This week was split 50/50 between lab and shop time, in attempt to finish the plant science and fastener units and start welding and woodworking units in Ag 1 and Ag 2. I lost a day on Friday due to a snow day, but I gave me more time to prep for whats to come.
The way I structured my week was to have class days on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and shop days on Tuesday/Thursday. As I mentioned last week, the upcoming Fasteners unit assessment caused problems due to using the standard assessments, but those issues cleared up on Monday, and students were able to spend the rest of the week in the shop. Plant Science was able to spend two days in the greenhouse transplanting after notes were finished. Students loved this, and (even though I announced each day's plans on Monday and again each day) the "are we in the greenhouse" question rang out every day as students entered the room.
"Shop time" was on my mind a lot this week, partially because there was so much of it. In fact, on Tuesday every single class was either in the shop or the greenhouse, and it was one of my best days so far. Why was that? A day in the shop requires prep and cleanup work just as a day of material introduction does, but it is a different kind that I enjoy much more. I enjoy seeing the students get to create something to be proud of, and interact with each other. It plays in to a student centered classroom. Students love it as much as I do, but this week it felt like a reward for getting though notes, not a valued part of the learning process.
I have had a hard time breaking the mold of standardized notes days, shop days, and demo days. Part of it comes from the preset culture that I am teaching in. And yes, I can probably push myself even harder to try new things. Here is where I struggle. I feel like I am more of a traditional ag teacher.. to a point. I have never felt like the type of individual who wants to try the hottest new thing, but the idea of doing so has always appealed to me. I want more student centered, inquiry based education but struggle with the how. In plant science, an area that isn't my strong suit, I was proud of how I changed up the learning atmosphere. However with two separate welding units on the horizon I really want to break the "we need to cover these notes before we can go to the shop" feeling. But how? I'm not exactly comfortable with saying "Here is a welding booth, you have all the materials you need, see if you can figure out how to use lots of electricity to melt metal together!". More on this idea as I continue my experience.
In conclusion, I am uneasy that next week we hit double digests with week 10. I feel like I have been in a rut with my progression through material (mostly due to outside circumstances) and I am anxious that the end is on the horizon. Next week I hope I can get some repose with SLLC and our second seminar. Maybe I can get some answers to my shop dilemma and get a fresh shot of inspiration.
The way I structured my week was to have class days on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and shop days on Tuesday/Thursday. As I mentioned last week, the upcoming Fasteners unit assessment caused problems due to using the standard assessments, but those issues cleared up on Monday, and students were able to spend the rest of the week in the shop. Plant Science was able to spend two days in the greenhouse transplanting after notes were finished. Students loved this, and (even though I announced each day's plans on Monday and again each day) the "are we in the greenhouse" question rang out every day as students entered the room.
Push students to think critically about what THEY need to to learn/know to be successful.
ReplyDeleteShow an example, ask: What do you need to know to be successful at this?