Observations

I haven't been formally reviewed yet using the Danielson observation guidelines. However, I will be evaluated in the spring sometime so it's good to think about areas I'd like to focus on so that I can get the best observation possible.

I really like the Danielson model because it focuses on the positive aspects of your teaching and it is specific. It gives you constructive feedback and a clear path to better teaching while leaving you feeling motivated to improve your craft.

I am pretty strong in many areas of the model but there are definitely things I would like to focus on before I am observed. Two areas I'd like to discuss are student assessments and respect.

Domain 1, 1f: designing student assessments
In this area I just need more practice. There is a delicate balance between challenging and overwhelming students that I am trying to reach. Plus sometimes I realize that the assessment didn't really tell me what I wanted to know after I did it. I'm having the students give presentations on Biomes that they learned about independently. I made a rubric of guidelines for them when they make their presentations. After reviewing the Level 4 examples, I will have the students collaborate to create a rubric for reviewing their peers oral presentation of the project.

Domain 2, 2a: creating an environment of respect and rapport
This is probably the area that I struggle with the most.  The students have a less than desirable level of respect for me and often show little respect toward one another and the school.  We are only a couple weeks in and I am already considering spending class time specifically on respect and conflict resolution. Over the course of the next few weeks I am hoping to see more respect and support in the classroom. Having the students give a briefing of the information that they have learned about their biome so far will be a good opportunity for the students to show respect and support for their classmates work. I have a couple of shy students who are nervous about presenting, even to a small audience.  I want to make sure that they feel safe to share their work with the class.

Teched Out

I've never been on the cutting edge of technology. In fact I shunned it in high school, then had to catch up later in college. These days I cautiously wait for others to lead on the front lines and work out the kinks before I jump on the technology bandwagon.

So when it comes to technology in the classroom I feel a mix of excitement and dread. When it works it's wonderful and the kids seem to enjoy it. When it doesn't work I wonder why we moved beyond pencil and paper in the first place. I try to be a good example for the students by keeping my calm and resisting the urge to quit technology. Most importantly, I try to have a backup plan.

Some of my goals in the previous post are technology related. I want to use Google Docs and Google Classroom as well as web quests.  I planned to have the kids take pictures and videos and make presentations using technology.  

I've been using tablets and Chromebooks with other classes throughout the year and I've dealt with some of the hangups that come with technology. The link wont link. The internet connection is down or spotty. The work didn't send or it didn't save. The students sometimes cannot remember their log in information. The students get frustrated because it's not working like they thought it should. I get frustrated because the tablet keeps auto-correcting my user name.

 Recently I tried a web quest with my elective class using Chromebooks and I'm about done with them.  This time it was more of a logistics issue than a technology issue. Either way I think that I might tone down the technology and keep it simple until it becomes more accessible.

Therefore my tech goal to focus on is to use Remind to communicate with students and parents for both class and extra curricular activities. I'm new to remind but so far it is really easy to use. I can send one way text messages to everyone that signs up and my number is kept private. I think it's great because many students are not in the habit of checking their email but they do check their phones often.

Goals

Today is the first day of marking period 3 (MP3). It's time for me to layout some goals for the remainder of the school year. As of today, I am teaching E. Sci. to a small class with 9, 10th, and 12th graders. I wonder if I might get a few more students as schedules get adjusted and readjusted.  I haven't planned out goals as specifically as I would like to yet but I've been mulling it over for a few months now so I have a good place to start.

 These are some goals I have in mind. They are listed in no particular order.

-Get the students outside!
-Use Google Classroom & Blogger in my classroom (Tumlr's blocked :( )
-Have the students do 10 minute presentations at the end of the year to work on their public speaking and constructive feedback skills
-Use the Unit by Design format to plan the curriculum
-make connections between environmental science, other classes, their lives, and things that they value
-team up with microbiology to do a joint research project
-work with the art teacher to do Earth Day messages for the school
-create a sense of stewardship and environmental awareness in the students
-teach E. Sci. based with a focus on the local environment
-Have an Earth Day celebration complete with bug snacks that I make and a lesson about insects as a sustainable food source.

So...I've written down some big goals for the class.  I don't know if I will be able to get everything done but even if I do half the things on my list I will be happy.

Personal Goals: grow my teacher toolbox, use some of my Facilitation Leadership skills and protocols, improve classroom management, try fun new things, connect with my students, and learn something new.