Thursday, October 22, 2009

The G Word


After being my usual obnoxious self at a meeting with UFT and administration, I decided to make the admins happy and try using the word goal in my millionth speech to my period 9 class. As I skated around the room, trying to get them to do some work, I stopped at individual desks, as I always do and spoke to them. This time I said "My goal is for you to take out a pen and paper and to start writing. My goal is for you to do the work the way I want you to do the work. My goal is for you to copy what is on the board so you will be able to use these problems to help solve additional ones." They looked at me like I was nuts. It was only when I got in their faces and put the pen in their hands did some start working. Over the course of the period, I must have repeated these goals ten times.

I will be lucky if I succeed with half of these kids. They know what I want them to do to help them pass. Calling these things goals is not going to change a thing.

Mickey update--he was back to his old self today. I have a feeling this kid might be on something. My hopes have been dashed. The G word did nothing for him today.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can I come by and discuss goals with this class? -Hula

Pissedoffteacher said...

Be my guest but better be prepared for an Excedrin headache.

mathman42 said...

teach them what ASSUME means.


I showed it to my regents prep class today.

Pissedoffteacher said...

I always teach my classes what assume means. Maybe I should teach the administration!

kissmyISS said...

Hey, give Hula a try...it could bring you a good laugh at least!