After I created this and wrote my lesson plan I started to doubt whether or not the class consisting of 1oth through 12th graders would be interested in this or bored to tears... as it turned out they were actually engaged and asking questions. They asked if my school work was hard, about the rescue group I work with and of course we could have talked about the Sports category all day! I was thrilled. I told them that I can relate to them when I was talking about being a student because there are times that I think my assignments are useless and that I don't want to do them but I have to because I want my degree. They were all nodding their heads and smiling. I also explained that they will see my instructor in class at times and that I would greatly appreciate their cooperation on those days. They laughed. This actually worked out better than I imagined. Then we went into the lesson. Being new and not wanting to bore them, I went through the lesson quicker than I should have. I need to keep in mind that everybody doesn't learn the same way. I am very much a visual and hands on learner and usually want to jump right into things and assume everyone else does too. I showed them around WordArt, giving them a step-by-step lesson on how to create something and then let them at it! My coop suggested showing them more examples before giving them the assignment. The assignment was for each of them to create a Mind Map of themselves. They had to create five main categories which was completely up to them what they wanted to put in it. The only caveat was that it had to be school appropriate. I asked them to please not get me fired before I even get started! Under each main category there has to be a minimum of three items... these can be clip art, more word art, photos, logos, whatever they want. For the rest of the period, you could have heard a pin drop in that room. Usually they're talking, on the internet or shut down 10 min. before class is over. Not only were they working but they worked until the bell went off and this was the last period of the day! I gave them two classes to complete this and they were just as engaged on Friday afternoon and some were even there after the bell!
Friday proved to be interesting as my coop had a personal day. There was a substitute that by his own admission knew little about Comp. Apps. but that was fine. I talked with my coop and we planned for me to do this lesson with all of his classes. So this was a good lesson for me on the differences in the make up and/or personality of a class. The one class has more than half of the students with IEPs. I was fortunate that the assignment was completely adaptive because the students can make what they want out of it.
If I had to do it over, I would take my coop's advice and slow down a bit on the lesson part of this. I would give them several examples and styles and then let them work on their own. The positive thing about the way I did it is that it gave me the opportunity to walk around and observe the students and what level each one is at. I talked with each student a bit about his/her mind map and helped whenever asked. Before this, I didn't have a sense as to what these students could do and how much they knew.
The best part of the week was when I was talking with an art teacher on Friday afternoon and she said that students in her class were talking about what they were doing in my class. She was amazed how much they seemed to enjoy it! I guess the lesson for me this week is: don't doubt yourself. Prepare it, plan it and go into it with enthusiasm. If you are enthusiastic and enjoy the lesson, you have a good chance of the students feeling the same way. If you're not, the students certainly won't be either. Always go for it and do it with a smile!
Sounds like you've had a good week. That's a great idea to introduce WordArt. As I've taught this week, the kids are becoming to feel more comfortable with me too. They are asking me more questions about my interests and wanting to know more. Throughout my lesson, it was definitely apparent that not everyone learns the same. As my students are all at different levels of skill so the hardest part is to keep it simple of some and not bore the others. I agree with you as well, always smile with the kids to show that you are excited and hopefully this will make them excited too!
ReplyDeleteWow! what positive impression you are giving to the students. I think your lesson was a great way to start and to introduce yourself. I feel that the hardest thing is getting and keeping the student's interest but you seem to have captured that already. I don't have any computer apps classes but I am excited to hear more about your lessons in the future.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for the mind map, im actually in the process of making one right now to introduce Web Page Design because the students will make a personalized web page. Using a mind map is a great way to get their attention.
ReplyDeleteIm glad the students are loving your class, its fun to interact with them because they are so unique and creative. When something important happens in their life they cant wait to tell you. I agree to show excitment while instructing and also when interacting with the students. The more fun you have the more then can have.
Wow Maribeth! Your posting offers us so much to learn from in your experiences. It is so wonderful how the students are taking the enthusiasm and excitement from your class into other classes. That speaks volumes considering your inner-city school placement.
ReplyDeleteAs I said before, I think you are going to make a difference in many of the students' lives. It is evident that you care because you share yourself with them and relate to them in different areas. Yes, we always need to remember...we are the teacher and they are the students. There is a definite big, bold, black line that separates us from our students. Yet, showing them that we care, that we truly are genuine in hoping for the very best for them is not at all about crossing any lines, but showing them that you believe in them and their potentials. Many students never receive that from an adult. We, as teachers, need to be the best role model we can for our students....for our students' futures.
Kudos for all that you are doing in the classroom. Thank you for sharing your mind map with us! Blogs are a lot more interesting with clipart and visuals!