Saturday, February 20, 2010
Blog 5....
In the 9th grade Physical science class, my host teacher is having the students read Rocket Boys (the October Sky movie). The students seem to enjoy the book. The teacher doesn't do anything but just review what the students have read and gives quizzes over the reading. My host teacher also has a book area that contains a variety of science related books. I am yet to see any students even look at any of the books though. I quickly realized that there is not much time to do much reading at school anymore. Everyone is so concerned, and rightfully so, about covering as much material as possible. In readicide, I really agree with him on the standards and how they are directing too much of the teaching. I've noticed in class when a student wants to go more in depth the teacher can't because they have to stay on topic and make sure they cover the standards. For the seminar, I'm just looking forward to seeing everyone, but hope we aren't there all night. No progress on the inquiry project....too much other stuff going on.............
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I don't think that my host teacher could even get students to read if she tried. I believe that the Physics class wouldn't have a problem, but one physical science class hates reading and the other is too overwhelmed with the work load in class to even think about reading. I think for the students that don't like it read it is a matter of finding something they would like and on their level. However, students in this class range from 3-9th grade reading levels.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that everyone is concerned with getting through as much material as possible. I sat with my host teacher after school friday and planned out until the EOCT. It is insane the amount of information that we have to practically shove down students throats in the next 2 months.
When teacher reviews, are kids talking about what they read? It's great that at least you are seeing how reading can enrich understanding of nature of science. Your observation is right - not much time during school for reading. If kids don't read outside of school, then, unfortunately, they don't read. Any ideas that you could take from Kelly Gallagher and use in science. How about taking a portion of one class period every OTHER week for a science article on topic related to standard you are teaching? In addition to reading outside textbook, benefits would be that students see relevance to life experiences and current events and understand more the real world contributions of the science content they are learning.
ReplyDeleteWorkload is apparently a HUGE issue with the sixth grade teachers at GMC. I have talked with just about all of them, and they all believe the 50 minute class periods just are not enough. Throw in the day lost to snow last Friday, two days off for the holiday early last week, and different aspects of spirit week that was ALSO last week, and the teachers are frustrated. They feel like they have to really put their heads down and try and make up for time lost. The amount of material covered is increasing, and I'm afraid the students' understanding of said material is decreasing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that the workload is taking over. It seems to be a theme among teacher converstaions. There is a big push for all of the teachers to stay on the same topics at the same time, which means that time for extra strategies are almost restricted intentionally. Many of the times that the teachers would take to apply some literacy or even critical thinkig techniques is consumed by staying on track with the predetermined timeline. I think that we just have to try to squeeze in bits and pieces where we can.
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