rookie tales

This sixth week begins the real challenge, to choose one problem to solve, to work on it, it may be fun, my students are experiencing all my training as I do, most of the changes are for good, they are experiencing some new activities: last week we tried  to work on a outdoor activity (amazing response) from my students, perhaps I just have to shape it a bit more, or on the road we are going to improve, but I love it (as my students) we take a tour (at first I was the  tourist guide) all over our school, (describing the places, the objects and related things) after that they try, to do the same as I did. I do not care of how, I loved the way some of them response, trying to speak, to gesture, to do as I did, (amazing) but some others just didn’t care, perhaps I’ll do some written activities to accomplish this kind of “adventures”  but I can tell I’ll repeat this! I don’t care if the others grades students look at us as from mars! (Partially true)

This is just an example of the changes my students are experiencing from my teaching , and that is why I tell

My students are experiencing my training with me, I am in the process of the implementation of the rubric, and they are less ok with it, (Jody was right; I was the only stressed about it!)

I have been reading a lot about the large classes,(my work area) for two reasons: I  give a bi-monthly lecture (biology, aesthetics in dentistry, biomaterials )  and  my classes are large, not as much as 250, but 35 or more.  Oh!  How can I forget when I gave my first lecture:  It was….Terrible!  I was recently unpacked from a foreign university residence, it was a mistake to give a lecture with no previous experience, I knew the topic exactly, I previously prepare a PP presentation, all ok, but to be with so many eyes on me! (For the first time) it was… shocking, fortunately I   engaged my audience good and quick enough. And only a few ones notice my initial “rookie” face!  After that all was easy as a pie.  

The readings revealed to me some facts that I already know for my previous experience, as a large class teacher. I loved specially:  “beating the number’s game” effective teaching in L.C. by Richard M. Felder.  He shares useful tips and assorted info to improve various aspects: assess retention and tips to engage your audience, totally recommended.