How can I, as an eighth grade teacher, solve the problem of disengagement of Hispanic boys , and find a way to attain successful and meaningful learning by all members of our student community? This is the driving question I came up with last February, when I was tearing my hair out with frustration at the lack of interest and enthusiasm displayed by so many students, especially Latino boys. I have revisited the question several times, while writing our research paper, and each time I look at it, I think that it is the correct question.
If anything, I would add more emphasis on the community aspect. I feel the need for greater involvement of the families and the greater community in the instruction of our students. My Capstone is going to be a Challenge Based Learning Project focusing on immigration. I am sure that this is going to be an opportunity to engage these students because I am going to allow them to become actively involved in the process of creation of their experience. I have realized, over the past few months, that I have neglected several key elements of student engagement. Because I was so frustrated with the behavior and attitude of the students this year, I forgot to honor them and their socio-economic backgrounds. I needed to take more time to "be where they are." They are not interested in the War of 1812, unless I can find a darn good way of presenting it and relating it to their lives.
The research I did on my paper opened my eyes to the fact that I have to constantly be assessing and reassessing my teaching and my own attitudes. I am a twenty year veteran teacher, but I feel that each year...each month, each week is new and challenging because things are changing that fast. Teaching, these days, is not for the faint of heart....
I feel that I am going in the right direction for my Capstone and that my driving question is still good. In fact, I know that I came up with it in a hurry, but it is what was on my mind..and still is. I want my students to attain successful and meaning learning. I want them to be prepared and excited about the future, instead of filling a seat in my classroom.