Friday, March 24, 2017

Teaching Bluejays: (Lesson) Planning my Home Stretch (Week 11)



I almost had to re-introduce myself to my students after a week plus away from the classroom. I was happy to get back in the swing of things, prepare for a visit from Dr Foster, and cycle through to new units.

Image may contain: 7 people, people standingMonday, my Ag 2 students took their fasteners unit written exam. (I tend to say exam rather than test, probably just a product of university. Do you think one word vs the other has a different impact in the mind of a high school student?) I was impressed with the results. However, I find it shocking that no matter how many times "test taking skills" are preached, students still do not attempt to answer some short response questions. Also, if the question had 3 three parts, for example draw, label, and describe each part, students will only complete one or two parts. I did not see it as much on Friday's plant science exam, but it was still an issue.

I tried something new with Ag 2 students this week. We will be starting MIG/TIG/Plasma on Monday, but some of these students never had arc welding due to being in the half year Ag 1 class. I took them through a "crash course" on arc welding this week so they can be prepared with basic concepts when we meet on Monday. I have had concerns about my pace of content delivery, so I am interested to see how starting these ag 2 students with little upfront theory will compare to the ag 1 students I will be teaching the arc welding unit in a few more days. I will also be finishing plumbing next week with Ag 3, and look forward to start electrical wiring.

Image may contain: 2 people, people standing
On Thursday, Dr Foster came for a coaching visit. He, Mr Brown, Mr Turner, and myself sat down and had a really good conversation about my progress. We identified that our focus for the last 4 weeks would be more thorough lesson planning, and better utilization of those plans. We will work to ensure that I have a quality lesson plan in front of me each class I teach for the remainder of the experience. I know I can stand and present, and I look forward to improving in that area with better planning. Here's to what is to come in these last 4 weeks!!


(I really love these photos Dr Foster took. Apparently my oxyacetylene apple didn't fall far from the Dr Ewing tree. I am ok with that) 
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1 comment:

  1. Daniel FosterMarch 25, 2017 at 3:19 PM

    Nate,
    For these last four blog posts (weekly), I want to make sure that we are selecting one profound teachable moment or concept and expanding on it. Don't try to tell what you are teaching in every class or give a run down.

    Pick one CONCEPT and write a post connecting the evidence from your performance of the week, your students performance and your past classes/understanding!

    Keep up the Good Work!

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