Hmm windows writer, this looks useful. I might be updating!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Assessment Time
Half term is drawing nearer, so it is time to assess. Not the kids though - me!
I'm trying to find a method of instant feedback for my lessons. I've looked at using the blog, but mysteriously teachers are outnumbering students at the moment. A questionnaire? Too long winded.
Then it hit me - stickers, lovely little round colourful stickers. Each student will get 1 (prevents random stickering of other students) and votes on a double scale on the way out. The scale? Hmm that is harder...
I was thinking bottom one being: not a clue to got it. The vertical one is proving problematic. Should I measure the fun-ness of a lesson?
Once a week with each class should prove nothing if not interesting... I'll se how it goes.
I'm trying to find a method of instant feedback for my lessons. I've looked at using the blog, but mysteriously teachers are outnumbering students at the moment. A questionnaire? Too long winded.
Then it hit me - stickers, lovely little round colourful stickers. Each student will get 1 (prevents random stickering of other students) and votes on a double scale on the way out. The scale? Hmm that is harder...
I was thinking bottom one being: not a clue to got it. The vertical one is proving problematic. Should I measure the fun-ness of a lesson?
Once a week with each class should prove nothing if not interesting... I'll se how it goes.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Yaaaarrrrr Pirates
I loved it. Kids loved it. Staff loved it. Look at the Pirates SOW and marvel at what Gemma did. It even fits on with English and the Pirate King Speech!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Random Rant
The past week was odd. Very odd.
Various issues to do with accountability and students - par for the course with a new role. Raging evil cold. Ubuntu breaking and losing files (my fault for not backing up). Odd progress in students. Very odd training day. Mysterious unbooked courses.
I think I have entered the twilight zone.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Building the Curriculum
I have really enjoyed teaching the Year 8 curriculum so far. Our focus has been history and we have looked at Victorian crime and Pirates. Coming up is coasts...
Richard Allaway has provided some excellent resources, but with one downfall - they are all ICT based and require unfettered ICT access. With this in mind I have done a rewrite (and offered Richard the revised unit back as we should share and share alike!).
Imagine delivering Richard's unit to a class of 28 as is. It is perfect. Alas I have problems resourcing it for 14. Hats off the Richard for the sheer scope of his unit, and resources permitting many activities are very doable. I just want access to 15 pcs to let my kids take advantage.
Richard Allaway has provided some excellent resources, but with one downfall - they are all ICT based and require unfettered ICT access. With this in mind I have done a rewrite (and offered Richard the revised unit back as we should share and share alike!).
Imagine delivering Richard's unit to a class of 28 as is. It is perfect. Alas I have problems resourcing it for 14. Hats off the Richard for the sheer scope of his unit, and resources permitting many activities are very doable. I just want access to 15 pcs to let my kids take advantage.
Moving Pictures
My classes are nothing if not honest. I say that in a good way, as it can be quite revealing as to what goes on in other people's classrooms.
I am lucky (!) enough to teach in most subject areas and think I have learnt well from other subjects and improved my teaching at least a little. I love using little snippets of video in my lessons, usually funny and memorable, and always related to the objective (even if sometimes the pupils have to think carefully to make the link).
Twice last week, with different classes from different year groups I got "We never do this elsewhere". This got me thinking, why don't other people use video?
I soon found out why. I needed to get a video file to work one morning, so at 8am duly did my testing. Windows Media Player hated it. OK, try Quicktime. Hated it. VLC? Nope. OK redownload... blocked. Update Quicktime? sticks at 99% due to lockdown. Convert it on zamzar.com? Page loads but upload doesn't due to internet filter.
Unless you are a level 20 net ninja at home, using video is actually very hard. Next time I hear the comment from a pupil, I will use my anecdote to apologise and explain.
Friday, September 26, 2008
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