#teachingstruggles

[rrqueensworld]

It's that time of year again. Setting up my course for the Spring semester without a textbook because UPS decided to send it 4 states over after it sat in the sorting center 2 miles away from me for 3 days. #ughhhh #sendhelp #professorlife #teachingstruggles https://www.instagram.com/p/CIypMbuLH9H/?igshid=e6i8faitwa46

[getrealteaching-blog]

No one understands being a teacher more than a fellow teacher.

Self

[chdesignandphotos]

Teaching Updates

This year is beginning to look like a blur. Only two months and it is Christmas Break!!!! My 8th Grade Advanced students got to talk with Cristiam Ramos on skype in October. He is an internationally known artist that creates art with unconventional tools and methods. 

My 7th Grade students had a field trip, and my 8th Grade students will be doing a photo walk at the Conservators Center in Burlington.

Lastly, I went to the NCAEA (NC Art Education Association) Conference for the first time this year. Dr. Lim, other UNCG Graduates, and myself presented at the conference. I was able to present about technology usage in my room and identity themed art on fabric.

Even though, I still struggle with my classroom from time to time. I work more and more with other teachers for interdisciplinary assignments. Working on more artist talks through skype and getting artists physically in my classroom. I always try to come up with new and engaging assignments for my students.

I will try to post weekly and upload more student work.

[girlvsjapan]

My school is an academic school, which means that students are highly motivated and are expected to go on to university before making their career. These kids work incredibly hard to get good marks on the university entrance exam and often aim for perfection. As anyone who has tried learning a second language knows, perfection is not usually a practical goal when trying to communicate in the second language. As a result, students are very hesitant to participate in class or even speak with me outside of class for fear of making a mistake. Even though during the first days of classes I received many notes about "I want to speak to you more!", it was difficult to engage in conversation during and after class.

I spoke to my supervisor about this, and proposed providing a notebook in which students could write to me to communicate in English instead of speaking (which they are often more skilled at as a result of having far more written practice than conversation). This would take the pressure off a face-to-face conversation and hopefully let them talk about the things they want to, while still communicating in English.

On the first day, I had three classes. Before each class, I told them they could write ANYTHING, ANYTIME in the notebook and I would write back to them. I got a few nods of understanding but interest seemed low.

When I checked the book after school, it already had three pages full of notes and messages for me!! I was so excited! I've already received messages telling me I look like Milla Jovovich, a marriage proposal, and an invitation to lunch. So far, success!!