De-Pi-ing all Logic

Yesterday was the start of this new career, this new life that I am beginning. I am leaving the world of dry, boring, automotive engineering in pursuit of the ever changing days that are teaching.

The first day was a fairly typical day based on all of my experiences (which are only those of a student). Don Yeatts really focused on putting the students at ease. We talked initially about making the students feel as if physics is not that hard. This goes against all of their preconceived notions. I could tell that they believed that since there is math and science involved, it will automatically be difficult. However, Yeatts goes on to say that physics is actually the most basic science that exists. It focuses on the "why" of science.

We went on to discuss that there are many levels of physics, but each level is not due to complexity, it is merely a result of how accurate the outcome must be. Calculus is only involved if accuracy is needed. The faces quickly became relaxed and more comfortable.

Yeatts' move that would throw people the most came when the class clown was involved. I consider myself to be a bit of a punster, but this guy was over the top and lewd. Don did not even flinch. I thought that he was letting his behavior go, showing the class that this was acceptable.

Once he was finished with the syllabus and moved to the short in class assignment, he went over to the student that was causing the scene. I went over because I thought he was going to address the outbursts and I was interested to see how he handled it. He did more than handle it... he did something unthinkable. He got to know the student. He asked him questions about sports that he plays and then asked him about where he lives. He made several connections between himself and the student. They ended up laughing and saying a few quick one liners.

I asked him after the class about the situation and the fact that it goes against the typical behavior control methods of nipping the problem early. He only stated, "You always want the students on your side."

That was all I needed to hear, I understood where Don was coming from... but more importantly the student did as well.

Teaching is not a game

I have been coaching soccer for about six years now, ever since I stopped playing at UDM. The ability to coach has always been something that has come easily to me, as I try to envision exactly what the players might be thinking about. I have coached and played at a high level for a while, which has made my expectations quit high. I expect a lot of myself and demand top play from my players.

However, what happens when I am not connecting to some of the players as well as others. I just worked very closely with a junior varsity program that was not at the same level as I would like them to be. Some of the players are not very dedicated and tend to take the easy way out. I found myself allowing them to sit out of drills and fitness exercises when I should have been asking them to work harder and develop new ways to get through to them.

This is the same as in the class. This is the going to be one of my biggest challenges as a teacher. I need to make sure that I am not just catering to the needs of the talented students. I worry that I will relate to the students who are willing to work hard, but I should also be focusing on getting others involved. There will be all types of students that come through my class, all of whom I will need to challenge and engage.

Just like in sports, you can't just focus on the good players and allow the others to fall behind. If you do that, there won't be a team in the future.

A String and Two Tin Cans

About four years ago, I bought my house on Lake Louise in Ortonville. My wife and I live there now, but for a while it was just me. When I first moved in, some of the neighbors were having trouble properly receiving me as a fellow homeowner and tried to figure out ways to talk bad about me rather than take the time to find out who I was or what I was about. They assumed that because I was young, I was renting the house... which obviously meant that I was going to trash the place, burn couches on my front lawn, have loud parties until 5AM and drive my boat past their no wake zone signs and right through their living rooms.

It took some extreme initial work on my part, but I finally got a chance to speak with most of my neighbors in a one on one scenario. At each point, I tried to find out a little bit about the person. I found that two houses down loves to talk about stocks, 3 houses down will only talk if he is in his garden or doing yard work, and next door will seem as if they are gone for 3 weeks (I won't see them once), but as soon as I have a party, or people come over, they love to come out and take part in whatever we are doing.

And the point.... communication. All it took was for me to start up some sort of conversation with each of these neighbors, and we have been blood brothers ever since. Each student is going to come into class with a bit of a chip on his or her shoulder. This is because we are teachers. It is our job to find a way to communicate with them. Whether it be asking them about other classes, finding out how their game went the night before, or what they want to be when they grow up (if they ever do). Once we have that open line of communication, we will be more effective teachers. It is also our job to develop various forms of communication. When I first heard about the teacher who holds office hours over instant messaging I thought it was a little weird. However, that chat might be the best way that a child can ask his or her question. It may allow them to open up and receive help that they have been too afraid to verbally ask for. So please, identify a specific way to get through to each of your students and I am sure they will love you for it.

And on a side note, just last week we had our lake association meeting, and all of my neighbors asked me if I would run for office. How things have changed with just a few conversations and interest in others.

My approach to Mustaches

I have a friend who can grow facial hair at an above average rate. Every time I see him, he has something new going on with his canvas. I saw him a week ago and he had a full beard, then three days ago, chops and a goat, and yesterday a fu man like you wouldn't believe.

Not that students will be able to grow facial hair at the same rate, nor will they have as much knowledge about mustaches as I do, but each student will bring their own style to the classroom. Part of our job as educators is to involve every student no matter what they bring to the table. Keeping an open mind to the abilities and personalities of each individual is critical. Through this, we will develop plans to reach every type of learner. Some students need more guidance than others, some need their space and some need to change their own approach depending on the situation. This personal diversity can add to the positive learning environment when all students are given a chance.

Every student will have their own facial landscape and we need to make sure not everyone is clean shaven.

Physics and Bow Ties

I have been doing some thinking over the recent weeks as to what I want to accomplish as a teacher. We discussed student achievement and what it means for our students to be successful. I understand that standards have a large place in education today, but I feel that the most important part of teaching is how we reach those standards. From my experiences student's learning is increased by a strong relationship with the teacher. As many can probably tell, I like to take a jovial approach to learning and life. I feel that if the students are having fun with me, they will trust what I say more. This builds a foundation for learning success. I also know that strong teacher student relationships in my past made me strive for knowledge. I did not want to let my teachers down and I worked constantly to prove this. I feel that when teachers get to the level of the students, each is more likely to benefit. As we go out to teach, please keep this in mind. Don't try to become friends with your students, try to understand them and allow them to understand you. Bow ties for everyone.

The use of Technology must be focused

As I was watching the societal changes group present in our 649 class, we talked a bunch about how technology can be used in the classroom. One of the major issues that I had during this presentation was my lack of focus when it comes to the technology involved. We were offered the chance to get on twitter and ask questions while the presentation was taking place. I tried to make some comments on twitter, then I found myself reading all of the other comments first, then I tried to figure out how to comment, then I read more comments. By the time I had done all of this, the discussion in the classroom had passed me by. I realized that I had tuned out for approximately 8 minutes. So, as I stated before, the technology usage needs to be focused and incorporated into the lesson. When I was given the opportunity to explore and use the technology on my own, I struggled. While some of the students will have more knowledge and be more familiar than myself, I will also have to show others how it can be utilized.

Shout out for all you techies out there!

Technology in the classroom; it is fantastic when it works. I have always been fascinated with various ways that students learn and I will make sure that my students have a firm grasp on any type of technology available to them. I think Smartboards are a great way to incorporate various learning styles and abilities with technology. My plan is to teach in a STEM class environment and adopt a cooperative teaching style. I see my students teaching me as we go and developing along the way. I am open to new opportunities and look forward to setting up a positive learning environment.