tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18677687.post4858681380476917980..comments2024-03-27T15:13:24.764-04:00Comments on Computer Science Teacher: Sometimes You Have to Slow DownAlfred Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575057876858763822noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18677687.post-76835038226703296452013-09-24T23:47:34.965-04:002013-09-24T23:47:34.965-04:00I'm definitely working on being better at aski...I'm definitely working on being better at asking specific questions. Last year (first year), I had to break myself of the almost habit of "any questions". This year, I make sure to have entry tasks at least once a week where students simply have to answer SOMETHING to get credit, to remind me of what they're not getting. (I have them put their answer down on a 3x5, as otherwise I won't review it as quickly cause if it's on a computer I'll think about having to plan or grade.)<br /><br />And for SURE about students thinking they're the only ones lost. This year, I made it my first whole week theme to tackle this.<br /><br />Here was my first day plan for all classes:<br />- Entry task of writing some words about cloud computing, something for my students that NONE understand (so if yours do, replace this with something that all students would complain is over their head)<br />- When done writing, students are tasked with introducing themselves to neighbors<br />- Ask for words from as many students as possible, do 5 minute overview<br />- Introduce self, course offerings, where assignments are posted, how grading works, communication (specifically, that I'm so very available for help)<br />- <br />- Ask students to raise their hand if they think of themselves as a techy person (majority of my students do not, so rest of students see that they are not alone)<br />- End class reading the following, and then providing a 5 minute writing prompt: "In society, someone who says, 'Hey, I can't do math, I'm no good at it!' is responded with many who say 'I know what you mean, I can't do it either!' and everyone laughs. BUT if someone were to exclaim 'Hey, I don't know how to read or write', the room would go silent or change the topic." In your own words, why is it okay to be bad at math (and think of adults/teachers and those who think they aren't good at computers), but not bad at reading/writing? How does this impact your or your classmates' motivation to increase their math skills or computational thinking skills?<br /><br />Then the start of the next day, I have students break up into two groups and go in a circle introducing their names, summary, and impact on motivation. In each group I take three volunteers and then assign the person to start speaking, the note taker, and the spokesperson. After the group discussions are done and the speakers have presented their findings to the other group, I do a brief presentation on Carol Dweck's growth vs fixed mindset. (Fixed: "That person can do math, cause their mathy.) And then I tell them their mindset isn't fixed, and reiterate my office hours and how to get in contact with me.Ashley Myershttp://organizefish.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18677687.post-61406205093446201402013-09-24T22:05:54.886-04:002013-09-24T22:05:54.886-04:00I never took a teaching methods course. I know I s...I never took a teaching methods course. I know I should ask students questions directly. I just need to do more of it and "pick" on the people I suspect are having issues.Alfred C Thompson IIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06011086242006020298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18677687.post-41368570235044159642013-09-24T20:26:42.130-04:002013-09-24T20:26:42.130-04:00Remember discussions in the teaching methods cours...Remember discussions in the teaching methods courses on questioning techniques? That is probably the biggest thing I learned in those courses. Ask the students questions directly, by name. Never ask "Are there any questions?" It is a waste of time. Those that know what is going on have no questions. Those that do not have a clue are not going to embarrass themselves. Garthnoreply@blogger.com