Time to Reflect

This is the time of year when I am already planning for next year.  What went well?  What didn't?  How can I make next year even better than this year?  I find myself being pretty critical of myself.  My goals this year were to give no homework and provide more feedback to students AS they worked, rather than waiting until they turned in an assignment for a grade.  I wanted to make more connections my students, create a student-friendly environment, and make every student feel love and respected.  Finally, I changed my policies and accepted all late work with no penalty and allowed students to redo/retake any assignment or quiz for a higher grade.  Here is what I learned:

1) No Homework-My students loved this (94.5% according to my survey).  I found that I had to rethink everything I did in class to make this work.  I incorporated stations, which helped tremendously.  The most challenging aspect was trying to get all of the reading of novels completed in class, but we did it!  According to the students, I was the topic of conversation among some of their other teachers. One teacher stated, "Oh good. Mrs. Karney doesn't assign homework.  That means I can assign more."  URGH! Some people don't get it.  Also, there were a few kids who struggled to finish assignments in the allotted class time. Some of them ended up finishing at home or during CAT. Most importantly,
I noticed that my students arrived in my class happy, enthusiastic, and rarely stressed.  This was refreshing.  I am curious to know what parents thought and will likely be sending a survey home for them to complete. 

2) Feedback as Students Worked, Not Just After-I feel great about this!  When students are required to complete work in class, I am able to circulate non-stop and provide feedback. If work is done at home, I am not there to help.  I have learned NOT to sit at my desk and ask students to come to me with questions.  The same students will always come.  It makes much more sense to walk around and continuously check in with students, read what they have written, provide feedback, and move to the next student.  That way they get feedback whether they want it or not!  Many students are too shy to ask questions or don't know what to ask!  Giving feedback AS student work means that what is turned in to me at the end is much better than it would have been.  This makes life easier  and happier for everyone.

3) Students Connections/Student Friendly Environment-On a scale of 1-10, I'd give myself an 8.  My goal was to incorporate flexible seating, and thanks to my students' wonderful parents and the kindness of strangers, I succeeded. We have yoga balls, bistro tables with bar stools, bungee chairs, and more.  I try to have upbeat music playing when students walk in, and I make a point to connect with every student each day.  My room even smells good because I bought diffuser which allows me to use essential oils. The reason I did not give myself a 10 is because I did not roll out the flexible seating as well as I could have.  I should have spent more time communicating my expectations to student  regarding the new seating choices.  Currently, our yoga balls are off limits.  Several students seemed to be determined to hit their heads on the ceiling while bouncing on them.   I also need to be a little firmer with students. This has always been a struggle for me because I love my them so much. I sometimes find some of their antics funny when I should probably be reprimanding them :(  
When I saw the results in my survey about whether or not student perceived that I care about them, I got tears in my eyes.  

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4) New Grading Practices/Policies-I would consider this a success. The challenge was getting students and parents to understand that grades are fluid and can always be raised no matter how bad!  On occasion, I would receive a panicked email from a parent or student about the student's current grade.  For example, a student might have an A in my class.  However, the student did not turn in an essay worth 30 points when it is "due".  That students grade plummets to a D.  Yet, as SOON as the student turns in the work, the grade will likely go back to an A since I do not have a penalty for late work.  I spent quite a bit of time reassuring students and parents, but I think they finally got it (even though it's almost May).  I believe my new policies and practices benefit all students, and I plan on continuing them next year.  What I love is that students know that there is no reason to EVER give up! There is always hope!  My policies also benefit those students who may need extra time to complete an assignment, whether or not they have been identified as needing an IEP.

So why do I write these blog posts?  I do not even know who my audience is or what people may think of them.  The main reason I write them is  for me!  I love taking time to reflect on lessons and practices.  I am also passionate about education and my students and enjoy sharing my journey with others.