I have never seen fog in Las Vegas before and it was thick. As I drove the measly one block to school I couldn't see anything. I love the fog (not much fun to drive in), but it certainly makes everything look mysterious and romantic.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Foggy Day
I have never seen fog in Las Vegas before and it was thick. As I drove the measly one block to school I couldn't see anything. I love the fog (not much fun to drive in), but it certainly makes everything look mysterious and romantic.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ophelia Syndrome
I remember on many occasions as I was growing up when I would get frustrated with a homework assignment. During those occasions I would turn to my mother and ask for help and most of the time she would tell me "you have to learn to think, there's no use in me telling you the answer." I would get so mad when she would say this because I though "who cares!" "just give me the answer, I don't want to think." I now fully comprehend the lesson my mother was trying to teach me, but I worry about how to teach that same lesson to my students. When I refuse to answer their questions they often just think I don' t like them or that I am ignoring them in some way. I am desperate to get my students to think and really question the material and not just learn to be parrots of the material.
After I read the article to my students we had a brief discussion about it and then I had them write a response and analyze where they thought they fit on the Ophelia scale. I decided to post two of the responses that I received because it gave me hope. A few of them caught what the message was all about.
Josh's Statement:
"I agree fully with the theory. Students should learn to think for themselves and today's society makes it hard for people to do that. However, I disagree in the sense that to go anywhere and to be successful in today's world you have to follow the rules. You have to play the game the right way. There are few people in the world that are in the positions to change this. Even so their bosses don't see it their way. Learning to think independently and doing the work to prove what you know have to be balanced. You need to be able to follow the rules along with not losing your individuality. This whole thing has to be a balancing act. You want to be successful but you don't want to be a mindless drone in the process. Now if everybody thought for themselves we'd all be in chaos. So we need people who follow and that are mindless, sheep in other words, or there would be mass conflict and chaos."
Kevin's statement:
"It's only natural for people not to question authority. Over 80% of America is religious. Religion tells us it's a virtue to have faith, to not question authority, to cure doubt with scripture or prayer. Most of the workforce wants followers, not free thinkers. That's how it's been throughout history. America is the most religious country in the developed world and maintains the lowest test scores and graduation rates. Is this just a mere correlation? I suppose the politically correct thing to say is no, but I doubt it, although it is true that correlation doesn't necessarily imply causation."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Day of Transition
With having shorter class periods today, and because of the new semester and the inauguration of a new president, I decided to use this opportunity as a teachable moment in class. It was interesting to see those students who were really into what was happening and those that could have cared less. Regardless of whether President Obama will be a great President or not, today was historic. I kept assuring my students that this was one of those days that their kids would ask them what they were doing when President Obama was sworn in.
Only two of my classes were really able to see any of the event. During 3rd period we watched the swearing in of President Obama and 4th period was able to see his entire address.
However, because of all the new "change" today I decided to pose a few questions to my students:
- What do you like about this class?
- What would you change about the class? Why?
- What can I (Ms. Boivie) do to help you be more successful in this class?
- What are your goals for the 3rd and 4th quarter? Be specific
- Other comments and suggestions about how we can make class better?
A few of the students had some good suggestions, but the things they suggested would just tack on hours a week of work for me to do and I am not looking to spend more hours teaching, but modifying what I already to and make it work better for them.
My dilemma is one I will have to mull over for a while as I transition into this new semester. I imagine that our new president has similar thoughts about how he is going to help fix the problems currently plaguing our nation. But for tonight, I am sure he has plenty of parties to attend and I have a good book that I will continue to enjoy.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Semester Stats
Out of my 179 students I had 21% who ended up failing.
This number is a little higher than my first quarter grades. I have never had a second quarter where my students have uniformly done as poorly as they have this year. Traditionally third quarter is the worst. I hope that it gets better third quarter this year as I try to pound it into my student's brains how important their education is for them.
Funeral
It is really difficult when I decide to take a day off work from school. I was fortunate however, that this week was semester exams. I wasn’t sure if I should take the time off to attend my grandfather’s funeral, but I am so glad that I decided to in the end. My substitute only had to give one test and so it was the most ideal day this week for me to be gone. Unfortunately, my father was taken to the emergency room the day my mother and he were scheduled to fly to
My grandfather married Kay in August of 1994 and during that time her family just really adopted them into their family. I could tell how devastated Kay’s grandchildren were over the death of my (and their) grandfather. It was especially hard on Jack and Jessica. My grandfather has helped raise them and has taken them to and from school everyday. They have routinely slept over and call him Pappa Carl.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Obituary
Carl John Boivie | | |
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Monday, January 12, 2009
Spice Thief and Other News
As I walked into my classroom last week, turning on all the lights and mentally preparing myself for another of school I discovered to my horror that one of my spices was missing. I am sure the question out of your mouth right now is "Why would you have spices at school in the first place?" To answer your question, when I was in Turkey (summer of 2007) we went to the famous Spice Bazaar in Istanbul and I bought a container that held a number of spices. In my World History classes we often talk about spice trading and economy and I thought it would be a useful visual. I lovingly have them displayed on my bookshelf and one of my precious students had the audacity to steal one. This is the third item I have had something stolen this year. First, it was an Eiffel Tower pushpin, Second, my ipod and Third, the spice. I am hoping there won't be a fourth item gone.
In far less trivial news, Saturday morning (January 10) I found out that my sweet, wonderful Grandpa Boivie died. A little over a year ago he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he was informed that it was at a very aggressive stage and at his age they elected to just have it run its course. He turned 86 in June and I am so grateful that I decided to take the time and visit him this summer. When I saw him in July he looked every bit as healthy as I remember him, but he was starting to lose his short term memory. I will remember the times he would take me out on "dinner dates," and the unconditional love I always felt from him.
The service is on Wednesday and I will be flying up in the morning for the day and will be back late that night.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Resolutions for a New Year
- Read more books. The stack of 20 books next to my bed will soon be a thing of the past.
- Go to the movies more frequently. I have a couple of movie going friends and so this should be fun.
- Paint. I would like to take a couple of classes this year to learn how to paint and complete some more pictures.
- Cook. Through taking the cooking classes at the Creative Cooking School, I have decided that I really enjoy cooking. This year I will start to cook all of those exciting recipes I keep saving.
- Comment on my friends and families' blogs. I always read them, but I never say anything. You now have my promise that I will start interacting with your postings.
- Smile. I sometimes catch myself with a scowl on my face, then I wonder how long it has been there. I need to smile more so that people will see that I am approachable and friendly.
- Sing. I have always loved singing, but I haven't seriously done it in years. Now is the time to pick up a mic and start reconnecting with my old love.
- Post 100 Blog entries. Since staring my blog, I have discovered that I enjoy writing down my thoughts, feelings and activities (regardless if anyone reads it). Now, I just need to do it more often.
- Pamper myself. I always put myself last and of course there is never any time left for me. My feet are ready for their first pedicure of the year. :-)