Pushing boundaries

I can't believe the last two weeks have gone so fast. We are nearly at the end of term one and I'm holding on by my fingernails. Last week was so crazy I didn't get to blog however I am back on track this week. 

Have had some small wins with all of my classes this week and I am taking them. Had a wonderful time with my older learners who were totally engaged in creating a Podcast. They worked wonderfully as a big team and they were really happy with the end result. This week saw them tackling Twitter and really having a go at understanding this new wave of technology. They really are a very inspiring bunch and I learn so many things from them also. 


Have been thinking about pushing boundaries for all my students. Have seen a real improvement in motivation with several of my classes and I have been reflecting on what I have changed. When teaching adult learners there is certainly more to consider than school students. They have less time as many of them have home responsibilities. However a few weeks ago I gave them all a motivational talk. I asked them to write down all the things in their past that had held them back from learning and succeeding. After about 15 min they scrunched it up or tore it up and chucked it in the bin. From this point on there has been a shift in attitude and motivation. 


In the last few weeks I have been pondering on this change. It has enabled me to set the bar a little higher in class because they are getting through the work. The discussion is improving, the group work and collaboration has been very beneficial and their marks are improving too. I was having a chat with one of my good friends and she pointed out to me that they had given themselves permission to succeed and so had I. The past is behind them and they are on this new journey. 


How wonderfully freeing it can be when we can put the past behind and enjoy the present.  

Adobe Captivate

Had a great day today learning about Adobe Captivate. I can see it has many good points but it is a very complicated piece of software. Would take a fair amount of playing to really get to know how it works. Time unfortunately I don't have at the moment. 


Tracey has come back with her first logo idea for the business but I am still thinking on it. I will share as soon as I have decided. I must make up my mind soon or else things will never get going. 


I have had a lovely time surfing the net off late and have come across a few interesting sites:-

27 Twitter Tools To Help You Find And Manage Followers

 

Essay Map

 

Protagonize lets you explore your hidden writing talent.


(If you click on the image and the link doesn't work please let me know.)


Until next week,
K