Homework and Practice

Texas A&M University – Commerce
Master’s of Education in Secondary Education – MED
MISD & A&M – Commerce Partnership Cohort 2010
SED 513 Secondary School Curriculum
Carlos Soliz


Homework and Practice

What?

Homework and Practice method is a really tough strategy that I have struggled to implement at the present school that I am at. At schools that I have been in the past I did not have problems with students doing homework and getting it turned in. I gave it a try anyway.

So What?

I had to find something that would spark their interest to make them want to do work outside of the classroom. I found two ways to accomplish this 1) assign current events to the places that we are studying and 2) assign computer work for them to do using Google Earth. The first couple of times were a real struggle to get them to turn in their work but eventually it worked. I still have some students that do not bring anything to turn in; they will not even bring it in late for credit. The Google Earth has really excited some interest in my students and we use it a lot in class to study World Geography. I have them find different places on the Google Earth map and write a report on it to turn in.

Now What?

I have to make sure that any homework is relevant and to return it to them graded as soon as I can. I want them to know that it is important to do research on their own and to be able to problem solve on their own. I tell them that the education process involves them to think and be able to solve problems on their own. Using technology makes me keep up with what is out there and reaches the students at their level.

Summarizing and Note Taking

Texas A&M University – Commerce
Master’s of Education in Secondary Education – MED
MISD & A&M – Commerce Partnership Cohort 2010
SED 513 Secondary School Curriculum
Carlos Soliz

Summarizing and Note Taking

What?

I opted to use the Cornell Notes in my class because I had never used them in my classroom before. I have had my students take notes during lectures and during videos that we use in class but they have struggled through this. I wanted to use a method I had not used before and the Cornell Notes fit well.

So What?

The first thing that I did was ask the students who had used this type of note taking before, to my surprise almost half the class had already used this style. I took the time to explain how to take notes using the Cornell method to the students who were not familiar with these type of notes. The notes that I got from my students were beyond anything that I was expecting because of the work that I had seen turned in before. I really like the Cornell method and will continue to use it. I don’t think that I will do anything differently next time.

Now What?

Like I said above I continue to use the Cornell method of note taking. It makes it easier for my students to get information written down and for them to decipher the information that they need. I like it especially with the instructional videos that we use in class for them to get the information. The Cornell method has also helped me when I do lecture to make sure that I am getting the information to the students that they really need.

Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition

Texas A&M University – Commerce
Master’s of Education in Secondary Education – MED
MISD & A&M – Commerce Partnership Cohort 2010
SED 513 Secondary School Curriculum
Carlos Soliz



Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition

What?

Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition is an everyday use in my class. With the type of students that I have it is mandatory that I praise any positive actions that happen.

So What?

The most important thing about using this method is to know your students. The types of reinforcement and recognition have to be different for each student. Some students need to be recognized where everyone knows that they are receiving it, while others do not want anyone to know that they did something good. One thing that I have noticed that has the most impact on the students at my school is a phone call or email home for something positive that the student has done. This is because most phone calls home are for something that the student has done bad not good.

Now What?

I will always use this method. When I stop using it that will be the time that I will need to retire or find some other job to do. With the home life that most of my students have they need some positive reinforcement and recognition at some point during their day.