I was doing the usual - tutoring ninth grade students (since it was an Orange day) in their AVID elective since I was not assigned to substitute a classroom at that particular time. I do, however, act as second teacher on many occasions since I am their exclusive sub and since the teacher likes to put me in charge when she needs a break. Understandable. Anyway, if you don't know, AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and is a college-readiness/academic elective that helps build character and model students; supports at-risk/low-income students in their collegiate endeavors; and has an in-depth, systematic, and collaborative tutoring component, helping build classroom community, encourage in-depth inquiry, and practice self-teaching skills. To say the least! Well, it began like any other tutorial session; continuously prompting students to get their notebooks out, stay seated, and gear up for learning. I'm not sure how it happened, but I found myself playing around with them, cracking jokes, and laughing until I had tears streaming! I felt like the worst tutor ever - I thought the teacher was going to lecture me after class! My four kiddos and I managed to get through the session, but I was skeptical of the TRF (Tutorial Reference Sheet) results. . . They were the best I had seen all year! I couldn't believe my teary eyes! But I thought back to the lesson - yes, we were laughing, joking, and even watching some student try and make up his own math problem, but we got it done. But not just that - the students EXCEEDED expectations and past experiences. This is why I got so excited reading the foreward; Arthur Applebee explained that there are people, namely the author, Jim Burke, who truly care about the quest and questioning of learning, and having fun in the process. And not only that, but that it SHOULD be!I want everyday to feel like today did; laughing, joking, LEARNING, and laughing some more. I am very much looking "foreword" ::wink wink:: to this book, because Burke is described as a man who carries the experience of a teacher (sympathizing with the challenges of teaching and writing with that in mind), the wisdom of a novice professor, and, yet, the inquiry of a child. I am just so very glad and relieved that I chose this book! I believe so very much in the art of motivation, and I truly believe that a love of learning is inherent within every soul; just, unfortunately, not always drawn out or utilized. I can see from my post and feel under my skin my high expectations for this book - I will keep that in mind as I read and blog along. But, I am thrilled to read:
It is impossible to leave Jim's book saying, "but kids can't really do that," and equally hard to leave it wondering just where to start, because Jim gives teachers everything they need to begin this journey on their own.
:)
P.S.
I am happy to report that the student who made up his own math problem (trying to avoid being caught for being unprepared!) actually had the most successful tutorial! Upon realizing his mathematical flaws - which took much attention and intent for the students to notice in the first place - the students were actually coming up with numbers and equations that would work for the problem! Unbelievable. Learning. Love it.
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