PLN9

In the article “32 boys and me: Tales from the all boys’ class” by Anne Smith, introduces her thoughts on her all boys first period class from having to rethink plans, enforcing a no “D” policy, really slow down and focus on the students needs, and above all improving them. She states in her article, “I don’t know if I could have prepared myself more for this class other than growing up with three brothers of my own, but this class has been and continues to be a mental challenge.” First, she was finding that at the last minute she would have to change plans because then she could encourage and motivate them. Next, she believes that taking out a possibility for “D’s” making the boys set for a higher standards and eliminate their poor quality work. Along with letting her students create their own quality of A, B, and, C work instead of telling them what they have to achieve to get a good grade. On top of that she gives the opportunity to redo assignments until they receive the grade they want as long as it is within the same six week period it was assigned. Then, she realized that the students didn’t understand what they were supposed to be doing so she had to start slowing the class down and putting more explanation into what was going on in the class. Last, her whole goal is that she can improve the writing of all her students so that they are better prepared for writing classes in the future and for their careers ahead of them. Proving that she is a teacher for the right purpose and actually cares about the students as she stated, “Why does it seem I care more than they do about their work?” which is a very sad statement. Obviously the gender class can be really frustrating and hard to deal with when there is that many boys together but she seems like she is doing a good job working with them if she can just get them to care a little more.