Cougar Communication
Excellence in Education:
Passion
In conducting candidate interviews, I’m always looking for
passionate teachers. Students want teachers who make class engaging,
interesting and fun (click here for more on
what our students want from their teachers). Teachers want peers who are
committed and positive.
Passion can, of course, manifest itself in many ways.
This past week, I was fortunate to see many examples of
enthusiasm and passion. A partial listing:
·
Mr. Christian taking the time to high-five each of
his students prior to a quiz, knowing
each student was going to pass the quiz.
·
Ms. Nosal telling everyone about her final obligation
on her PhD dissertation.
·
Mr. Wilson overreacting (a good thing)
with great theatrical skill about his own error.
·
Ms. Allen having fun with her students, laughing
and joking along with them.
As you can see, passion manifests itself in many ways.
·
When someone asks you how your day is, say
you’re having a great day!
·
Saying “hi” to and carrying on a brief
conversation with every student as they enter your classroom.
·
Creating engaging lessons that draw students in
like a moth to a flame
·
Going out of their way to ensure that a student
feels safe, respected, and loved
·
Striving to create a life-changing experience
for all your students
All passionate teachers:
·
thrive on interacting with students and
peers.
·
know how they come across and how others
are receiving them.
·
believe in each child; realizing that
every student needs a champion.
The
best teachers are the ones who communicate their passion for the subject and
for their profession to their peers and their students.
BYOD Ideas for the Classroom: Socrative
Socrative is one my
favorites. It’s a student response system that can be used on tablets,
smartphones and laptops. Students can either visit the class specific website
or download the Socrative app.
It’s simple to setup and just as easy to use. And yes, it’s free.
Ways it can be used:
1.
Anonymous Formative Assessments, Bell Ringers,
Question-Answer, Exit Activities
Using the single question option, Socrative
allows teachers to verbally ask questions and students answer the questions
anonymously. Questions can be multiple-choice, true-false or short answer.
2.
Quizzes
By selecting Quiz-Based Activities,
teachers can create quizzes. Unlike the above, the teacher pre-enters the
questions, which can include visuals, so students see the question(s). Feedback
is immediate for both the student and the teacher.
3.
Group Quiz
Socrative offers several games and various
options that go beyond the above. One is called SpaceRace. Teams of students
answer questions; each correct answer moves the rocket closer to the finish
line. This is a great option for when a lot of students don’t have devices.
4.
Back Channel
A back channel is a virtual room where
students can pose questions or comments regarding the material being presented
as it is being presented. Two good
sites/apps for backchannels are Padlet and TodaysMeet. By using the Short Answer
section of Socrative students can enter their own questions or comments during
a presentation, lab, or lecture. One of the big advantages of backchanneling is
that students who may be reluctant to participate in a traditional class
setting, will be more likely to participate behind the scenes.
Finally, Socrative continues to expand and improve its
offerings.
Administrative Notes
Teachers on the comprehensive cycle, please remember that
your goals are due by Friday. If you need further
assistance, please let me know.
Offer—PLEASE take me up on this: I want to be in your
classroom and help out. I need to stay connected to what it means to be a
teacher. So, if the opportunity presents itself, please let me be your sub,
guest teacher, whatever. We can even turn the tables and you—or anyone else—can
observe me.
Tweet of the Week
Upcoming Schedule
September 9th
Field Hockey @ Liberty 5:30 Varsity only
Golf @ Prince William vs. Patriot 3:30
Volleyball @ Handley 6/7
JV Football vs. Millbrook 6:00
September
10th Volleyball vs. Spotsylvania 6/7
September
11th Cross Country @ Nokesville Park 5:00
September
12th Volleyball @ James Monroe 6:30 Varsity only
Field Hockey vs. Spotsylvania
4:30/6:00
September 13th
Varsity Football @ Millbrook
7:00
September 14th Cross Country @ Kernstown 9:00 am
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