CHAPTER 1 and 2
Journal Prompt:
Think of a program that has been implemented in recent years at your school or a school with which you are familiar. Which teachers adapted to the change of programs, embracing the new idea and making it work? Did any teachers resist the change? Was the program ultimately deemed a success? What determines whether or not it was successful?
As a first year teacher I do not have any previous experience with programs that have been implemented, so I cannot speak to that. However, I have seen that with the TNTP program there is resistance due to the attitude/approach of the individuals presenting the program. This is largely because the program is not considering the realities of our school, nor is it being introduced in such a way that the disconnect is adequately addressed. As such, although the end goal is something that teachers agree on as being important and desired, the attitude with which it was brought in has resulted in this resistance. It is still too early to determine whether this program is a "success", but it is certain that the teachers in this school already were aware of the issues this program is intended to address and were working on improving them. I think that for this particular program, it will be hard to say if it succeeded as a program simply because of the way it is framed, not because teachers won't be doing as the program intends.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most teachers seemed to feel they were already teaching the way that was being encouraged by the TNTP people. Some of the things they were speaking about were good reminders, but maybe not changes.
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DeleteBeing a first year teacher, I do not know of previous programs that have been implemented, if they worked or not, which in turn makes it impossible to say if they succeeded or not. All that said, I do think that there are those who embrace change, and those who resist any type of change in any situation. One of the keys to being successful is the ability to adapt and change to situations and priorities. In the classroom, this is knowing and understanding the needs of your students and how to apply different teaching techniques to ensure proper delivery of material to ensure proper understanding.
ReplyDeleteI agree that one of the keys to success is having the ability to adapt to situations.
DeleteThat's a very good way of putting it. You really to have to constantly adapt as a teacher and if you refuse to do so you harm your students and yourself, as we are all still learning no matter how old or educated we are.
DeleteI have used many programs over the years. I can honestly say that there's not one program that fits all. I have seen teachers embrace programs and some that did not. Sometimes the programs were successful, and sometimes they did not work and we ended up going back to the other method. A successful teacher is capable of accepting feedback from scholars, and others in which they use that information to implement the necessary adjustments to the material.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I think our personalities have a lot to do what that. What works for some wont work for others and vice versa. Feedback can be hard to accept, but anything that helps us grow as teachers is worth a little struggle.
DeleteBeing able to accept feedback, and put it to use seems to be a key. I have some that can tell me their learning styles, while others I have to figure out. It can be hard at times, but worth the effort to see them grow.
DeleteIt's my first year at Odyssey and my first year back to teaching after a 6 year break. Because of that, I can't speak to the outcomes of programs that were implemented. I can however, speak to the reactions I have seen from teachers to changes at Odyssey during PD's. Some teachers seem very hesitant even resistant to change, which I think is a very common way to feel with change. What the book stated about teacher being the key and not programs really struck me. Quality teachers might feel upset about change/new programs but they adapt and do what is best for their students. I think the impact on the students is how we gage a programs success.
ReplyDeleteCan you let me know who you are? Thank you. Also, please create your account so that we can tell who you are when you submit your responses and contribute to the discussion.
DeleteIs it good now?
DeleteI feel that programs come and programs go, but teacher connection with scholars and their needs is what truly dictates the success of a program. I have been in education for 20 years and in and out of different programs. An open mind and the ability to adjust and adapt is necessary. But in the end, the successful teacher builds relationships. Regardless of the "program." Family... relationships... knowing who your scholars are. That's what leads to success in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to adapt is the key. Programs change. Course material changes. Youth's understanding changes. Being able to adapt to each of these is what makes someone successful in my opinion.
DeleteAgreed. I think it is very important to collaborate with other teachers, and it is not important what background everybody is the importance it is to learn more can help the scholars and make easy the work. I believe this program can help us to be success.
ReplyDeleteThis is Rosa Bishop
DeleteI agree Rosa. Building relationships with scholars helps you know what they need, as well as allows you to develop strategies to create success in the classroom. When they know you care, they will do just about anything for you. Then you can allow them to embrace learning and take ownership of it in your classroom. I'm excited to continue this discussion over the course of the year with you.
DeleteAs this is my first year teaching ever, I can not speak toward any specific programs. As in regards to the TNTP program I understand the urgency of getting our scholars back to grade level as soon as possible due to the Covid situation. I do think that the teachers here are doing many of the positive things mentioned in this program. However, I think the author's purpose in those first to chapters is that we should be honest with ourselves about what we do and how we do it and are we being as effective as we believe we are. As a new teacher I do not yet have all of the tools necessary to effectively evaluate myself as a teacher but I do try to evaluate my self as a person. Neil DeGrass Tyson asks a question of himself everyday: "Am I a better person today than I was the day before?" Somedays are yes and somedays are no. What is important is to ask the question. I think we have fantastic teachers here. I hope to be one, but it will take time. For me, I have to have the courage to ask myself honest questions and answer with equal honesty.
ReplyDeleteI agree Max. We have some amazing educators at OI and if we embrace what our veteran and mentor teachers have to offer us, we can develop all our teachers to be successful. Continue to ask questions and ask for help. Visiting mentor teacher classrooms and trying new strategies. The first steps to success.
DeleteThe previous post is Max Summers by the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you Max. Can you create a profile, then we know that it is you when you submit your discussions. Thank you! Let me know if you need guidance.
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