I have been a bit sad that my year seems less productive than I wanted it to be. While I think of this, i have to keep in mind that my post-grad school exhaustion plays a factor in my lack of productivity, but I also have to acknowledge the work that I've done. Once I give myself credit for the word I've done, I should do that. Take credit for it. :) Here goes:
I re-invented the curriculum for an entire French IV immersion course, consistent with my praxis. Although this is not by any means the finalized version of my curriculum, this is one of the best courses I've ever taught, I do believe. This course utilized explicit grammar lessons, philosophical discussion, film analysis, and literature circles, all with the goal of discussing concepts in context. I also managed to bring 6 students up to speed who were far behind where they should have been after French III. Yay me!
I've been integrating technology into my courses this current semester by using Edmodo to provide an online discussion forum for my French III course. We discuss French history. Unfortunately, most of this takes place in English at this point, but at least we're getting the ideas down. I've also embraced the usefulness of the textbook as opposed to fighting it for the sake of fighting it. Another way I've embraced technology has been to start using Evernote. I'd like to learn more about incorporating it into class for my students, and I hear that some of the teachers and administrators have discussed using it for student portfolios. I love this idea. I want to be in on it.
Last, but not least, I've been working on developing an independent study version of my courses because one of my classes has only three students of various abilities and attendance patterns. In order to meet the needs of each student, they have to be individualized. One student receives highly structured activities, while the other two are given an list of objectives, and are then allowed to work on their own towards meeting them. So far my kids are all working well on their own. I have to work hard to make sure that it doesn't become a tedious routine for them.
That's 50% of the courses I teach right there, where I'm doing something great.
The rest of the time I'm sticking to the old standby. Basic language instruction peppered with intellectual discussion and conversation about concepts when I can fit them in.
Chin up, Mademoiselle! You're doing just fine. Rome wasn't built in a day.
