Strategy Blog 1

Hi, I finally got to start my clinical yesterday in a high school level Accounting course. The teacher has never had a teacher student before but seems kind of excited. She said since I am still taking classes I am "up" on the latest methods and she looks forward to seeing what I can show her. The pressure is on!!! She is very organized as she has already given the students packets/Word documents with their assignments for the entire semester. She has also completed her Grade Quick headings by transferring them over from previous semesters so I want to work within the structure she has already established. However, I think I can try some new instructional strategies during "lecture" time and maybe throw in a few "daily" activities that are related to Marzano strategies. Like I said, I have only been there for 2 blocks but I think there are some areas where what we have learned in class would make things better if implemented. Although, those particular areas are tied so closely to the teacher's personality that I am not sure I will be "pushing" them on her during this 9 week clinical. (Yes, I said nine weeks as the only time it is feasible for me to be there is her first 90 minute block. After that is planning, lunch and some self-paced computer courses with multi-level students.) Now that I have that off my chest, back to the topic....she has students collect their work for an entire unit (aka chapter) in a folder. She asks them to turn it in after they have completed the test. I think this is in direct contradiction to Marzano's feedback strategy. The students do not really have a chance to improve based upon teacher feedback because they are on to a new skill by the time they get it back. Also, I noticed that several students were finished while others were lagging behind. I asked if there were any extended activities or enrichment for the students who are finished. The text provides some great resources. She said she doesn't feel it is fair to give them more work than the others, so she rewards them by allowing them to play games, surf the net and listen to music w/headphones. (yes, it is against school policy in case you were wondering). The principal walked in and caught one student on the net and scolded him. There appeared to be an "understanding" to not implicate the teacher. For the record, he wasn't even close to finished. Should be an "interesting" experience.