseline data is collected. I collected the first test scores for my 2nd period world history and my host teacher’s 7th period world history class. The test scores were very good. I introduced note taking to 2nd period with some difficulty. They just did not respond to it. Out of the different methods I showed them, they all still use their own way of notes, whether it be outlining, summarizing, or bullets. On Monday, September 27, 2010, I will start giving them guided notes. I just have to wait and see how it works out; time will only tell.
Today, Friday the 24th, I came in with a plan to teach my class content related things but my host teacher came up to me with an idea. He thought that since so much was going on in the news it would be a good idea to hit the kids with some of it. Iranian president gave a speech at the general assembly of the UN that 9/11 was a U.S. government conspiracy, Katy Perry and Elmo’s controversial video of Sesame Street, and few other topics were in the headlines. With my host teacher’s help, I showed them videos of the speeches and topics. The students were to write on the topic after we were done, by a given prompt. This was an awesome lesson that was spur of the moment. Plus, the kids really liked it and responded to it. Despite the down parts, this week has been good and I have actually learned a lot about my teaching practice.
My observation went pretty good. My liaison, Rosemary, had some insightful information for me. She gave me some solutions that could definitely help me in my teaching. She noted about the vast amount of questions and need for my attention. She thought giving them a time to ask questions and giving them something concrete, perimeters, would do the trick. I agreed. So, I have been putting up a schedule at the beginning of each day telling what was going on that day. It has been working pretty well. I went over what I expect from them when they come (e.g. sit down, be quiet, get out their homework, etc.) and they understood what I wanted. I will say this, the start of class and expectations are a lot better because the students are acting better.
Now, action research is starting and the baseline data is collected. I collected the first test scores for my 2nd period world history and my host teacher’s 7th period world history class. The test scores were very good. I introduced note taking to 2nd period with some difficulty. They just did not respond to it. Out of the different methods I showed them, they all still use their own way of notes, whether it be outlining, summarizing, or bullets. On Monday, September 27, 2010, I will start giving them guided notes. I just have to wait and see how it works out; time will only tell.
Today, Friday the 24th, I came in with a plan to teach my class content related things but my host teacher came up to me with an idea. He thought that since so much was going on in the news it would be a good idea to hit the kids with some of it. Iranian president gave a speech at the general assembly of the UN that 9/11 was a U.S. government conspiracy, Katy Perry and Elmo’s controversial video of Sesame Street, and few other topics were in the headlines. With my host teacher’s help, I showed them videos of the speeches and topics. The students were to write on the topic after we were done, by a given prompt. This was an awesome lesson that was spur of the moment. Plus, the kids really liked it and responded to it. Despite the down parts, this week has been good and I have actually learned a lot about my teaching practice.
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