Who? What? Where? Wow!

So many questions and one explanation...I don't know you figure it out! Okay, I guess I can explain it a little better but then you're on your own! Giving pop quizzes sounds so nasty but really it's very important. It not only let's the teacher now where the kids are at academically in that class, but it also (hopefully) keeps kids up to date with their homework. Even if you do happen to mention something about a quiz some time next week, it's still the student's responsibility to review. Keeping them guessing doesn't always have to be so tragic either...if the kids have done well on a quiz or test or maybe they've been interacting more in classroom discussions, give them a surprise! Candy, free-write, a movie. Something that let's them know they're appreciated. You never know, this might be the first time they've been rewarded. And on that note, I'm out ;)

Which ROLE do you want to PLAY today?

Sounds like so much fun right? I'm sure every adult in the world would take this opportunity if they could. Trust me! Fortunately for my class, I incorporate this wonderful idea into my Shakespeare curriculum. Everyone knows literature can be boring at times, especially considering the word choice used by Mr. Shakespeare but acting out scenes is actually beneficial! Letting kids use their body and mind to understand difficult literature is something they can use throughout their academic career. Also, this lets kids, or teens continue to build their imaginative side. I always looked as imagination as an escape. Well that's exactly what their doing by role playing. Their escaping the boring trend of reading, reading, blah blah blah to move around and engage in a Shakespearean world. Now who wants to reenact Romeo and Juliet? ;)

Party of 5

Whether it be 5 or 7 or 10, group projects are fun and helpful. The best thing about projects is that every academic subject can use this technique. Math, Science, History, you get my drift! Not only do kids get the chance to express their ideas in a more personal surrounding, but they also get to brush up on their social skills. Not to mention, this gives the superior (this would be the teacher...) a chance to sit back and observe students do their own thing and watch thier strategy to complete a task. Group projects give students a chance to independently manage their own time while creating something from several different opinions.

Via Blog, Please ;)

I think it's interesting and beneficial to see how student's express their reactions to in-class assignments and projects. Blogging is relatively new and particularly easy for students to go online and have an entire page dedicated to their thoughts involving academic topics. Not only can I review their blogs, but other students have access to them as well. This is especially useful because if two students are experiencing similar problems, or interest in the same area they can interact via blogging. If I need to get online and notify my students about a change of schedule or to remind them of a quiz, I can quickly get online and post 1 blog for all students to read. Piece of cake!

Communicating is key

My professional guidelines in teaching have often stemmed from the important fact that even though I am "in charge" of these kids, I'm not their babysitter. I am here to provide educational information in a limited time capacity, while making it fun and interesting enough for a teenager to grasp. Assuming a student is fully aware of a task is ignorant and should be considered careless as a teacher. Talking with a student and questioning their ideas is more beneficial, in my opinion, then giving out take-home homework. Let's face it, some kids are scared of teachers and might not tell them their problems upfront. I believe trust is an important quality to have in a teacher/student relationship, especially since you are around these kids almost as much as their parents. If they can't tell you the problem, what makes you think they will tell their parents? Communicating effectively and casually is important in my teaching techbique. If the student trusts you enough to not feel embarrased or intimidated to ask or talk about their situation, then the problem can be solved more easily. Giving a lecture on a particular topic and speaking one on one with a student are on totally different levels and should be taken into consideration.