The last couple of weeks I have struggled with my major
project and would really like some input on some topics that I have pondering
over. I really would like for the
project to be meaningful to me beyond meeting the requirements for the
program. Therefore, the decision making
process has not been easy. My principal
suggested a topic, Blended Learning in the math classrooms, which I really find
interesting. However, I am not sure if I
would be effective in leading the professional development without bringing in
outside vendors to provide or assist me with the trainings. My second possibility is to really work on a
true collaboration amongst the math teachers, where they are truly
collaborating beyond sit down to do lesson planning, when in actuality one
person does the plan and puts the team’s names on the plan, but where discuss
data, plan activities, discuss re-teaching strategies, and strategies that are
working and not working, etc. For both
of these possibilities, I see approaching them similarly, such doing a pre/post
survey, tracking professional learning opportunities provided to teachers, an
also observing the teachers for implementation. The last possibility is starting a monthly
mentoring program with our GSU interns.
I surveyed a couple of students for interest and they were super
excited. I could really see this as a
great project, as well. In doing this
major project I would give the interns the opportunity to choose focus areas
for the month, such as classroom management or edTPA standards, in order to
ensure the meetings are relevant. All
three of these possibilities are interesting.
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI think you are on the right track as to finding something meaningful to you that help you as a leader and that you can continue to do in the future. Your possible topics are well thought out and all great ideas. I really do like your idea of true collaboration among the math teachers. Collaboration is the key to growth in teachers. At my school, we have something called Sacred Wednesday where nothing can be scheduled from 2:20-3:20 like practices, tutoring, or anything else. Sacred Wednesday is the time to review common assessment data, share instructional strategies and assessment strategies, strategies for eClass, and create learning targets for the unit they are planning. Many find it difficult to do all of that in an hour and it's true. So my teachers take more time after school on different days to finish up. If this is the route you are going to choose, my suggestion is have each teacher in the curriculum group bring a strategy to the team each week. Have them share it, tweak it to fit the needs of students, and go observe them on the days they implement it and offer feedback. If they know you will be attending their meetings, they feel accountable for making sure they have it done. You can also have your LSTC create a Communities Page and have your math group collaborate their as well. They can post their instructional strategies on that page and discuss in person. Or they could also create a Google Drive which does almost the same thing. Let me know if you want more suggestions. Our vision and mission at our school is centered around collaboration, so if you want more ideas, I am sure I have some.
LaTonya
ReplyDeleteLaTonya
I understand the desire to do your project on something meaningful and something that can be applied beyond this class.I would definitely suggest finding something you are passionate about so that you take pride and ownership of the implementation. I will say, there is nothing wrong with bringing in outside sources. My project, in part, is using peer students to help support our freshman. I am bringing in an outside to assist me in teaching my peers how to lead. This group meets with my peer leaders each Friday guiding them in activities and lessons.
I would suggest choosing a project that you feel strongly about and dive in! When you have a passion for something, you never mind doing the research, reading, and work to get it up and running.
I would like to know what you decide and how it develops over time.
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteAll 3 choices would ge a great major project because all 3 would impact student achievement (which is why we do what we do). I personally like the idea of setting up a mentoring program with our GSU interns. I became a math teacher at the age of 38. It was a career change for me after doing engineering in the corporate world. I taught my first year on a provisional certificate while I was obtaining my certification and my masters at Ga. State. I had no mentoring before I started teaching. Eight years later and I can still specifically remember that 1st period of my first day. I closed my door and thought, what the heck am I doing. Fortunately, a fellow math teacher helped me that first year and taught me all of those things you listed (classroom management, how to teach to the standards, how to get the best out of my students). I like to reflect upon that first year and remember how I felt. This reminds me how important it is to help new teachers get off to the best start possible. We lose so many teachers within the first few years of teaching because they have not been trained in all areas. They can write a lesson plan, but can they motivate that kid who does not want to learn. They can recite Blooms taxonomy, but can they handle those 2 students who will not stay quiet long enough for you to teach. I like the idea of setting up a program to help the next generation of teachers.
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI think you have some great ideas to consider. I have a couple of questions for one or two of your ideas that I think you should think about. Personally, I like the first idea out of the three you mentioned. I wanted to know why do you feel that it is inadequate if you have to bring in outside help for professional development? Our administrators always bring in outside help for professional development but that does not mean they didn't help organize it. I would suggest using the strengths of those presenting to help teach whatever idea you think is important. The other question I had is about the third idea you presented. Involving the students is a nice thought but are you sure that relying on them to provide you with that type information to fully base your project off of is reliable? As long as you can count on them then you should be fine.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. I finally decided on Blended Learning. You all are right there is nothing wrong with using and outside source. I heard you! So Blended Learning it is!! Wish me luck!
ReplyDelete