I am severely lacking inspiration for all areas of my life right now. As the holiday season starts, I just want to curl up and hibernate. I wonder how moms do all that they do, especially those who work outside the home. I am not sure what I was thinking when I started my master's program with a toddler and a baby on the way. I am amazed that I am still standing.
It has given me a reason to step back and really look at what I ask my students to accomplish in and out of class. It has definitely changed the way that I view due dates and homework. If I am not going to grade it in the the day or two that I collect it, then I give them a bit more time. I have actually seen more work completed and turned in on time this way.
Now that I am the student, I find myself using the same excuses for why I procrastinate...oh wait...I work full time, have two children, and am a student. I guess I can cut myself some slack. I have enjoyed my Lesley experience and have learned a tremendous amount that has changed the way I teach, but I am ready to be done. Can you say senioritis? Although, I think I am far worse than my students since the end is so much closer!
Bolero in Paris
14 years ago
I totally understand! I am also struggling to have enough energy to put into all the things that are going on during this time! I feel that as soon as I get one thing caught up another thing is farther behind. I wish I had more time to really absorb everything that we have learned in our classes but just don't have the time. I am even a little embarrassed to call myself a "master" of anything!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that I am not alone...and, man, I have been really dragging. I added dental surgery to my mix, and really started to feel sorry for myself. I have recommitted to getting back on track. This is a tremendous program!
ReplyDeleteI think you have summed up what most of us are saying. I am ready to be done! It will be worth it in the end. Just think, a few more months.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the little engine that could...I just have to keep telling myself "I think I can." Cindy, I completely agree. Every time I get something caught up in one area of my life, the rest fall behind. I hope I am reading the schedule right for our next class. It's not supposed to start until January 3rd. I would love a few weeks off!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you shared the changes to some of your teaching practices (other than technology). Your example about 'stepping back and looking at what you are asking students to accomplish in and out of class' is very profound! I like the reason you give for changing your due dates and that you have seen success with those changes! I have found similar success with my activity classes when they have to do written work / research activities.
ReplyDeleteEven though I don't do a lot of written activity / homework like you do, the ones that I have done this year have been much more successful when I have given my students a week notice to prepare for the change in schedule and responsibilities that will be occuring on the days we don't dress out and do written work.
Other things I have implemented is that I have given them extra days to complete the work and receive most of it back on time or some a little late. I have tried to emphasize that late work is accepted (not for full points) because I want to know they have completed the assignment and can see that they have gotten the information.
We have a grading policy called "Power of Incomplete" that basically accepts no zeros. After three years of tension, our committee finally relaxed the policy and gave teachers more autonomy. The policy states that students must turn in work - they cannot choose to not do the work. This is a good idea, but the policy states that if students have any missing work they fail. Also, if they do not meet a 70% on the assignment, they must redo it. Again, a great idea...however, when implemented it is a nightmare. Even though we told students they could not receive credit for the class if they had any outstanding assignments no matter what their percent was, we could not legally withold their grade. So, this means that teachers had no legs to stand on second semester when students realized they got their grade anyway. It is great for a late work policy and I even use the redo policy, but this year I have definite deadlines (endo of semester) and I don't make all assignments "I" assignments. By giving students extra time to work and class time, my kids are doing better.
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