Field blog 4

The classes are working on another web quest. This time it is about enzymes and reactions. The students are finishing the web quest from the day before because barely any students finished. When they finish the activity, they are supposed to work on their homework packet which is due before Thanksgiving break. The students are working hard because they want to work on homework. I found out that students only receive a homework packet if they have a C or lower in the class. Five kids do not have to work on the homework packet. One student arrives half way through the class and sits in the back of class and listens to homework instead of doing the class work. Ms. Russell told me that he is purposely trying to fail the class so he can go back to juvenile detention. Ms. Russell is still trying her best to help him learn though. He has a C or higher in the class thanks to Ms. Russell not giving up on him. The students finished up the lab and are attempting their homework. They keep asking Ms. Russell the same questions so she does an example on the board. That helped the students a lot because the students were able to understand what the questions were asking. The second period class came in and they had already finished the web quest, so Ms. Russell allowed them to work on their homework packets and work on any assignments that are due this week for the biology class. The students are grateful because each week they have a class packet worth 100-200 points due each week. They want to make sure they complete it and that it is correct. Ms. Russell says she uses the in class packet as a guide on what needs to be accomplished, and it forces kids to make more of an effort in class. Normally the packet cannot be worked on at home so they need to work diligently in the class. Ms. Russell understands that students come from all backgrounds and strives to help every student. She believes that every student can succeed if they want to. This mindset inspires me because she is so kind and helpful to her students and never gives up on them. She is tough on students who need to be taught a lesson, but still kind. She is a great teacher.