Macul:inginiting imagination

podcast lesson

So I did a podcast lesson and it was great. I never ever teach the class that I did it with because it is a small class of 12 and they are my mentor's favorites. Anyways, I decided to ask her if I could do it with them because is such a small class. It ended up going very well even though they did not take it very seriously (they don't take the class seriously because no one ever teaches, it's more of a hang out hour). They actually did it and enjoyed listening to each other's podcasts. It was also great for foreign language because the students were able to self-assess their pronunciation and the errors that they made.

I would definitely recommend doing podcasts in your classes! Also I didn't have them use their phones in classes due to school rules. All they had to do was dial a number I gave them from drop.io and then leave a voicemail which later became their podcast. It was fun and easy! If you want to see a a preview of my lesson check out the Final posts of Workshops on the wiki and you can watch my video.

So the honeymoon phase is over haha. Last week I got super angry at one of the classes that I teach because they could not be quiet. I told them that they obviously had no respect for me so I might as well just leave because they don't need or want my help. Then they all started complaining about how they want to be in college and I told them that they would never make it in college if they could not be quiet for 5 minutes. Many of them took that very offensively and I realized I shouldn't have said that, but I continued to explain to them that college classes are based upon respect. Students respect the prof.s and the prof.s respect the students. I also told them that even in college classes with 200 students, you can hear a pin drop.

So I went a little overboard I admit haha. I apologized to them and told them that they will all make it to college I was just upset because I put so much effort into grading their papers and helping them, but they won't even listen to me for 5 minutes. The next day they were great hah. Except for the end of the hour when I was presented with a huge dilemma.... let me know what you think....

So half of the class was a "free day" for them to organize their binders and help each other. One of the girls was organized so she asked if she could go to another class to finish a test. I said yes, and she left her backpack on my desk. The other kids were walking around all hour and doing things. When the student who left came back to class there were only 2 minutes to spare, and she noticed that her ipod had been stolen out of her backpack. I had seen it before hand, so I knew she did not just misplace it. I made an announcement to the class and asked whoever took it as a joke to give it back, no one said anything. Then I was just mad.... I told them that they would not be leaving the room until someone gave it back, and I assured them that I wouldn't tell the principal or authorities. The bell rang (this is last hour), and ppl started to complain, I said that it didn't matter and they could leave when the ipod was returned. On the other hand my mentor didn't care so she opened the door 30 seconds after the bell and told me we couldn't do anything.

I was upset because she didn't even try to help the girl and she completely ripped any authority that I had away right in front of the class. I know that we couldn't hold the kids too long, but she didn't even try. I am not sure what to do if this ever happens again because the kids aren't even supposed to have ipods...... what do you think?

So this semester has really opened my eyes. I finally realize why we have been putting ourselves through this 8th layer of hell. Everyday although it is extremely difficult to wake up at 5:15, I am happy to drive to work. I find myself running around the room like an idiot answering questions because I WANT to make sure that each and every student understands the material. I go home tired, though with a feeling of accomplishment and happiness. So far my teacher hasn't really let me make my own lessons, though I'm sure when that day comes this process of becoming a teacher will be even more rewarding. I hope you are all feeling the same way and let me know some of your stories!