Mike Makmur

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A5: I might place a heavier emphasis on classwork and lab activities than many do. Even though it is an AP class (and we have to teach to the test at some level), the actual learning, exploring, and growing are more valuable to the students in the end. #AltRtEd #growthmindset

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A4: Encouragement and positive feedback are always helpful. For many students, I find guided questions to be a good way to help, as they will work their own way to the answer - then reinforcing that they did the reasoning and math as well.

#altrted #growthmindset

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A3: In terms of my subject, perhaps having more open inquiry-based labs where students get a lot of freedom to experiment and be wrong - and learn from that. That freedom can be valuable in encouraging students to try new things and see they can learn it. #AltRtEd #growthmindset

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A2: I think having a class climate of it being okay to be wrong and taking that as a chance to learn can help promote a growth mindset. When students are afraid to be wrong, they might shut down and become unresponsive to the material.
#AltRtEd #growthmindset

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A1 I had a lot of students who came in saying they just "didn't like science" or "just weren't good at math" - starting off the year expecting failure. They usually put in less effort until I was able to show them they could learn and be interested in it. #AltRtEd #growthmindset

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A5: Harsh discipline policies don't work well in my experience. I teach high schoolers, so sometimes just being real with them and not BSing helps. Reinforcing expectations for behavior and rewarding proper behavior has also helped. #AltRtEd #Sped

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A4: For virtual learning especially, I think providing frequent breaks and time to just get up and shift focus can be helpful. Chunking larger tasks into more manageable pieces can help as well. #AltRtEd #Sped

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A3: I have offered frequent breaks as well as the freedom to get up and move around during class (so long as it's not distracting to others) with some success. #AltRtEd #Sped

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A2: Empowering students to feel like their opinion and their thoughts are valuable to you, and encouraging them to let you know when things are working well for them and when things aren't. #AltRtEd #Sped

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A1: The biggest challenges I have had are differentiating learning and trying to keep everyone on the same pace while still trying to meet each student where they are and leverage how they learn best #AltRtEd #Sped

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A5. I want to make sure that students feel comfortable reaching out to me about anything that may make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable in the room. Keeping in contact with counselors at the school is also invaluable! #AltRtEd #standuptobullying

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A4. If a student feels unsafe in the classroom, they will not be an effectively learner. Anything we can do to make a student feel safe doesn’t only help them learn but also helps them feel valued and welcome - which I think is more important anyways. #AltRtEd #standuptobullying

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A3. I have found that reaching out to students past teachers and current teachers has been helpful in terms of understand what motivates them as well as how they interact with classmates. What are students comfy with and who do they work with well? #AltRtEd #standuptobullying

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A2. Keeping good relationships with students and trying to stop harassing behavior before it gets out of hand. Being vigilant but also approachable in the classroom #AltRtEd #standuptobullying

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A1. I try to make sure that there is a sense of inclusion and camaraderie in the classroom - we are all on this learning journey together and the more collaborative we can be in performing labs or solving problems the better.
#AltRtEd #standuptobullying

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A5: I communicate mostly though email right now. Some teachers advocate parents to use their students’ Google Classroom accounts but I feel like that’s a violation of their privacy? Parents can already see their students grades through PowerSchool as well.

#AltRtEd #EdTech

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A4: I’ve actually gone and used Google Sheets to keep students answers to each question on the test, so I can get good statistics on what topics they are struggling with and excelling at. It is very tedious to set up, but we’ll worth it in the end!
#AltRtEd #EdTech

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A3: I heavily collaborate with my mentor teacher when it comes to the best ways to teach content and manage the class. We have compared resources and he’s introduced me to great online tools. I’ve also relied on my HS teacher’s old materials as well! 😇

#AltRtEd #EdTech

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A2: Internet availability and technology availability. Not everyone has good access to these resources, but the district I’m in is lucky enough to have the funding to supply all students with an iPad.
#AltRtEd #EdTech

[Mike Makmur @MakmurAltRoute]

@RutgersAltRoute A1: we use google classroom to distribute materials and slides. I also love to use Positive Physics as a resource as it has both inquiry questions, formative learning, and complete problems - with instant feedback and hints! #AltRtEd #EdTech