Dilemmas
The first dilemma that I am facing as I try to implement my ImagineIT project would fall under “teaching in an urban setting”. This dilemma as something beyond my control. Our building is under construction. We already have had some setbacks in terms of the availability of classroom technology. Another setback has been students schedules being changed. In addition, there will be days we will be displaced from our normal classroom due to the construction. Finally, since our students take multiple AP classes and will compete in the December science fair, I feel my students will be quite overwhelmed during the 1st semester, when I plan to implement this project. I am already behind, but it will all work out.
My second dilemma that I foresee encountering would fall under "students". I wonder if students would grow bored with the philosophical approach to chemistry that I hope to engage them in. My students, while very smart, tend to be more analytical (as does their teacher). My hope is that we can continue our discussions, which have become rather interesting in the last few weeks. I am hopeful that cooperative learning groups will resolve this. My seating arrangement allows for students to sit at lab tables, four to a group.
My second dilemma that I foresee encountering would fall under "students". I wonder if students would grow bored with the philosophical approach to chemistry that I hope to engage them in. My students, while very smart, tend to be more analytical (as does their teacher). My hope is that we can continue our discussions, which have become rather interesting in the last few weeks. I am hopeful that cooperative learning groups will resolve this. My seating arrangement allows for students to sit at lab tables, four to a group.