Secret #3 Denise Weigert

The question posed for Secret#3 was very seemed, at first, very difficult to answer. This past week I've been teaching the main points of battles of the American Revolution. My mode of delivery has been PowerPoint Presentation with some videos hyperlinked in. The students have been presenting over the last 2 weeks on the same information. The remaining students in the audience fill out a questionnaire that pertains to the battles. The questionnaire then is used on an open-note test. Addressing tip#1 I made students aware of the importance of presenting and delivering their information to their fellow students. Some students hadn't completed their assigned battle information by the appointed deadline. Nor were they prepared for the actual presentation day itself. This lack of preparedness potentially left the other students with a gap in their information. I reminded presenters how their lack of responsibility let down the whole class. By making connections between the topic and students' lives, I believe students will add layers of meaning to and adapt that knowledge to their lives.

I struggled with three students in one class block who literally or "legit" (as my daughter says) did nothing the entire period. My presentations were delivered in a lecture style as I plowed through the information. Tip#2 provides clues on how to actively engage students in the classroom. During the lesson planning process, it is essential to involve students every step of the way. Meeting students at their level and using a positive approach and redirection are a few ways I kept students on task. I asked thought-provoking questions and expected students to support their choices. Students off-task who showed effort at taking notes were rewarded with positive praise. Questions were thrown their way as well.

I've been happy with my approach in teaching with enthusiasm. Tip#3 says to teach with enthusiasm. I've observed my cooperating teacher in action. His ability to deliver the content in an interesting, storytelling manner keeps students' attention. He checks for student understanding and poses questions and asks for students' input. He allows the students to shine and has a non-stop supply of positive reinforcement. I've emulated this approach and blended it with humor that students relate to.