tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post4652987907200842955..comments2023-10-22T01:45:22.764-07:00Comments on First Year Experiment: decisions to makeAdelaidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06826712575237989916noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post-44659396892674487592009-05-03T09:43:00.000-07:002009-05-03T09:43:00.000-07:00Adelaide, thanks for joining my blog! I am anxious...Adelaide, thanks for joining my blog! I am anxious to hear what you decide. It sounds like you've really thought this through, so I'm sure your decision will be the perfect one for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post-49074196669798414272009-05-02T18:13:00.000-07:002009-05-02T18:13:00.000-07:00about the looping, some of the teachers are doing ...about the looping, some of the teachers are doing it, and some aren't, so there's no set team.<br /><br />but i do like your bit about letting them know the options i have narrowed it down to... i think i might do that.Adelaidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06826712575237989916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post-67911818287920821012009-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:002009-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00senior math teacher? woo.
Anyhow, I haven't read ...senior math teacher? woo.<br /><br />Anyhow, I haven't read enough of your blog to know how the year has gone...<br /><br />However, 9th graders are exhausting. A half-program of them is easier than a full-program of them. <br /><br />I am not a huge fan of cycling or looping with students. But... if that is how other departments will work it, there is an advantage to staying together as a team.<br /><br />One prep (all 9 or all 10) reduces the planning load, but two preps is quite reasonable.<br /><br />I only got better at geometry when they forced me to teach it. I still dislike it, but I got much much better at it, and at least don't hate it any more.<br /><br />My preference sheet this year? "No freshmen" "no geometry" However, I've had freshmen 7 years in a row, and I've had geometry 5 of those 7 years, so I'm entitled to a break.<br /><br />-----<br /><br />I'd advise you not to take all the 9th graders again. From the teacher point of view, mixed 9/10 lets you move slowly out of your comfort zone, it's a little more interesting... Solid 10 would make you more of a team player, be easier on the planning side, and let you work with kids you already know... <br /><br />If you want to suck up a little, tell the principal you've narrowed it to 2 options, they are both acceptable, and could he give you more input... (sneaky, huh?)<br /><br />JonathanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post-80911855333468104922009-05-01T18:26:00.000-07:002009-05-01T18:26:00.000-07:00Yeah, getlite.blogspot.com. :)Yeah, getlite.blogspot.com. :)Mr. Dugonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06694087357175781376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post-34918166837528822992009-05-01T15:05:00.000-07:002009-05-01T15:05:00.000-07:00thanks for your input. i was actually leaning towa...thanks for your input. i was actually leaning towards option b. after 2nd period today i was so sure i didn't want these kids next year.<br /><br />but then by last period i was so proud of my formerly bad-ass class that i thought it would be great to work with them again.<br /><br />heh i'm still confuse but your comment has definitely shed some light on the different options for me.<br /><br />btw, are you from the getlite blog?Adelaidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06826712575237989916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997696045298088617.post-61989705298282413932009-05-01T03:41:00.000-07:002009-05-01T03:41:00.000-07:00It seems like you're leaning towards option a. I'...It seems like you're leaning towards option a. I've seen English teachers loop up with their students in this manner and they love it since they have a lot of routines already established and you have a better sense of their abilities.<br /><br />I personally find re-inventing myself through other classes just adds to the frustration of dealing with a new batch of students. So to stick with the same students relieves some of that frustration.<br /><br />Personally, I'd stick with "option a" since even the students who don't demonstrate their respect for your authority will eventually lighten up. And if they don't, you'll earn the loyalty of other students in the class that will help you out.<br /><br />In terms of teaching a subject you don't like, I was given different subjects to teach every semester and some subjects actually grow on you as you find different ways to teach them. I was reluctant to teach physics and now it's become my favorite class to teach. Also, teaching these subjects can improve your teaching of that material in other classes.<br /><br />As for me, I'm stuck teaching mixed classes, I don't even know what grade team I belong to since I have students who are between 10th and 12th grade.Mr. Dugonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06694087357175781376noreply@blogger.com