Where did the time go? October, November, December? When we got back from Thanksgiving, Ithink there was one week and then finals. In college, time just flies - even more than when I taught in public education.
I had a very nice Christmas with my family and now my husband and I are going to Aruba for a few days for rest, relaxation, and warm temperatures! I've been working on my syllabi for the new semester.
I'll keep you posted - but we're planning on having an author come to campus in March. We've been talking with an Illinois author. Our plan is to have a children's author come to campus every year for a day.
We had a big book fair in December for 2 days. We need to improve advertising (signs), but we sold lots of new books inexpensively. Teachers came and bought gifts for their students. My Children's Literature and LA/SS students helped set up and sell those days. They were great!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Midterm in Education Department
Midterm is a busy time with projects and/or tests to grade. Students find themselves busy with presentations and studying for tests. Our field experience students have received their assignments and are excited about working in real classrooms in various capacities. Some of them put up bulletin boards, tutor students, grade papers, and teach lessons.
My Language Arts Social Studies methods class students have to teach 3 lessons during their 24 hours of experience. It's really great because they get some experience in a classroom before their final big student teaching experience. I enjoy reading their reflections about their lesson taught and how they would change it for next time. It's a real "hands-on" learning experience!
If you're in high school you're probably at the end of the first quarter - getting ready to receive report cards and possibly experience parent conferences. Have you ever done a "student-led" conference? It's a great experience and really makes you accountable. In this situation you have to sit and explain your work to your parents - what you have and haven't done! Many middle schools have adopted this conference format.
My Language Arts Social Studies methods class students have to teach 3 lessons during their 24 hours of experience. It's really great because they get some experience in a classroom before their final big student teaching experience. I enjoy reading their reflections about their lesson taught and how they would change it for next time. It's a real "hands-on" learning experience!
If you're in high school you're probably at the end of the first quarter - getting ready to receive report cards and possibly experience parent conferences. Have you ever done a "student-led" conference? It's a great experience and really makes you accountable. In this situation you have to sit and explain your work to your parents - what you have and haven't done! Many middle schools have adopted this conference format.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Teaching Internationally?
Today Olivet hosted the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Over 20 international schools were represented. Have you ever thought about teaching overseas? On Friday, Mr. David Gentry shared pictures of Bangkok, Thailand. The pictures were amazing. Teachers contract for two years because the first year they are getting used to the cultural differences, and the second year they are more comfortable. Many teachers stay for five or six years. Interestingly, the school in Honduras is in need of a 3rd and 4th grade teacher right now as well as a full-time substitute teacher. What a unique opportunity this could be!
Our education students spoke with these representatives to find out about current and future openings. If you're thinking about teaching, God may direct you to an international school. As you plan to become a teacher, keep in mind that there are many different types of schools or educational settings - public and private schools in the United States, charter schools, homeschooling, tutoring, and international Christian schools are some of the options. As you prepare to become an educator, be open to where God may lead you.
Our education students spoke with these representatives to find out about current and future openings. If you're thinking about teaching, God may direct you to an international school. As you plan to become a teacher, keep in mind that there are many different types of schools or educational settings - public and private schools in the United States, charter schools, homeschooling, tutoring, and international Christian schools are some of the options. As you prepare to become an educator, be open to where God may lead you.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Butterflies and Exams
Do you get butterflies when you think of taking exams? I still do. It's been a month since I wrote here, but much has happened. Classes at Olivet started, I wrote the last course for the Library master's program, and I just completed my comprehensive exams for my doctoral degree.
Even though I've taken tests for years, each test is different and I find they do create a little anxiety - not paralyzing - just enough to keep me focused. This last exam was different than any I've taken. In seven days, I had to write 8-10 pages for each of the five questions I received.
Now the waiting begins. Do you find it challenging to wait? It will be 2 to 4 weeks before I find out if I passed my exam. The good news is that all I have left to do is to write my dissertation. I love writing and research.
Have you had your first exams this year? Are they all traditional or are some unique? Preparation and prayer help the butterflies of exams!
Even though I've taken tests for years, each test is different and I find they do create a little anxiety - not paralyzing - just enough to keep me focused. This last exam was different than any I've taken. In seven days, I had to write 8-10 pages for each of the five questions I received.
Now the waiting begins. Do you find it challenging to wait? It will be 2 to 4 weeks before I find out if I passed my exam. The good news is that all I have left to do is to write my dissertation. I love writing and research.
Have you had your first exams this year? Are they all traditional or are some unique? Preparation and prayer help the butterflies of exams!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Plan B
Like you, I'm getting ready for the beginning of school and I've been working this summer to rewrite my syllabi and order new textbooks. I created the one for Children's Literature and I really like the text. Then I've been watching my mail for my teacher's copy of the Language Arts text - but it never came. Yesterday I called the company and there has been a delay on its publication. Thus begins Plan B - writing a syllabus for the class without using a textbook as a base.
Do you ever have to implement Plan B? Sometimes in my life I think I have everything all planned and God has a different plan for my life. That's the way it was with my job. I was very happy as a library information specialist at Dwight Common School, but then this professorship at Olivet opened up. I knew God was in the midst of the change because EVERY detail worked out smoothly and perfectly! God had a Plan B for my life that I didn't even know about. Questions for thought! What is God's plan for your life? Is the plan yours or God's?
Do you ever have to implement Plan B? Sometimes in my life I think I have everything all planned and God has a different plan for my life. That's the way it was with my job. I was very happy as a library information specialist at Dwight Common School, but then this professorship at Olivet opened up. I knew God was in the midst of the change because EVERY detail worked out smoothly and perfectly! God had a Plan B for my life that I didn't even know about. Questions for thought! What is God's plan for your life? Is the plan yours or God's?
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Summer's End! New Beginning!
This past summer has been a busy one - I took five doctoral classes at Argosy University in Schaumburg but my husband and I just returned Friday, August 15, from Maui, Hawaii. It was very relaxing, but as we returned we said we are returning to the "real world!" Friday I completed one paper, wrote another, and created a powerpoint presentation which was due on Saturday in my last class.
Tomorrow I'll spend in my office at Olivet preparing the final syllabi for my courses this fall. As I begin my second year in the department, I feel a little like a child, excited for the first day of school. We begin meetings on Wednesday, but it will be great to see all of my colleagues and hear a little about their summer experiences. This week the campus will still be rather quiet, but this weekend the students will return - such a difference - the whole campus comes alive!
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