plan and outcomes

Sunday evening is very crucial for my teaching progress during the week. Usually the occasion like this I use as a preview of what will happen or better what the students and I do during the week. I have heard a very interesting input from my fellow worker, that the work will be much more effective if I set up clear outcomes for the particular learning.

By that he means to write down and visualize the lesson objectives of certain topics and then makes some kind of tools or instruments to measure the students' learning result. I know that it doesn't sound very novel, but I start feeling the difference.

Very especially when I have already prepared the quiz and tests or even project as the outcome. It will be so good if I made it sometime beforehand, even before the class or lesson starts. It makes the learning more focused and the gist of the learning is captured and extracted well. Moving this way is very practical and helpful. Moreover, it makes the best use of the time in class and giving clear direction of the progress in the class. I simply need to see the final results that we want the students to achieve and to work on it. I am still seeing and refining this idea though... So one day I will be back to this article to report and make notes on something that might be improved to be better.

something difficult can be good

Yes... I come to realize that dealing with diverse ability kids who have wide span of preferences, ideas and learning style makes my responsibility as a teacher somewhat complex. There are time of course when the day feels so tender and peaceful. But many times, the days of first year teaching can be really challenging. It is wisdom and discernment which playing role in every second I deal with the students, leading them to the truth. You can not be too gentle or too kind unless the kids will grow rebellious, but you can not also be too firm and thus discourage their good potential. In the area of classroom management, I am still dealing with this consideration.

When I ponder on this matter, it becomes more apparent for me that the problem comes inside out. I need to learn to be at peace with my self, thus to have more relax and mindful body language and soul language. When a leader's heart is unstable and confused, those who are under his leadership fall apart. It is the assurance of the authority from on high to lead the students to the loving God which makes us bold to step forward in wisdom and sober mind.

It is not very easy though... at least for me. But the Lord is a good God! He provides strength and guidance. And my task is to be constantly rely on his wisdom and not on mine. I know it is difficult, but that it the point! Because by then, in my weaknesses, His power made clear and seen by all. When I started a little bit trembled, I am very encouraged by what my leader said "Great man deals with difficulties..." :). Hmmm very encouraging!