Everybody's working for the weekend....

well, hopefully there were some other unfortunate souls, other than myself, who were working this weekend...I attended the first 2 days of the Accreditation seminar and it was...interesting. I was asked last night if I learned anything and I reluctantly admitted that the answer was no; however, I was enlightened and certain issues certainly had me pondering. I think as a teacher you often just are so engulfed within your own world and classroom that you forget to stop and think about the pedagogical aspect of what you're doing. Teaching can become robotic in a way - and that is not necessarily a bad thing...not at all....For me, teaching high school English has become robotic -- I have my methods and I stick to what I know works for the kids, and with what works for me. Yet, there is this looming expectation (maybe expectation isn't the right word because it is a necessary obligation) to meet established learning outcomes and objectives. I'm not sure how often I sit down with the curriculum and highlight or check off the ones we've achieved as a class -- which technically I should be doing. But, when I'm forced to think about the objectives, I know that I'm covering them. Throughout the 2 day seminar (one of these days was Saturday, hence the title for this post) some good discussions were created about alot of interesting "teacher" topics. A lot of digressions also occurred (of the two, I must admit I tend to enjoy the digressions more! Even though I try to steer my English students on topic...how ironic is that...I guess its true that teachers make the worst students...LOL) Anyways.. all of these discussions and digressions had me questioning my own teaching style and pedagogy --- with a new semester coming up, this is the perfect opportunity for me to try out a couple of things that were discussed and if they don't work? What the hell...gave it a shot! So, we have one more 2 day session to attend and then I will be accredited....this will make the lives of my students a bit less stressful... a good thing.... I guess the true joy of teaching is that you never stop learning....quite profound...and for a Monday morning to top it off! Hope you all had enjoyable weekends..until next time...take it easy!