I often kid people that I am voting for Buck for President because if he can fix the Orioles he certainly can fix the nation. I had the opportunity to hear Buck speak last night and he did not disappoint me.
He started the talk discussing how his father taught him to stand up for what is right. That as a principal of a school in the south his father supported desegregation at a time that this was an unpopular stance. People told Buck's dad that he would never run a school again if he took that stance but that did not deter him. Instead one Sunday he brought his whole family to a black church. Buck talked about having chills go down his spine as he walked to the pew because he was so proud of his dad. That his father walked the talk really made an impression on his young son.
He asks himself at the end of each day did he treat people right. He often wonders did he give people the right amount of time or did he seem rushed when he talked with them. You really get the impression that being a good person is extremely important to him.
He talked about the disease of me. People who are just so centered upon themselves that they do not think about others. One of the things he thinks about when putting a team together is getting people that actually enjoy helping each other. Players who wants the new players to have it easier than they did, who help teach them the tricks of the trade so to speak. When I think of students who have really impressed me over the years it is not the smart students which we have plenty of, but those who go out of their way to help others.
He then hit home on something that I think teachers often forget. He talked about how managers forget quickly how hard it is to play the game at a high level for 162 times a year. That once you become a manager you often forget the grind that the season is. I think that happens often to teachers, we often forget how hard it is to be prepared every day. How hard it is to focus every class and balance your school work, extra activities and life. This was a great reminder to me.
Then he asked another question that he asks himself each day. What did you bring today? I think a great question for both teachers and students alike to ask? What did I bring today that helped make our class, school or someone better. As he said, there is a lot of accountability to that statement.
He then talked about how you find out your true character when you face adversity. Do you buckle to the pressure and cut corners. When he scouts players he does not watch what they do when they are on the field but rather tries to watch what they do when the players do not think anyone is watching. To me I always hope that students would not cheat even if I left the room.
Any thoughts or comments of course are always appreciated.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
are we ready?
I was just going over some quiz surveys in which I noticed that many students did not feel prepared for the quiz. What was surprising is that many of them had put in hours of work and some of them actually did well on the quiz. Which prompted me to think are they really not prepared or do they lack confidence. So some thoughts on how to get rid of those nagging self doubt issues.
1. Do not compare yourself to others. It is a losing battle as you can continue to find people that might appear better than you. It amazes me how many students tell me that they did not do well on their SAT's. Usually when I hear there actual score it is quite impressive, would probably get them into the college they would like to attend but might not hold up against a couple of their friends. Let it go and just compare yourself to yourself not to others.
2. Have a growth mindset, see quizzes, tests etc. as just temporary assessments telling you where you are at the moment. Do not worry about the grade as much as what you can learn from the assessment and how that will help you move forward. Remember if you are struggling, working hard you are growing your economic brain muscle (in my class, different muscles in different classes). See it as an opportunity to learn.
3. Know that you belong. Often students wonder do I belong in this college? Do I belong in this class? 99% of the time the answer is yes. To get into the class your teachers recommended you, counselors sign off on it and you yourself registered for it. It is highly unusual that all three of these parties made a mistake. There are many students who failed the first test, first quiz and first quarter but still crushed the course as a whole.
4. Set goals within your reach. You should not set a goal for an A on the next quarter if you failed the first quarter. Set a goal that will make you happy and that will show that you improved over a period of time. Think of the obstacles that have faced you and how you can overcome them. I usually set three sets of goals. My stretch goal which would be it was an exceptional year, another goal for a good year, and then a third goal which if I did not achieve would mean I really have to rethink what I am doing.
5. Self reflect. Ask yourselves each day did you do your best to engage in the class? Did you do your best to focus on the homework? Have I tried different strategies to make myself successful? If you keep reflecting on your own performance you will improve.
Coming into any exam thinking you are prepared is a huge advantage so try to get into that mindset. You should come into the exam thinking I can teach this material and it is probably a good exercise to stand before a mirror and attempt to teach it. Develop a list of questions that students might ask and make sure you can answer it.
Just some thoughts that entered my mind while I read my students reflections. As always love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this subject.
1. Do not compare yourself to others. It is a losing battle as you can continue to find people that might appear better than you. It amazes me how many students tell me that they did not do well on their SAT's. Usually when I hear there actual score it is quite impressive, would probably get them into the college they would like to attend but might not hold up against a couple of their friends. Let it go and just compare yourself to yourself not to others.
2. Have a growth mindset, see quizzes, tests etc. as just temporary assessments telling you where you are at the moment. Do not worry about the grade as much as what you can learn from the assessment and how that will help you move forward. Remember if you are struggling, working hard you are growing your economic brain muscle (in my class, different muscles in different classes). See it as an opportunity to learn.
3. Know that you belong. Often students wonder do I belong in this college? Do I belong in this class? 99% of the time the answer is yes. To get into the class your teachers recommended you, counselors sign off on it and you yourself registered for it. It is highly unusual that all three of these parties made a mistake. There are many students who failed the first test, first quiz and first quarter but still crushed the course as a whole.
4. Set goals within your reach. You should not set a goal for an A on the next quarter if you failed the first quarter. Set a goal that will make you happy and that will show that you improved over a period of time. Think of the obstacles that have faced you and how you can overcome them. I usually set three sets of goals. My stretch goal which would be it was an exceptional year, another goal for a good year, and then a third goal which if I did not achieve would mean I really have to rethink what I am doing.
5. Self reflect. Ask yourselves each day did you do your best to engage in the class? Did you do your best to focus on the homework? Have I tried different strategies to make myself successful? If you keep reflecting on your own performance you will improve.
Coming into any exam thinking you are prepared is a huge advantage so try to get into that mindset. You should come into the exam thinking I can teach this material and it is probably a good exercise to stand before a mirror and attempt to teach it. Develop a list of questions that students might ask and make sure you can answer it.
Just some thoughts that entered my mind while I read my students reflections. As always love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this subject.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Why
I am asked this question often so I should have a quick reply by now but I do not. Today a friend of mine asked me "why do you still teach" I wonder does anyone ask doctors why they still do their job but I am asked this at least once a month. What is somewhat disturbing is that I am asked this by my colleagues.
Anyhow the first thing that always pops into my mind is because I love it. At this time in my life their is not another job that I would want rather than teaching. I have had a chance to be department chair fairly often in the past, offered teacher mentor program but none of these really motivate me more than being a teacher.
Why, because when I think of teaching a rush of students names go through my head. When Clinton won his first presidential election the theme was "It is about economy stupid" I find it the same way about education, It is about students stupid.
Now sometimes they (anyone above a teacher) might make working with students harder but the truth is that no matter who I have worked for in education it has not hindered me from helping students learn and achieve. There is nothing more rewarding than see the lightbulb go off in a students brain and to know they get it. Watching kids who swore to me that they could not compete with this top students now competing and often beating some of the top. Watching a kid who I was told would not graduate enter an AP class and be successful. Watching students succeed is like a drug to me and it is highly addictive.
The last few years I have come to realize that mental health is much more important than academic well being. Three good things and the gratitude visit are all part of that mental well being. Again hearing from past students that they still do three good things, or that they have written gratitude visits on their own make me feel that you can make a difference. It inspires me to try to become a better teacher so that I can help more people feel this way.
The challenge is great since no two classes are alike as well as no two students. So to try to get the most out of everyone is a challenge that keeps me up at night and allows me to wake up early. I know many of my friends earn more money than I do but most of them dread going to work. I actual love going to work.
Like any job, this job has its down days. When that happens I try to talk with students. They are the ones that pick up my spirit. I have been lucky to teach amazing students who wake up early to attend reviews, study with me during their lunch and often stay after school. The other day I was working with one student, then another joined us, then a third and finally a fourth. It was just an impromptu meeting but it was great watching some of our schools brightest students working at mastering the material.
So after my rant my friend just looked at me and said, "that is what I thought you would say" Feel free to comment or leave any thoughts to the blog.
Anyhow the first thing that always pops into my mind is because I love it. At this time in my life their is not another job that I would want rather than teaching. I have had a chance to be department chair fairly often in the past, offered teacher mentor program but none of these really motivate me more than being a teacher.
Why, because when I think of teaching a rush of students names go through my head. When Clinton won his first presidential election the theme was "It is about economy stupid" I find it the same way about education, It is about students stupid.
Now sometimes they (anyone above a teacher) might make working with students harder but the truth is that no matter who I have worked for in education it has not hindered me from helping students learn and achieve. There is nothing more rewarding than see the lightbulb go off in a students brain and to know they get it. Watching kids who swore to me that they could not compete with this top students now competing and often beating some of the top. Watching a kid who I was told would not graduate enter an AP class and be successful. Watching students succeed is like a drug to me and it is highly addictive.
The last few years I have come to realize that mental health is much more important than academic well being. Three good things and the gratitude visit are all part of that mental well being. Again hearing from past students that they still do three good things, or that they have written gratitude visits on their own make me feel that you can make a difference. It inspires me to try to become a better teacher so that I can help more people feel this way.
The challenge is great since no two classes are alike as well as no two students. So to try to get the most out of everyone is a challenge that keeps me up at night and allows me to wake up early. I know many of my friends earn more money than I do but most of them dread going to work. I actual love going to work.
Like any job, this job has its down days. When that happens I try to talk with students. They are the ones that pick up my spirit. I have been lucky to teach amazing students who wake up early to attend reviews, study with me during their lunch and often stay after school. The other day I was working with one student, then another joined us, then a third and finally a fourth. It was just an impromptu meeting but it was great watching some of our schools brightest students working at mastering the material.
So after my rant my friend just looked at me and said, "that is what I thought you would say" Feel free to comment or leave any thoughts to the blog.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Feedback Breakfast of Champions
I truly believe that feedback is one of the most important ingredients for success. If teachers could give students five minutes of good feedback a day I think it would make a huge difference in student performance. If teachers received five minutes of feedback a day I think it would make a huge difference in our performance. We give students a report card at the end of each quarter and just to be fair I want students to grade me.
What I am going to ask you to do is to reply to this blog. What are five qualities that teachers should be measured on. For example should teachers be measured on content knowledge. When I compile the five categories that students think are the most important I will then make out a report card that you can fill out anonymously.
When I think about my evolution as a teacher, the best suggestions have come from students. From high fives to most improved board 95% of the things that I do were told to me from students. So here is your chance to form my report card. What five things do you think teachers should be judged on?
What I am going to ask you to do is to reply to this blog. What are five qualities that teachers should be measured on. For example should teachers be measured on content knowledge. When I compile the five categories that students think are the most important I will then make out a report card that you can fill out anonymously.
When I think about my evolution as a teacher, the best suggestions have come from students. From high fives to most improved board 95% of the things that I do were told to me from students. So here is your chance to form my report card. What five things do you think teachers should be judged on?
Thursday, October 22, 2015
The angry man returns
One of my favorite educational bloggers is Grant Wiggins. I check Grant's blogs weekly and have been disappointed that he has not blogged in a while. Finally after three months of no blogging I googled Grant to see if anything happened. To my surprise he had died of a heart attack, which made me sad. Well, I am still alive and kicking but I have not blogged in a long time. Hopefully I will get back into the swing of things.
Currently the big push in the county is student centered learning. An expression which nobody truly has clarified for me and one which angers me to my very core. The last faculty meeting we spent 45 minutes visiting class rooms (without students) to determine if they were student centered. Did they have student worked on the board? Were there seats faced in pods? In each class we visited I stated the same thing, the most important part of the class is the teacher not the setup.
My response to this activity was does any student enroll in a class because of the teachers floor plan? Do people sign up for AP Euro because of the teacher or the room arrangement? I think the answer to that is obvious.
So I would now ask, is the four period day student centered? Is it good for students that they now have an extra period? While that extra period opens up many options it does also is give students more work to worry about. It also has made us go to an A/B schedule which means that we can not see our students every day. Do students who struggle benefit by going to class every other day.
The theory of the 85 minute schedule is that I can introduce price discrimination, have students try to figure out the graph and then work out a real life problem. Given 85 minutes periods, this would allow students the chance to really struggle with the problem of figuring out the graph which would be great.
Now the problem, the curriculum is so extensive to cover, that if I took that time and taught one concept a day then we would never reach the Macro part of the course. So instead on a day like today we learned three different graphs. Three entirely different concepts and away we go.
Luckily, I teach some of the smartest kids in the country, and they can adjust to this overload of work. They have the ability to take in multiple concepts and understand them. However, some of my other students can not do that yet (Carol Dweck would love that). They are then forced to try to bring all this information together in a short time which can be often frustrating.
The A/B schedule and the size of classes are something that comes from the county. How can a county that is pushing student centered approach produce large class sizes, give students more work with eight classes and not allow them to visit their teachers each day. If relationships are the key to student success then how can they think it is easier to build relationships seeing people every other day compared to every day.
Does anyone else see the disconnect? Your comments of course are appreciated.
Currently the big push in the county is student centered learning. An expression which nobody truly has clarified for me and one which angers me to my very core. The last faculty meeting we spent 45 minutes visiting class rooms (without students) to determine if they were student centered. Did they have student worked on the board? Were there seats faced in pods? In each class we visited I stated the same thing, the most important part of the class is the teacher not the setup.
My response to this activity was does any student enroll in a class because of the teachers floor plan? Do people sign up for AP Euro because of the teacher or the room arrangement? I think the answer to that is obvious.
So I would now ask, is the four period day student centered? Is it good for students that they now have an extra period? While that extra period opens up many options it does also is give students more work to worry about. It also has made us go to an A/B schedule which means that we can not see our students every day. Do students who struggle benefit by going to class every other day.
The theory of the 85 minute schedule is that I can introduce price discrimination, have students try to figure out the graph and then work out a real life problem. Given 85 minutes periods, this would allow students the chance to really struggle with the problem of figuring out the graph which would be great.
Now the problem, the curriculum is so extensive to cover, that if I took that time and taught one concept a day then we would never reach the Macro part of the course. So instead on a day like today we learned three different graphs. Three entirely different concepts and away we go.
Luckily, I teach some of the smartest kids in the country, and they can adjust to this overload of work. They have the ability to take in multiple concepts and understand them. However, some of my other students can not do that yet (Carol Dweck would love that). They are then forced to try to bring all this information together in a short time which can be often frustrating.
The A/B schedule and the size of classes are something that comes from the county. How can a county that is pushing student centered approach produce large class sizes, give students more work with eight classes and not allow them to visit their teachers each day. If relationships are the key to student success then how can they think it is easier to build relationships seeing people every other day compared to every day.
Does anyone else see the disconnect? Your comments of course are appreciated.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Do Incentive work
When you read any introductory economics book they always talk about how incentives work. However, do they work in the school house? When you look at grades are they an incentive that drives student learning? When students are young learning how to read is the grade what drives them? Or are kids just naturally attracted to learning?
Even as students grow older, do grades work for everyone or are they just an incentive for the good students? Then look at the opposite side of the coin that teachers get paid no matter if they do a good or a bad job. Does this impact teacher performance. Interested to hear your thoughts?
Even as students grow older, do grades work for everyone or are they just an incentive for the good students? Then look at the opposite side of the coin that teachers get paid no matter if they do a good or a bad job. Does this impact teacher performance. Interested to hear your thoughts?
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Rising seniors
Here is some thoughts on what juniors can do to prepare themselves for their senior year and the college application process.
1. Think about who you want to write your letter of recommendation. These teachers should know you the best and be able to explain what makes you different than other applicants. The fact that you are a great student will show up in your transcript the letter and your essay should try to demonstrate what characteristics you have that make you different. The more time you give your teacher to write the letter of rec, the better the letter will be.
2. Write your essays over the summer. You have the time to do it and it will take pressure off you during the school year.
3. Visit some colleges if possible. Even if you are visiting a small school like Goucher, city school like Hopkins, or a big school like Maryland. It might give you an idea at least of what type of school you would like to attend. If you are visiting a school that you will apply to, drop off your resume so the school will start a file for you. REMEMBER the schools are also recruiting you.
4. When you are thinking about your safety schools make sure that they are safe in that you will get in and that they are financially affordable for your family.
5. Do not stress out about the college that you will get into. The truth is that you are more important than the college. You will make sure that you get a good education and have a great time at the school that you attend. There are plenty of good schools out there and you will find one that fits your needs.
6. Again in writing your essay, or doing an interview think about what makes you unique. It is not a time for modesty but truthfully a time to shine. Anytime you can show persistence, demonstrate your passion for something outside the classroom, that is what colleges want. They want students who not only shine in the classroom but will make their college a better place.
7. Remember most college admissions people are under 35. You can be cool in your writing.
Hope this helps
1. Think about who you want to write your letter of recommendation. These teachers should know you the best and be able to explain what makes you different than other applicants. The fact that you are a great student will show up in your transcript the letter and your essay should try to demonstrate what characteristics you have that make you different. The more time you give your teacher to write the letter of rec, the better the letter will be.
2. Write your essays over the summer. You have the time to do it and it will take pressure off you during the school year.
3. Visit some colleges if possible. Even if you are visiting a small school like Goucher, city school like Hopkins, or a big school like Maryland. It might give you an idea at least of what type of school you would like to attend. If you are visiting a school that you will apply to, drop off your resume so the school will start a file for you. REMEMBER the schools are also recruiting you.
4. When you are thinking about your safety schools make sure that they are safe in that you will get in and that they are financially affordable for your family.
5. Do not stress out about the college that you will get into. The truth is that you are more important than the college. You will make sure that you get a good education and have a great time at the school that you attend. There are plenty of good schools out there and you will find one that fits your needs.
6. Again in writing your essay, or doing an interview think about what makes you unique. It is not a time for modesty but truthfully a time to shine. Anytime you can show persistence, demonstrate your passion for something outside the classroom, that is what colleges want. They want students who not only shine in the classroom but will make their college a better place.
7. Remember most college admissions people are under 35. You can be cool in your writing.
Hope this helps
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)