Is everyone clear? Yeah, so, like there is this thing going on in class that, ummm, gets a little, yuhknow, like, frustrating, to me. It's called, communication. So, let's examine some things real quickly.
First of all, we are in the 14th week of school. Are there STILL questions of expectations?
Secondly, each class is basically doing something different than the others . . . sorta. I have tried to offer some sort of "ownership" in HOW we approach the class. Some of you sophomores are in small groups, attacking the Iliad, writing, and SSR. Other sophomores are bouncing back and forth between writing and reading - now a certain amount of non-fiction pieces. Freshmen, you have been allowed to dictate the PACE of the class to a certain extent.
Third, let's talk grades - a very "touchy" subject right now. I say that for several reasons, primarily because you all expect grades to be put INSTANTLY into the computer. You hand something in and POOF, its graded and into the computer. I wish it worked like that, but let's step back into reality of Mr. Kimble's world for a moment. Let's consider my instruction . . . . I do my best to guide you through class. It is very rare that I would just meet you at the door, hand you a paper or have something on the board, and say, "OK, there ya go. Get it done by the end of the hour whether you understand it or not." Actually, I've NEVER done that. I TRY to actually plan out lessons that are interesting, varied, paced appropriately for the class while still encouraging you to "pick it up," and I try to allow you all opportunities to use technology that relates to our course of study. [Now, I am NOT comparing myself to other teachers and I do not want any comments that are reflective of that thought.] This takes time. And add to that the fact that I have a lunch and a prep time, a grand total of 90 minutes, to plan, grade, and handle the administrative roles of this job. Do the math, with 135 students, that's 66 seconds per student, without lesson planning time. So when am I expected to grade and plan? That's right, on MY personal time. That's the beautiful part of this particular profession. We sacrifice personal time to make sure YOU all can move forward with your lives. So, consider the next time you get stressed because grades are not ABSOLUTELY caught up and you want to "discuss" my lack of entering grades just what you are asking me to do -- sorry, not trying to be harsh, but with all due respect, you will just have to be patient.
OK, rambling on a little bit, sorry.
Back to the communication component. . . .I don't know. Maybe we just need to spend more time together so we get on the same page.
