As we are approaching the end of the first full month of this school year, what are some of the similarities and differences that you note between teaching remotely this year as compared to last year(spring)? Is it easier to teach remotely now, or just as difficult? Why?
For me, I am a little apprehensive because I am starting the first part of my student teaching. My cooperating teacher is super approachable and has told me to jump in whenever I am ready. However, I really don't feel confident enough in my ability to teach students remotely to "jump in" as rapidly as my cooperating teacher has suggested.
For my ED598 classmates who have more years in teaching than do I, what are some classroom management strategies that you are using during remote learning? I would really appreciate the advice! Thank you!
Elizabeth, obviously you and me are both on the same boat. My teacher has also told me to "jump in" when I feel comfortable and has given me a lot of freedom in what I do in the classroom. It is hard to know where I am most needed in the classroom now that things are being taught remotely in addition to in-person. I have been finding that it is better for me to focus on helping the students who are physically in the classroom complete their work while my cooperating teacher helps the students who are joining the class remotely. I find that my cooperating teacher does a good job at trying to maintain control of the students who are learning remotely by giving them friendly reminders to stay focused on the lesson. While some of the students have a hard time sitting still and staying focused on the lesson the teacher tries to remain patient with them. It honestly seems like the students have a hard time making the connection that if it weren't for this pandemic they would be in school sitting down at their desks and learning. I think it is hard for them to fully understand that when they are learning remotely they have to act as if they were in school. I am extremely nervous for when I teach my first lesson, because I feel that the most difficult part will be controlling both groups of students and keeping them engaged in the lesson. You're not alone in your worries Liz, but we will all get through it (somehow haha)!
ReplyDeleteI am really trying to follow the advice of my building principal this year and just "roll with it". There is so much uncertainty about this school year and especially with teaching in a hybrid model - no one has done it before and there are so many variables with technology and students attending school from home. I find myself taking a lot of deep breaths each day and trying hard to keep perspective on what is going on and what is really important. Usually I am a very organized and regimented (for lack of a better word) teacher. I find I like my routines and my students find comfort in knowing what to expect. This year, I am trying to be more laid back in general, greet my students with a big smile each day, worry less about due dates and be understanding about things that are out of my students control. Frankly, I am happy to be teaching (even remotely) and having my students attend class and that is the biggest difference for me vs. last spring. I would hold a live class and no one would show. This year, I'm not going to get worked up about late homework or if someone turns in an assignment in pen and not pencil. I'm just going to glad they came to class. I think your cooperating teacher probably feels much the same way and isn't worried about you doing something that isn't "correct or proper". I think they just want you to be happy to be there and participate. - Kathy
ReplyDeletePost by Ray Robinson
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, that's a great question. I feel like when we left in the Spring we endured a "trial by fire" process as it relates to remote teaching/learning.
As we ended the school year in the same fashion, administrators had the summer to prepare an approach that would be more effective and efficient for teachers and students.
As a PE teacher, honestly, the only thing similar in my department's approach this fall to what is was in the spring is the fact that we are teaching remotely. For me, everything has changed for the better. Students have adapted to the model and understand the expectation and we have increased our expectations and become more stringent in our grading policies (versus the spring). In the Spring students were responsible for submitting a log of their daily activities and there was no way for us to verify whether or not they had done the activities so they were basically getting a grade for what they said that they did.
Now, we are holding virtual workout sessions everyday and students are required to turn their cameras on. Some students aren't participating in the activities still and for those students, their grades will reflect that. Some students will have the camera on but they won't be in view and then they say that they did the work out. I usually tell those students, "If I didn't see it then it didn't happen."
For those that come to the Zoom and use it as a social hour, I follow up with those students' parents via phone call and/or email to inform them of the behavior and what the expectation will be for their child to participate in the class. My students have a pretty good understanding of what is expected of them. If they get outside of that then they know that I'll kick them off the Zoom and they won't receive credit for the day.
For the most part, those classroom management strategies have been implemented and have been pretty effective. If I have to kick a student out of class then that is reflected in their weekly grade.
I hope this helps.