Here we are on Easter Sunday (and Opening Day, Go Cubs!) and I felt like today would be a fantastic opportunity to discuss the reasons why Spring Break is such a special time.
As much as we might love school, the simple fact is that we need a break. That goes double for those of for whom school is a chore. In my undergrad, I had a wonderful professor who always ended his three hour lecture an hour early. His logic for this unconventional forfeiture of a third of his precious class time was based in theory. We all have something called a cognitive load, a certain amount of attention we can all devote at a given time. Once students hit their cognitive load, they can no longer learn. This professor was conscious to gauge the room often and measure cognitive loads. Spring Break has been a great opportunity to refresh my cognitive load, and I'm that certain my students feel the same way.
Secondly, I was able to grade the ever-growing stack of papers that had compiled on my desk. I assigned many tasks for my students the past week and a half, and I relished the opportunity to give thorough written feedback to my students. Feedback matters.
Third, Spring Break has given me the time to build and plan thoughtful, inquiry-based lessons for my students. I want my students to develop the skills they need to succeed, and I want them to gain access to the content that will allow them to access the full breadth of ideas available to them.
On a related note, edTPA has been a struggle this week. I built my lesson plans in order to truly encapsulate my style of teaching and my students' style of learning. Ever class period is special, and this week gave me the luxury of time to work on edTPA, which is not always easy to find time for.
Finally, I was able to make and return a variety of phone calls and emails for students, parents, colleagues, administrators and instructors. Contact is important, especially in our increasingly digital world.
I hope everyone was able to enjoy the type of relaxing, productive and fun Spring Break I had!
Once more, Go Cubs Go!
As much as we might love school, the simple fact is that we need a break. That goes double for those of for whom school is a chore. In my undergrad, I had a wonderful professor who always ended his three hour lecture an hour early. His logic for this unconventional forfeiture of a third of his precious class time was based in theory. We all have something called a cognitive load, a certain amount of attention we can all devote at a given time. Once students hit their cognitive load, they can no longer learn. This professor was conscious to gauge the room often and measure cognitive loads. Spring Break has been a great opportunity to refresh my cognitive load, and I'm that certain my students feel the same way.
Secondly, I was able to grade the ever-growing stack of papers that had compiled on my desk. I assigned many tasks for my students the past week and a half, and I relished the opportunity to give thorough written feedback to my students. Feedback matters.
Third, Spring Break has given me the time to build and plan thoughtful, inquiry-based lessons for my students. I want my students to develop the skills they need to succeed, and I want them to gain access to the content that will allow them to access the full breadth of ideas available to them.
On a related note, edTPA has been a struggle this week. I built my lesson plans in order to truly encapsulate my style of teaching and my students' style of learning. Ever class period is special, and this week gave me the luxury of time to work on edTPA, which is not always easy to find time for.
Finally, I was able to make and return a variety of phone calls and emails for students, parents, colleagues, administrators and instructors. Contact is important, especially in our increasingly digital world.
I hope everyone was able to enjoy the type of relaxing, productive and fun Spring Break I had!
Once more, Go Cubs Go!