Looking through the magnifying glass, we are off to a great new beginning second semester! I have enough seats for all my students, and they are really working hard to impress me. I don't know if some are just wanting good grades or floam. You might talk to a few of my Algebra I students about that. Also, I might like to add here that my students clarified this with me; they don't dislike me; they just dislike math. Whew, that made me feel a whole lot better. Now, I can sleep at night.
Monday, I discovered I made a mistake when figuring one class' semester test grades, and I was down-heartened about that. It was not in my students' favor; that was the upsetting part. I can't claim my students had 65 points on their semester exam when they only had 35. Good grief! I discovered today that even math teachers can make mistakes. How horrible is that?
Seventh and eighth hours Algebra I classes will be having a chapter test on Thursday. We had some catching up to do! Math is a challenge, and that is what I like about it. Hopefully, one day before the end of the year, my students will appreciate their good efforts and reap the rewards of understanding what they have before them and improving their grades.
First and second hours Algebra II classes have a chapter test on Thursday this week. I hope that by the time we review the chapter once again that they will be ready. I do think my students have discovered that you have to work hard to get where you want to be in math. You can't just work on it one day and know it like the back of your hand; you have to study it. I believe my students will be confident enough to ask questions when they feel the need.
This thought is worth noting...I feel one of my students who skipped her/his semester exam probably is having second thoughts about that one or should be. I felt that was something the student should have talked to me about first before choosing to not take the test because s/he would fail it. This student was passing my class for the semester before skipping out on the big one. I was so disappointed, but I am sure my student is as well. Remember, students to take time to communicate in an appropriate manner with your teachers, and it may really help create less problems for the two of you. Who loses with poor communication? You do.
My T.A.M. Algebra I students noticed I produced a huge math textbook today, and they haven't seen one of those all year. If they will give me a chance, I think they will discover that the class isn't all that bad especially if they work hard during class-time, they won't have to take any math homework home.
Foundations class found that I was ready to get back to work! We have had a few good days reviewing for our finals, and now it is back to business as usual. We work on a problem set daily, and then, we work hard to figure out a few basic math problems. I have a really good class here, and I hope they learn a lot of basic math ideas and retain them to help them in their future education or employment.
Some of my first semester students have moved on to other teachers or other classes, and I wish them the best. A few students have relocated to my math class; I hope they plan to learn a lot of math. Welcome to my math classes, newbies and regulars!
I do believe Monday was a good day for the first day of the second semester!
Mrs. B.
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