In a departure from the conventional, let's explore how a seemingly unrelated online pool tournament became a teaching moment within the context of the Danielson Framework. This year, I ventured into uncharted territory by introducing my students to S.E. Hinton's "That Was Then, This Is Now," a novel that prominently features pool halls. Little did I know that this choice would lead to a unique educational journey.
One day, as I listened to my students chat about their favorite pastime – online billiards – I had an epiphany. We were going to have our very own online pool tournament. The idea wasn't born in a vacuum; it was inspired by a cherished memory from my own school days. In fifth grade, my teacher, Mr. Cuturilo, a die-hard WWE fan, organized tournaments named after WWE's major events, complete with a cardboard championship belt. Winning meant having your photo taken with the title, and I can still vividly recall the thrill of that moment. It left an indelible mark on me and ignited a passion for incorporating competition into education.
This competitive spirit stuck with me through middle and high school, where I organized air hockey tournaments, wiffleball games, and homerun derbies. This same enthusiasm has since become a fundamental part of my teaching philosophy. I firmly believe that healthy competition can bring out the best in students.
One day, as I listened to my students chat about their favorite pastime – online billiards – I had an epiphany. We were going to have our very own online pool tournament. The idea wasn't born in a vacuum; it was inspired by a cherished memory from my own school days. In fifth grade, my teacher, Mr. Cuturilo, a die-hard WWE fan, organized tournaments named after WWE's major events, complete with a cardboard championship belt. Winning meant having your photo taken with the title, and I can still vividly recall the thrill of that moment. It left an indelible mark on me and ignited a passion for incorporating competition into education.
This competitive spirit stuck with me through middle and high school, where I organized air hockey tournaments, wiffleball games, and homerun derbies. This same enthusiasm has since become a fundamental part of my teaching philosophy. I firmly believe that healthy competition can bring out the best in students.
Over the years, I've hosted various tournaments in my classes, from character analysis face-offs to poetry showdowns and even intense Scrabble matches. And this week, it was the online pool tournament's turn to shine. The event drew 32 participants, including 7 CPU players, and I placed the responsibility for challenges, management, and determination of the true winner squarely in the hands of my students.
Now, you might wonder how an online pool tournament connects to the educational domains outlined in the Danielson Framework. Truth be told, it doesn't fit neatly into any of them. It's not about reinforcing literary elements, nor is it a traditional assessment of knowledge. Instead, it falls under the realm of managing student behavior, a crucial facet of teaching.
Could it have gone wrong? Certainly. Tempers could have flared, expletives could have been hurled, or worse. But I was vigilant, monitoring the students' behavior and consistently reinforcing acceptable conduct. As a result, we've made it to the final four, with the finals set for Friday. The excitement is palpable, and students are genuinely looking forward to the event. They're even discussing it with their parents.
In a world that often lacks positivity, especially in education, this unconventional approach has brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie among my students. It may not be a perfect fit for any specific domain, but it aligns with my core belief that nurturing a sense of fun and healthy competition in the classroom can lead to immeasurable benefits.
In the spirit of a well-executed eight-ball corner pocket shot, I'm willing to take that difficult, but rewarding, shot every time.
Now, you might wonder how an online pool tournament connects to the educational domains outlined in the Danielson Framework. Truth be told, it doesn't fit neatly into any of them. It's not about reinforcing literary elements, nor is it a traditional assessment of knowledge. Instead, it falls under the realm of managing student behavior, a crucial facet of teaching.
Could it have gone wrong? Certainly. Tempers could have flared, expletives could have been hurled, or worse. But I was vigilant, monitoring the students' behavior and consistently reinforcing acceptable conduct. As a result, we've made it to the final four, with the finals set for Friday. The excitement is palpable, and students are genuinely looking forward to the event. They're even discussing it with their parents.
In a world that often lacks positivity, especially in education, this unconventional approach has brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie among my students. It may not be a perfect fit for any specific domain, but it aligns with my core belief that nurturing a sense of fun and healthy competition in the classroom can lead to immeasurable benefits.
In the spirit of a well-executed eight-ball corner pocket shot, I'm willing to take that difficult, but rewarding, shot every time.