Just Do It!

Hey gang, and welcome back to another exciting edition of life inside of a teacher's mind! Bwahh!

So last week went rather smoothly but still there were a few road bumps along the way. I keep getting asked when are we not going to learn something new...and I keep saying "that's what test day is for!" I give a hearty laugh, but most students just stare at me and say, "Mr. Carbonella that wasn't very funny at all." Oh, well. What do they want? Draw pictures all day, listen to music, talk with friends, text on their phones, play games? Sure, I would allow all that if that is what I can test them all. I wonder how an exam like that would play out?

My Algebra 2 class is finally responding to some of the criticism that I have laying out. On Thursday, they thought a picture in their book was hilarious and started laughing out loud and cracking jokes to another. I tried to control them, but most of them thought it was too funny to stop laughing. I know that can happen; it has happened to me before. But when it's at the wrong moment, you're going to suffer the consequences. So some of those students had a really hard time with the homework that I assigned because they had no clue what to do. "What?" I said. "It's all up on the board." They usually respond, "Well, I wasn't paying attention and didn't hear what you were saying. Could you explain it again to me?" "Sure. Oh wait is that the bell?" The bell rings and the student quickly leaves. "Come see me later after school or in the early morning if you need help." "Okay," the student says. Guess what? I never see that student until class period and the student will turn in the homework blank. What happened? Didn't get it?

At least they are trying to become more attentive when they see their grades online and when I pass back exams and quizzes. I think when I have them, they tend to focus more then when I just to the regular work. For instance, homework for some of them is rather easy. However, when test time comes rolling around, they quickly listen up. It's funny how it works some time, but these are all parts of the dynamic which is the class room. I mean, I experienced it before and remember parts of it. I'm thinking of ways to improve all the time. It's a part of learning and sometimes learning is hard. I know that, but these students have a hard time with it sometimes. They want it served quick and easy. If I don't get it within two minutes, then it certainly must be DIFFICULT! Therefore, I just won't pay attention and hope it won't be on the exam. Keep dreaming students! Learning takes time and effort. It may be hard but it certainly is rewarding.

Two of my students asked me the other day, "Do you like math?" I responded, "Yes. I also like reading and writing and other activities." "Why do you like math so much, Mr. Carbonella?" "Well I like challenging things that make me think. I like to solve problems and figure things out. If something is too easy, then it becomes boring and maybe even repetitive. There's not much reward in that. The logic in math is what I enjoy. It helps me see the world in a different light." "You're crazy Mr. Carbonella." "Why yes, yes I am..."