Been Awhile

A few things that have been bugging me lately about teaching.

• Is it just me, or are kids getting lazier?
• Is standard based grading really the way to go?
• I truly believe that most kids want to do well.
• What are good ways of motivating slackers?

I do think that those few kids who are lazy, may be getting lazier.  I don't think schools are to blame; however, well maybe a little.  I think we have a lot of young, old, tired teachers who find it easier to tell kids answers rather than make them work for it.  It's easy to do.  We all have days where we just don't want to work. But I feel like our society with all its craziness, business, and mixed messages is encouraging students to not care about doing a good job.

Part of me is also thinking that standard based grading is not helping.  For some teachers you have to work really hard to get a 3.  But for others, you get a 3 for breathing or so it seems.  N'uf, said!

When I work with students, I truly get a sense that they want to do well.  And when they accomplish something BY THEMSELVES, the smiles and twinkles in their eyes tell me what it really means to them!  They don't need rewards!  In fact, perhaps all the rewarding has caused some of this.

Good ways to motivate kids?  Communicating with them is often the best way.  Not using false praise is another good way.  And, yea, some rewards of free time, a piece of candy, going to the front of the lunch line, and a few simple things like that work woth most kids.  The problem is the students who have had rough lives. Hmm...build a relationship with them.  Let them know you care.