My freshman are working on their final project in computers-- a PowerPoint. My classes look like a lot of sitting, watching, coaching, and-- horrors-- nagging. I never wanted to be a naggy teacher, but I am continually amazed to see these kids, with mountains of stuff left to do and the deadline looming, just goofing off like life is a big party!! So I've reminded them of the deadline, and tried in every way I can think of to get them on task.
Well today I was sick of it. So I resorted to other tactics.
I printed off the grading rubric again and handed it out to them at the beginning of class. Spent a few minutes talking about the final and how it was going to work (Their peers will be judging their PowerPoints...far scarier than having me judge them!)
Their little eyes got so big, and they turned to their computers and got to work.
And I sat back and wrote a research paper.
I also asked Ms. Wanda to remind me of her handy questions for helping students get back on track:
1. Do you know what you’re supposed to be doing?So I'm heading into the next class period armed!
2. What is it that’s keeping you from doing it?
3. How soon can you get started?
Wow! Thanks so much! I'm going to use those questions too. I hate being a naggy teacher, it's a pain for me, and I'm sure my pupil doesn't get any better for it. I really appreciated this post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder of those questions...I should use them more often!
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