Teaching Journal - D15 - D20

Day 18
This morning we had the NC EOC test, which signals the end of academic work for this course. I spent long hours filling the rubrics for each student. The rubric, together with the scores on teacher's final and EOC, will be the final evaluation that the students can take to next level schooling. This is the first time I formally evaluate someone from a teacher's point of view. I was very careful when using my power of judgment.

Day 19
I met with the student individually in the morning to discuss with them their rubrics. After seeing my comments, some were happy and some were sad. I tried to use positive words and give constructive criticism if necessary. With some of the students, it was not easy to be honest and encouraging at the same time.

We went to Ben and Jerry's in the afternoon, and by the time we were back, EOC scores were waiting for us. 11 of 12 students passed with A! Hurray! The only one who got a B is the student with ADHD. I was quite happy about the score, and decided that I would change my rubric evaluation for two of the students from "recommended with additional study" to "recommended" since they both got A.

The students closed the classroom door leaving me and my TA outside. It looked like they were playing some secret games and then we finally found out, they were making T-shirts for us! All over the board and the T-shirts are their signatures and words of wishes. At the moment when I saw the lovely words, I suddenly felt that I would miss them.

P.S.
This journal was never completed?.. as usual :-)