A touch of reality

I would like to start this post on a positive note. That being said, all of the ideas and activities we, as a class, have produced and discussed are wonderful, positive additions to curriculum that is most likely outdated. Non-print media and multi-modal learning most certainly have a place in the classroom of the future. However, it has been my experience that placing these activities and ideas in the classroom is much harder than anticipated. This is for two reasons. The first being that you must get everything okayed by administration. The paper trail in high schools could probably match the equator in length. This, though, is the easier road block to get past. As a certified high school teacher you will have the knowledge and skills to provide rationales and justifications for everything that you wish to supplement your class with. The harder problem is getting the students to buy into what your doing. One way is to pour on the enthusiasm, and I have found and believe that I will continue to find that the more excitement you show for a topic, the more the students will buy into that subject. Burnout becomes inevitable though. I recently had a fellow student teacher tell me, "I don't even want to try most of the ideas that I think of for lessons, because I know the students will reject them and then I'll look stupid." I am not blogging about this to turn anyone away from the field. I have had a wonderful student teaching experience so far, and I cannot wait to get into my own classroom. However, I would like to place of word of caution to have realistic expectations. In the classroom we are able to develop an idealistic expectation of how our classroom will take a lesson or adapt to our presence, but once we step foot in an actual classroom the atmosphere affects the teacher. The hardest transition from classroom to classroom will be found in the urban environment. These students will test your patience and enthusiasm for your content on a daily basis, and it will be up to you to keep a positive mind set in order to further their learning. Earlier in the semester, I blogged about my idea to play the documentary "Marley." I showed "Marley" on Tuesday of this past week and while the students enjoyed the movie, they did not make the connections that I had hoped they would. I provided them with a handout of questions that would lead them to develop higher order thinking and provide in-depth answers on how Bob Marley's life connected to James McBride's life. What I got in return was half-completed questions and surface level thinking. I began to scratch a deeper meaning in discussion, but due to time I was unable to keep that discussion going. As I said earlier, DO NOT LET THIS DISCOURAGE YOU. However, understand that what we are learning now in class, will not translate easily into the classrooms you are placed in once you graduate. Thoughts, comments, criticisms, concerns, and questions are always welcome.