The First Quarter...

So as the first quarter of the school year is coming to an end, I realize that I've grown a lot as a teacher and an individual. I'm proud to say that this year, although I still am way to lenient, I really don't let things get to me.

I give my students the best advice I can, teach my lessons the best I can, and have discussions that hopefully teach my students life lessons on how to be a good (or even just better) person. I do my personal best, and stop taking things personally. Although it may seem like I don't "care", I've stopped fretting over students who personally choose not to succeed. I will do my part, and if they need more I am always more than willing to help. However, all I am doing this year, is reminding students that they need to take action. The rest is their responsibility.

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So on another note, I'm also 25 this year... about a quarter of my life has gone by and sometimes I look back and wonder "What have I accomplished?" Although it doesn't seem like much compared to some of my peers who have gone on to become doctors, dentists, lawyers, spouses, parents, etc. I'm pretty content with being a teacher. I don't have my own kids, but my students are my "kids". :) It makes me sad to see them grow up so fast! Soon they will be graduating and moving on... and I will be left behind. :'(

I miss my sisters.

New School Year

So with the beginning of the new school year, I've started to reflect on how to improve my teaching and my lessons. This year the subjects I am teaching are Chinese 1-2, Chinese 3-4 and Pre-Calculus.

I have all 3 classes set up to where students are graded on Participation, Progress and Performance.

Participation:
- Being on time
- Having materials
- Contributing to class in a meaningful way

Progress:
- Learning the material
- Practicing the material
- Assessing progress via Quizzes

Performance:
- Chapter or Unit Tests
- In Chinese, this entails: word recognition, the ability to communicate, and listening comprehension.
- In Pre-Calculus, this entails: the ability to apply learned formulas and concepts to problems which may include just one or multiple mathematics objectives.

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Aside from the typical lessons though, I've been wanting to somehow incorporate self reflection, self discovery, and open up the minds of my students. To somehow get them thinking beyond the I, me, my and mine...

This has brought me to incorporating discussions of personal values, shared values, ethics, and many philosophical questions.

So her begins my journey...