Over my 15 hours and many months of tutoring at Classic City High I learned tons:
1. You can't help every student
Some students you encounter may not want help. They may not need it or they may simply think they don't need to do the work. It is important to understand that you can keep trying, but not every student will be cooperative. The best we can do is try and do our best and hope it rubs off.
2. No two students learn the same
I learned that just because something worked on some student (like a certain technique or approach) does not mean it will work on every student
3. You will have really good days and really bad days
Some days at Classic City High I quickly realized were not good days. Students could be rude, uncooperative, and not wanting to do their work. This left me with little to do and little ways to help. However, I also realized good days were really good. The good days consisted of me being able to help a student, seeing this student excited about understanding something, and having this student accomplish a goal of theirs or assignment.
4. Not every high school will want to/can go to college
Something I thought in high school and that I have thought for quite some time is that every student wants to go to college. While not every student may be able to got to college- whether this be because of personal or financial issues- I still thought every student still wanted to go to school. When tutoring at Classic City High I realized this is not the plan for everyone.
5. Teaching (or tutoring in this case) is a rewarding experience
While some days felt long and tedious, nothing compares to having a great teaching relationship with a student and seeing that they are learning and gaining something from this experience. To be able to help others learn and understand is the main goal of teaching and why I wanted to become a teacher. This experience was rewarding because I was able to watch this come into effect.
TOTAL HOURS SPENT: 15
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
April 23, 2019: 12:20-3:20
LAST DAY OF TUTORING :(
Today was a little sentimental as it was the last day of tutoring for me. I stayed for three full hours so I could gain the most out of my last day and so I could complete my full 15 hours. I stayed for around two full periods. The first, third period, was "computer lab" in Mrs. John's class. I helped a student who I had helped before on Econ. The assignments he was completing were fairly easy
For the last period, the students were working on poetry. We read Robert Frost's "The Road not Taken" and Emily Dickonson's "Hope is the thing with feathers". I annotated the poems with the students and counted out the meters with them so they could better understand the meaning of the poem. Then we answered questions about the latter poem, such as the author's purpose/meaning and why she chose a bird as the main symbol/idea.
I had a nice conversation with Mrs. Johns about tutoring and mentoring. she told me a lot of teachers say no to having mentors in their class as to not appear "weak". We talked about how having mentors in the classroom doesn't make a teacher unfit to run a class, but actually strengths their abilities by having added help and added perspectives, especially in an English class. I really enjoyed my hours spent at Classic City High and learned a lot about what it meant to manage students and a classroom.
Today was a little sentimental as it was the last day of tutoring for me. I stayed for three full hours so I could gain the most out of my last day and so I could complete my full 15 hours. I stayed for around two full periods. The first, third period, was "computer lab" in Mrs. John's class. I helped a student who I had helped before on Econ. The assignments he was completing were fairly easy
For the last period, the students were working on poetry. We read Robert Frost's "The Road not Taken" and Emily Dickonson's "Hope is the thing with feathers". I annotated the poems with the students and counted out the meters with them so they could better understand the meaning of the poem. Then we answered questions about the latter poem, such as the author's purpose/meaning and why she chose a bird as the main symbol/idea.
I had a nice conversation with Mrs. Johns about tutoring and mentoring. she told me a lot of teachers say no to having mentors in their class as to not appear "weak". We talked about how having mentors in the classroom doesn't make a teacher unfit to run a class, but actually strengths their abilities by having added help and added perspectives, especially in an English class. I really enjoyed my hours spent at Classic City High and learned a lot about what it meant to manage students and a classroom.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
April 18, 2019: 11:01-12:01
Today I came to Classic City High about an hour before lunch break. I went to the same classroom and worked with two students, who I will call Jen and Lori. Jen was working on the Miss Brill story. Their assignment was to re-write the ending in whatever way they wanted, as long as it was 25 lines. I reviewed Jen's 15 lines she had written and noticed many grammar mistakes. All 15 lines only contained one period and the way she wrote was very colloquial. Instead of "then" she wrote "den". I informed her that since this was formal writing, she needed to write less with the way she make converse with her friends. I also informed her that she had a large run-on and adding periods, capitalizing first words in sentences were all important aspects to formal writing. Lori was another student I worked with who was working on the Miss Brill story. She also had grammar mistakes but less of them however I noticed the same trends in their writing. I wish that their middle schools or early high school careers had been grammar filled and that they had been taught more sentence structures.
Another thing that frustrated me today was the disrespect from the students towards their teachers. Mrs. J is extremely kind and was talking to one student to help her. The student had her earphones in the entire time and did not look up once when Mrs. J was talking to her. Of course this is not my place or my classroom and I would never say something to the girl, but it made me sad and frustrated for the teacher who puts in so much effort. This makes me worry about the disrespect I may see in my future students but I need to find ways to show equal respect within my classroom. One of the books we read- "Immigrants in America" talked about forming a bond between teacher and students- and this includes respect.
Another thing that frustrated me today was the disrespect from the students towards their teachers. Mrs. J is extremely kind and was talking to one student to help her. The student had her earphones in the entire time and did not look up once when Mrs. J was talking to her. Of course this is not my place or my classroom and I would never say something to the girl, but it made me sad and frustrated for the teacher who puts in so much effort. This makes me worry about the disrespect I may see in my future students but I need to find ways to show equal respect within my classroom. One of the books we read- "Immigrants in America" talked about forming a bond between teacher and students- and this includes respect.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
April 16, 2019: 11:14-12:14
Today I went to Mrs. J's class again. They were only five-six students in the classroom, two of which were working on an online reading assignment. Mrs. J gave me the short story "Miss Brill" to read. The students were working on plot diagram so I worked with them on figuring out the rising action, exposition, climax, etc of the story. Most of the students hadn't read the story yet which was frustrating in itself. A lot of the students here have amazing potential, but lack the motivation to do so which as a tutor is frustrating but I can't even imagine how frustrating that must be as a teacher. I think as a teacher I need to learn how to motivate my students without pushing them too hard. Mrs. J does a good job of instructing her students and giving them clear directions, but I can often see how they ignore her such as today when they did not read the story.
It was a relatively quiet day. I only have about two weeks left at Classic City and I am going to miss my time there. I have been able to experience one-on-one tutoring and gone close to the kids by learning about their lives and sharing our experiences together. I am glad that I have been able to experience hands-on tutoring in an actual high school. Before this year, I had tutored a little bit but it was always one on one. But this experience did a lot more to prepare me for what my future career may be like which is exciting.
Monday, April 15, 2019
April 11, 2019: 11:06-12:11
Today was one of my favorite, most rewarding days at Classic City High. This day was very different than my other days at Classic City High for many reasons. There were not many people in Mrs. J's class today. When I got there, Mrs. J told me they were working on Romeo and Juliet again. However, she said that one girl who was by the computers was looking for a place in Athens. Mrs. J knew I was a college student so she asked if I would help her. I wrote a long list of affordable and safe places in Athens to live. I got to talking with the girl and learned about her difficult home life and family issues. She really opened up to me.
This experience was very different than most of my days at classic city. I got to talk to someone in depth and it was personal. I learned more about the students and could see what they were struggling with and understand the outside factors of being a student. I think teachers forget a lot that school does not always come first for kids, some students don't have that luxury. The student told me about how sometimes she was dealing with family stuff and was late to class and only got yelled at. I think it is important to remember that in the future if a student is continually late, I need to pull them aside and see if something more serious is the reason behind that. Kids are just kids, and we are not better than them because we are older.
This experience was very different than most of my days at classic city. I got to talk to someone in depth and it was personal. I learned more about the students and could see what they were struggling with and understand the outside factors of being a student. I think teachers forget a lot that school does not always come first for kids, some students don't have that luxury. The student told me about how sometimes she was dealing with family stuff and was late to class and only got yelled at. I think it is important to remember that in the future if a student is continually late, I need to pull them aside and see if something more serious is the reason behind that. Kids are just kids, and we are not better than them because we are older.
April 10, 2019: 3:00-4:00
Today Mrs. J's class worked on Romeo & Juliet characterization. I was excited to help today because I have done Romeo & Juliet in high school and really enjoyed the play. The 10th grade class was working on figuring out who the main characters in the play were and what their direct and indirect characterizations were. Many of the students hadn't even read the play- yet their assignment was to direct and analyze the characters. I think that the teacher does everything she can to motivate the students- she is kind, helpful, and motivating- but if a student doesn't do an assignment you can't force them. The student I worked with hadn't read the play yet so it was difficult to help her with characterization but I did my best to explain her the difference between direct and indirect and how Shakespeare differentiates between the two.
The day overall was not very hectic- it is important to note that many days in an education setting may be slow and filled with lots of reading and writing but this is vital to student's learning.I am excited to spend more time in Mrs. Johns class. She is a great teacher and really motivates her students. I can tell that she never gives up on her students. When they don't want to do their assignment she continues to motivate them and tell them to keep trying.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
The day overall was not very hectic- it is important to note that many days in an education setting may be slow and filled with lots of reading and writing but this is vital to student's learning.I am excited to spend more time in Mrs. Johns class. She is a great teacher and really motivates her students. I can tell that she never gives up on her students. When they don't want to do their assignment she continues to motivate them and tell them to keep trying.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Monday, April 8, 2019
April 4, 2019: 11:40-12:10 and 2:15-2:45
For today, I had a little unorthodox schedule.I didn’t realize the students have lunch at 12:15 so I came from 11:40-12:10ish and then came back around 2ish to finish another 30 minutes to get a full hour in! I went to the same classroom, Mrs. Johns, when I came back and we worked on the same assignment both times: Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell Tale Heart.
So my schedule was:
11:40-12:10 = 30 minutes
2:15-2:45 = 30 minutes
We worked on the Tell Tale Heart, which I had read just last semester so it was fresh in my brain. Poe is one of my favorite authors so it was interesting and exciting to be able to help them with this assignment. This is the first time where I've felt very comfortable helping the students and giving direction, because this is the first time I truly understood what they reading and discussing. They worked on discussion questions and analyzed the stories- some of the questions asked to talk about the horror genre of Poe's work and about how Poe's dark and ominous tone sets the story.
When I came back from the lunch break, the kids today were very misbehaved. Mrs. Johns has the most upmost patience for students, I have never seen anything like it. She is overly nice and kind to her students. However, I did not see this same respect back at least not today. She asked the students to move to the other room to watch the reading of the story and many students complained and didn't follow her. This makes me nervous for when I am a teacher. I want to be able to control my classroom but that is easier said than done. It can be very hard to try to discipline students without being too overbearing or strict.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Monday, April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019 3:05-4:05
Today I came to class city from 3:05-4:05. For the first half, I was able to work in London's class where they were reading Edgar Allen Poe, one of my favorites. They watched a video of a reading of "The Raven" and then a satire video of The Simpsons and "The Raven". They explored ideas of imagery, themes, and elements of darkness and horror. Then, we all played Kahoot. After the day ended, I went into the after-school program but no one was really there so unfortunately I wasn't able to help that many students so I think going earlier in the day will be better so I can benefit the students more.
The structure of the school is very different. The more I go into the school and observe and mentor, the more I realize how different their school system and structure is compared to my own high school. Often time when I go to volunteer, different students are there and they seem to almost "come and go" as they please. Many times students are missing which makes me wonder what the school's attendance policy is and how flexible it is. I have passed the "halfway" mark with my hours and I am excited to continue tutoring and see what else I can observe and learn, all of which will guide me to becoming the best teacher I can be in the future.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
The structure of the school is very different. The more I go into the school and observe and mentor, the more I realize how different their school system and structure is compared to my own high school. Often time when I go to volunteer, different students are there and they seem to almost "come and go" as they please. Many times students are missing which makes me wonder what the school's attendance policy is and how flexible it is. I have passed the "halfway" mark with my hours and I am excited to continue tutoring and see what else I can observe and learn, all of which will guide me to becoming the best teacher I can be in the future.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Thursday, March 28, 2019
March 28, 2019: 1:00-2:00
Today I went to Jones class, but a little earlier than the time I usually do. I usually try to go around 2:00-3:00ish, which is when Mrs. Johns tells me she needs the most time. However, today I had to come in earlier than usual. Another girl in my class, a sophomore like myself, was there as well so it worked out very smoothly and nicely. We were able to simultaniesouly help the first student, Jay, with his business homework by helping him look up terms and compound his ideas together.
Halfway through the class period, we moved onto to math and helped Emma and Audrey with their math homework. Although not my strength, I helped them with factorials and Algebra 2. As I begin to tutor more, I have gotten closer with my students and been able to facilitate a fun learning environment. More so we are moving away from the typical conversations of "whats your favorite color" or "what is your favorite subject" and instead talking about topics with more depth. This is very exciting because I feel as if I am making progress with the students and actually making a difference.
Today was a good day because I got to talk to students, while also helping them with their work. It is important as a teacher, I have learned, to not only focus on schoolwork because this will only distance students. It is important to also create relationships with students because this in turn can help motivate them to try and do well in school because they will feel you are more approachable as a teacher,.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Halfway through the class period, we moved onto to math and helped Emma and Audrey with their math homework. Although not my strength, I helped them with factorials and Algebra 2. As I begin to tutor more, I have gotten closer with my students and been able to facilitate a fun learning environment. More so we are moving away from the typical conversations of "whats your favorite color" or "what is your favorite subject" and instead talking about topics with more depth. This is very exciting because I feel as if I am making progress with the students and actually making a difference.
Today was a good day because I got to talk to students, while also helping them with their work. It is important as a teacher, I have learned, to not only focus on schoolwork because this will only distance students. It is important to also create relationships with students because this in turn can help motivate them to try and do well in school because they will feel you are more approachable as a teacher,.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
March 21, 2019 2:30-3:30
Today I volunteer at Classic City High at 2:30-3:30. I was in Ms. Johns class, the English teacher. This is the class I typically am assigned to. However, each time I go different studies are there.
Today I was assigned to help Jay. Jay was working on an English paper about Fidel Castro. However, I noticed Jay had a huge lack of motivation. He told me his closest friend was out today and he had no one to hang out with. I tried my best over several attempts to get Jay to engage in his paper and helped him outline his thesis and introduction, but I understood I was not the teacher and if he did not want to work on it there was nothing I could do to motivate him (hence I could not discipline him).
Jay asked me several questions about myself- such as where I went to college, what I did in college. I realized he did not have plans for college and was more interested in the social aspects of a university. Something that dawned on me- something that I had not realized during my own experience in high school- was that college is not the plan for everyone. I think I am naive because at my high school it was typical that every student went to college. But when I become a teacher I can not think this way because not every student will want to go to college. It is important to provide resources and teach in a way that can apply to all students, including the students who may not want to attend college after high school.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Today I was assigned to help Jay. Jay was working on an English paper about Fidel Castro. However, I noticed Jay had a huge lack of motivation. He told me his closest friend was out today and he had no one to hang out with. I tried my best over several attempts to get Jay to engage in his paper and helped him outline his thesis and introduction, but I understood I was not the teacher and if he did not want to work on it there was nothing I could do to motivate him (hence I could not discipline him).
Jay asked me several questions about myself- such as where I went to college, what I did in college. I realized he did not have plans for college and was more interested in the social aspects of a university. Something that dawned on me- something that I had not realized during my own experience in high school- was that college is not the plan for everyone. I think I am naive because at my high school it was typical that every student went to college. But when I become a teacher I can not think this way because not every student will want to go to college. It is important to provide resources and teach in a way that can apply to all students, including the students who may not want to attend college after high school.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
March 5, 2019: 12:54-1:54
Today I went to classic city high around 1 and stayed until 2. This was third period for the students and I was assigned to Jones class again. Some of the students were working on lit, American history, and electives. Mrs. Jones informed me that there are only two elective options at Classic City High: foreign language and business. She said there used to be psychology there, but the program was taken away due to the difficulty and lack of students. I was helping with a kid, and for privacy purposes, I will call him Jay. Jay was working on a business portfolio online, which was the elective he had chosen. I noticed that on one of the questions we worked on, it stated to write 5 sentences about your business plan. Jay had only written one and when I noticed stated "oh it doesn't matter". This attitude I found common in many students in the classroom- where their goals were to complete assignments fast and get them done to turn in rather than have extensive responses. This is important to note- this is a trend seen in many high schools- especially public ones- lately. Where the goal is work, work, work, work and just get things done regardless of quality.
I think this is important to note that a lot of these students are so concnered with finishing the work presented to them that they often forget about the reason that they're in school: to learn. I wonder if this idea of having to just turn in work regardless of quality has been engraved in their brain because of the public school system. Especially with standard tests, I know from our readings and some of the group presentations that teachers and schools are drilled to do well on standard tests regardless of if it relates to the teacher's plans for the classroom.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
I think this is important to note that a lot of these students are so concnered with finishing the work presented to them that they often forget about the reason that they're in school: to learn. I wonder if this idea of having to just turn in work regardless of quality has been engraved in their brain because of the public school system. Especially with standard tests, I know from our readings and some of the group presentations that teachers and schools are drilled to do well on standard tests regardless of if it relates to the teacher's plans for the classroom.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
February 26, 2019: 3:40-5:40
Today I decided to go into the after-school tutoring session program, as I think this program will allow me to work with students in a small group and setting and therefore work with them closer. Today I entered the school at 3:40 and stayed for two hours. Even though I have only been to Classic City High twice now I have noticed a lot about the school already. The school is for children wanting to come back to school to get their diploma, whether they have left their current high school for this one or dropped out and are now coming back. My first session I met a young woman who was working on her own novel and stated that she had wanted to be an English major if she had went to college. I didn't push her any further but it made me wonder- How many students in this school want to go to college? And is it financial security stopping them from doing this?
Regarding today, I went downstairs to the classroom that is associated with the after-school program. Their after school program runs from 3:40-5:40 M-TH and offers student who needs extra homework help or simply a place to wait and stay at the school. One student I helped with today needed help with her American history assignment. She didn't know how to spell most words I was saying aloud, which made me wonder what past English teachers she had and what they had taught her. The more I work at Classic City High the more I wonder if the public school education system, specially in Clarke County, has failed them. She also stated she had been gone for the past month, however I did not ask her why. For privacy purposes, I will not state the young girl's name in respect to her.
Overall, I think today's experience went better than last week's. I am still not super comfortable at the school, mostly because I do not know the students that well and also do not know the teachers, faculty, and building that well. However I think as I tutor more and get to know the students I will get more comfortable and be able to better help these students.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Regarding today, I went downstairs to the classroom that is associated with the after-school program. Their after school program runs from 3:40-5:40 M-TH and offers student who needs extra homework help or simply a place to wait and stay at the school. One student I helped with today needed help with her American history assignment. She didn't know how to spell most words I was saying aloud, which made me wonder what past English teachers she had and what they had taught her. The more I work at Classic City High the more I wonder if the public school education system, specially in Clarke County, has failed them. She also stated she had been gone for the past month, however I did not ask her why. For privacy purposes, I will not state the young girl's name in respect to her.
Overall, I think today's experience went better than last week's. I am still not super comfortable at the school, mostly because I do not know the students that well and also do not know the teachers, faculty, and building that well. However I think as I tutor more and get to know the students I will get more comfortable and be able to better help these students.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Monday, February 11, 2019
February 11, 2019: 3:04-4:04
Today was my first day tutoring at Classic City High. I walked in and was assigned to Mrs. Johns class where I stayed for 30 minutes. I talked to a student who was working on her own personal novel and when I told her I was an English major she shared that she wanted to be one too. The literature class was learning about greek roots and mythology. The teacher did a Kahoot and I played along with the kids. When the school day ended, around 3:30, I headed to the after-school program in the school where students went for after school help, additional help. They received snacks and a teacher was in charge of making sure the students did their work. None of the students that were there needed or wanted my help, however the teacher in charge asked me to read over and edit her research paper for pre-calc math experiment. I spent an hour at Classic City High and am excited to go back again.
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
*all names have been altered for purposes of privacy
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Introduction
My name is Korin Pinsky and I am currently an English Education Major at the University of Georgia. I took LLED3461S in hopes of getting exposure to real life mentoring and tutoring alongside a student.
Over the course of this blog, I will write and reflect on my experiences over my 15 hours of volunteer work. All names of faculty, staff, and students have been changed for privacy purposes which is indicated at the bottom of each blog post as well.
In addition, I switch between saying Mrs. Johns and Mrs. J however they are both the same teacher and person!
Over the course of this blog, I will write and reflect on my experiences over my 15 hours of volunteer work. All names of faculty, staff, and students have been changed for privacy purposes which is indicated at the bottom of each blog post as well.
In addition, I switch between saying Mrs. Johns and Mrs. J however they are both the same teacher and person!
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