Number of Posts

I found it difficult to blog every time I had a thought or reflected upon my personal goal. In addition, my partner for this blog had difficulty as well so I could not respond to any posts since none were made. I have done more reflecting and jotting notes, but not necessarily transferring them to the blog site as of late. I posted a few comments from this month, which I attributed to prior months as that is when the reflection took place.

I think if there was more of a forum feel to the blog, it might be easier to insure a monthly by monthly posts. It is hard to remember to blog monthly even though active reflection is taking place.

C & D Activities - need suggestions

As commented earlier, I am having trouble developing C and D quadrant activities for my students, especially in 9th grade civics. I feel I do a good job of relating new information to students in ways they would understand (real world examples) when I am lecturing and they are taking notes, but putting this idea of being relevant, and deeper thinking into a planned activity I am definitely struggling with.

I want to avoid "sppon-feeding" information to my students. At times I think I develop deeper thinking, applicable activites that are relevant to my students without even knowing it. I still feel I am missing something, or how to turn a "spoon-fed" worksheet or assignment into a more deeper level, relevant activity that they will remember....any suggestions?

Pod seating arrangment

This year, I decided to start my seating arrangement in pods to hopefully create a more conducive environment for learning. In my class, I utilize a lot of pair share, quick group formative assessments, and projects. With correct parameters, I feel this setup has gone extremely well so far.

This is for my 9th grade classes. I was hesitant (and only did pods half time last year) because I also have 2 sections of 8th graders. I was not quite sure if the 8th graders could handle sitting in pods.

However, I really focused on expectations in regards to the seating arrangments, and so far they are going quite well. It is also making my classroom activities more fluid for quick discussions, sharing ideas, etc.

My Goal

My goal is the following: During this school year, my professional goal will be to explore, implement, and improve on C and D Quadrant activities in the classroom. This will enable my students to utilize their higher order thinking skills as well as develop life-long learning skills.

Goal

To improve the technological literacy of my students so they are able to use terms appropriately in daily work and unit writing samples.  Students will do daily writing in their Engineering Notebooks.