One of the successes with seven period schedule is that we had year long to teach the same subject so I was able to cover a lot more content than any other year. Note that I only had block schedule experience at Baldwin High School. Also, having them for a year created a chance to get to know students better. Some challenges I faced were:
- Discontinuity in lesson. I just feel that flow of learning was a lot more fragmented because I was not able to see the students daily. Also, each class period was a lot shorter than block schedule so doing meaningful formative assessment was difficult at times.
- More students meant less attention per student. I had a lot more students to handle this year per semester and had more classes (different subject) to prepare for per day.
As I look to next year, I am thinking about making some changes. They are:
1. Use of Interactive Notebook. I need to make sure my lessons are not fragmented and encourage students to internalize the lesson. To do this, I am going to adopt interactive notebook next year. I am so excited. Students will draw pictures, glue magazine article to enhance their understanding. This will help students internalize the lesson when I don't see them (we meet only 4 times a week). Also, I need to make sure I continue my routine each day.
As we look forward, I need to make sure to keep EOC in mind for biology. I would like to set aside couple of weeks for EOC review. This is vital. I think this was the difference this year. I am looking forward to working with next year's biology students.
2. More at desk hands-on activity with better time management. Each class period is a lot shorter this means I need to start right away but of course give students enough time to reflect on previous days lesson in the beginning and that day's lesson at the end of each class. I do a lot of laboratory exercises but next year, I am going to do add more at-desk activities. I need to work on better time management too making sure to do formative assessment at the end of each class period. Exit pass daily.
3. Finally, differentiated education. I need to keep a close attentions to students who are struggling. I will review strategies in the beginning of the year to make sure I scaffold and differentiate.
4. Reflections each day. Reflect each day to improve. I truly believe in reflection. Best way to improve my teaching practice. Not just students but I need to internalize as well.
Students are always great. I am truly blessed to work with so many awesome young men and women. I love my calling.
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