Hello Everyone!
I've had a number of requests from students and parents to share my notes and presentations that I use in class. They want them posted on my website.
What I have noticed is that some students just assume they can slack off in class and then print the notes at home... that's why I've been resistant.
But I'm curious, how do you share notes to parents and students online?
I put my notes online last year and I noticed the same thing - students said, "Well, I don't need to take notes because I am going to print them at home." This year, I haven't been putting my notes online. I haven't run into any issues with it yet, as no one has asked me to do so. Personally, I don't like the idea of putting my notes online. If you do study guides at the end of a unit,I think that would be beneficial to put online. I put the review packets I assign on my website which is really helpful because a) students can print it if they lose theirs (a common occurrence in 7th grade), and b) parents can see what is covered on the test and encourage their kids to study.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the argument, however, that the kids who want to do well will pay attention and participate in class regardless. But what do we do with those kids who "don't care"? I think it boils down to a motivation issue. Which is... what many things boil down to in education.
On a side note, can I just say as a parent of a student in your class, you have done a fantastic job communicating and giving resources!! On the teacher side of things, If there isn't that many students asking for copies then maybe you could just email them to those specific families (if those aren't the kids slacking in class:). On the devils advocate side, what is your goal? Is it to have them learn the topics in the notes? Then if they do that regardless of the means, then you've met that goal, right? Some kids do better with listening and taking in the whole information rather than coping notes in their books, and then use the notes to study from later; copied or written serve the same purpose in that case? If you are engaging them in discussions in class, which my kid says you do:) then you can gage whether they are getting the information anyway. Meaning you are measuring if they are understanding, not whether they are able to take notes.
ReplyDeleteI think I am blabbing...I hope that makes a bit of sense:) Just food for thought anyway...
Thanks Gina! You certainly have a unique perspective here! I think you're right, it may be that some students would rather listen. Generally though, I find the kids that aren't taking notes and ... unmotivated. So it's not that they want to listen and do notes later, it's that they don't want to do anything! But that does raise a good point. I'd rather listen first, write later myself.
DeleteI totally get what you are saying...I dont want students slacking off because they know they can just go home and see them. Last year I actually had a student doing all of the work before class and then she didnt do anything in class because she had it all done.
ReplyDeleteWhat I started doing is laying out my week, but then didnt really upload notes or powerpoints until 2 days later or even the end of the week. Sometimes I dont even post anything until I get a student request, or I only post things before big tests. I guess it all depends on how much you want to your students disposal.
I guess I would advocate for putting the notes online. Many times students who do not work in class have parents that care and so are able to hold them accountable when they get home. Also, when students try to say they "don't have to take notes in class" I just tell them that part of learning is taking notes, and if they can't participate in class then they can come after class to participate. Ultimately, if students refuse to take notes and then do not reach their full potential on the assessment, I note that in the comments. I guess it kind of depends on your grade level. At 7th grade, I don't have that many students resisting me. In my 9th grade class, students may choose not to take notes, and I think that is a learning opportunity for them. If they have the initiative to go back and look at the notes, than that is more than most of my low motivation students usually do, so I would say that's great.
ReplyDeleteValid reasoning on both sides...I tend to fall on the side of posting powerpoints, notes etc... on my website. I think when you look at the overall picture, doing that does more good than harm. Will you have the select few students who "I will take notes later," sure. But for kids who are absent or who are slow writers, or when review time comes around-I think it is valuable to have them available. Also, as a parent resource it is helpful. I think parents appreciate being able to see what students are engaging in during the school day.
ReplyDelete