KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
First quarter of the 20-21 school year is over. For my school it was a hybrid quarter such that I saw my students twice per week in person for 55 minutes per class and they were to complete one online assignment asynchronously. I have to say this was a successful quarter for me and my students. That being said, it did pose it's challenges.
First challenge was figuring out how to cram our curriculum into 3/5 the time. The answer is you don't! Now get over that and do the best you can for students!!! Second challenge was dealing with the fact that at-risk students don't do homework even when they are in the building 1/2 of the time that they normally would be. Getting those weekly asynchronous assignments turned-in was like pulling teeth sometimes. Grades held students accountable, parent communication became more crucial, and personalized learning strategies became even more valuable as ways to motivate student participation. The way that I figured out what would work best for my students for them to engage in their learning was by asking the the experts: the students themselves! One technique that I used was surveying students at the beginning and then again at the end of the quarter. In the beginning I asked them (within options) what they wanted to learn and how they wanted to learn it. In the end, I asked them what worked and what didn't/what they liked and what they didn't. I made sure the surveys were anonymous so that students gave their honest opinions. I truly will use their feedback in my pursuit of improving instruction and conveyed that strong message to them. What I found out from the survey is that several strategies that I was already using were highly effective for my students.
I am being reflective of this first quarter as I enjoy my fall break. I am making sure to recharge my batteries. Keep in mind that self-care is more important than ever and NOT a selfish endeavor. As a 25 year veteran teacher, I'm working harder than ever to meet the educational needs of my students in these unprecedented times. This way, I'll be charged up and ready to by more innovative and creative with my students when we begin 2nd quarter. Scientifically yours, Nadene
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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