Blog: 18-19
Morgan Kueter:
I am a first year science teacher at Fossil Ridge School. This blog is designed to archive my struggles and successes as I implement new technology into my classroom.
I am a first year science teacher at Fossil Ridge School. This blog is designed to archive my struggles and successes as I implement new technology into my classroom.
Description, What happened: During my last student teacher conference with students during their cell organelle project I asked students if they had any questions or suggestions about the class as a whole. This question was asked with the intent to give students power over their education and to help build community in the classroom. The idea was to start a safe dialogue where students can give suggestions or express concerns about the class. I want students to feel that they have a voice in the classroom and that I want to hear their opinions and feedback.
Feelings, What were you thinking and feeling: I was very excited to hear from students about how they think we could improve our class. I was a little disappointed when only a handful of students had any suggestions or questions. I know that more students than the ones who shared with me have great ideas as to how we can improve out classroom. I was hopeful that by asking students this question in a one on one setting would create a safe space for communication as well as give students an opportunity to have a voice in the classroom. I did address every suggestion that students gave and I think that for the students who did share they feel that they have more of a voice in the classroom. Evaluation, What was good and bad about the experience: What was good about the experience was that I was able to use student feedback to improve assignments as well as class culture. I could tell from the students who did share that they have an ownership and a voice within the classroom. I was also very happy that all the suggestions were constructive, and students really did want to improve the class. What was bad was that only a small number of students shared their suggestions with me. I would like to find a way to continue to give students a voice and teach them how to advocate for their individual needs, as well as the needs of the class. Analysis, What sense can you make of this situation: Overall I think that it is good to ask this question weather students have suggestions they would like to share or not. I have now opened the dialogue, so that when students think of things that they need to be successful they will feel welcome to come and have a conversation with me about it. I also intend to continue to ask this question during every student teacher conference, in the hope that students will continue to share their thought and ideas about how to make the classroom a better place. I also think that perhaps students would feel more comfortable giving suggestions if they were able to give them anonymously rather than in a conversation with me. I also think that I could make the question slightly less broad, so that students are thinking about a specific element of the class versus the class as a whole. Action Plan, If it arose again what would you do: I will be continuing to ask students this question in an attempt to get more feedback and to give students ownership and a voice within the class. I would like to find a way for students to leave suggestions in a more private way. I am thinking of creating a google form where students can anonymously leave suggestions about the class. This is something that I could check weekly and would give students a way to have a voice if they do not feel comfortable talking about the topic with me directly. I am also going to make the question about what suggestions the students have more specific. For example, during my student teacher conferences this week I am going to ask students what suggestions they have for improving the classroom culture. This way students can think about a specific part of class, which will hopefully elicit more student responses.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2018
Categories |