HTML (aka I'm glad they've made it easier to make a website since this...)

So, to be honest, it isn't quite so bad to use HTML to design pages. I'd call it a bit tedious, but that part actually doesn't faze me too much. I've always been fine with that; as a result, I actually picked up a lot of the code tricks rather quickly. I think that as I continue to experiment with it, it will become much more habitual. However, I can't believe that this used to be a way that websites used to be designed. Man, the amount of time it had to take to create a single page...

On a side, there are some pains. Adding color, for example. It's almost like you need to have a cheat sheet just to know what colors are available. Then again, it's probably recommended to have a cheat sheet for all of the HTML items that need to be compiled to compose a simple page. Again, I actually don't mind it too much. It's just SO particular. This is not for the impatient, I'll tell you that. You really have to run through your pages with a fine tooth comb if errors pop up. I was able to troubleshoot so far. Now, with the resume that I have to create, we'll see how well that one goes...

I'll keep you informed as it goes. I guess I'll wish MYSELF good luck this time...

Better late than never...

Sorry for the absence in blogging---wife had the flu, infant has pink eye, and I had 2 weeks of inservices out in Stevens Point. But here's the update on the research...

Kinda slow, actually. We had WKCE testing, so I reduced the amount of research study out of respect of the testing cycle. I also had to walk a fine line, as I didn't want to even come close to anything resembling 'teaching to the test' or cheating. So I did not run my research during that 2 week period.

However, now we're back to normal, and that means that my research is back to normal as well. I'm about at the halfway mark, and we'll be taking another benchmark in December. Then I'll really be able to see how effective this research is going. I'm looking forward to that (I may be the only teacher in the school who has that feeling.)

As for the new course, don't worry---my blog for that will be happening this week. Stay tuned...

Action Research....The Hat Trick (or Part 3)

Well, I'm halfway through the Research course, and so far, so good. In terms of the research, I've compiled about 15 separate scores to use for my study. My ultimate goal is to have 60-100 scores, so I think I'm well on my way to achieving that. Also, I'm getting a strong understanding of what my students know and don't know; it is certainly making teaching a bit easier for me...

As for the writing part, I took care of the first three chapters last week. The revision stage will probably be this week, but I expect that. I won't know for sure, but examinations in December will give me a good idea of how effective this research has been. I'm hoping that it's beneficial for the students; I'd hate to see all this time and effort placed into something that becomes ineffective to the students.

Other than that, not much else going on. I'll be sure to have a bigger update in a few weeks. Catch ya later...

On and on and on (like Infinity...)

Well, Week 5 of statistics was over, and I am one step closer to understanding how to use it and put it into my study. I'd be lying if some of the vocabulary wasn't going over my head, but the frequent practice is helping.

This week's focus was on correlation. After some hands-on work, I actually got to use it with the studies going on in school, and it certainly made sense of things that I didn't quite understand before. I also have a different look on some of the assignments and tests that I give---I can now look at the effectiveness of some of the items that I implement into the class.

Other than that, it's just wrap up time. I completed all of the articles for my study, and I think that the next step is the dreaded one---writing my study. I'm sure I'll be able to relax....in June.

Well, I'd love to talk more, but I have some studying to go do. Catch ya later...

Statistics----No Witty Subtitles This Week

Well, this is an interesting week for class, as I had to break the streak and actually miss a class! Yes, it was Open House season, so I wasn't able to attend. That doesn't mean that I don't have to do the work, though...

I had to review using z-scores and the sort at home, and luckily, I REMEMBERED how to use it. Needless to say, I think that I will be able to use it during my study. Compiling test scores and such for the next 4 months will certainly give me enough incentive and opportunity to use it. I think that I need to plan out, though, when I want to use it.

On a side note, this blog will also be a venting session today, as all of the assignments that I made over the summer are GONE!!! So, I'm back at square one, redesigning everything that I did. Again. And that, my friends, is the fun part of updating a website. (I'm currently waiting for the feedback to my dilemma. This is week 2 of the waiting game.) Oh well...

Overall, though, the study starts this week. Hard to believe. This may be the most positive I'll be during this, ha ha ha...

Well, that's all that I have for this week. I think that I have to dive into standardized testing, which is good. It might help me to figure out trends and data of my own situation, and that can only help to improve the situation in the long run. Well, enough recycled language in this paragraph...

As always, please respond with comments, questions, or concerns.

Statistics-The Sequel

Well, we're at the halfway point of the class, and it's getting much more technical. I think that the lucky part is that a lot of the vocab that we're going over is vocab that I have to teach in 2 weeks (except for standard deviation---I'm not even going to TRY to explain that to a group of 6th graders...)

This week, we started going into graphing and figuring out how to use formulas and stuff. For me, I don't mind it (again, not sucking up to the instructor who has to read this...), as I like statistics. Once I figure out the pattern, I can go with it. Now, I have to go back into it today, so we'll see what I remember, but it's like I tell the students in my class---math is like a puzzle. Once you know how the pieces fit, it's not too bad. I don't think my group mates want to hear that from me, though, he he he...

Well, it should be interesting to see how the standard deviations and z-scores affect my study. I actually understand the purpose of it. I'm not sure that I'll be able to say that a year from now, but for the time being, I get it.

Well, I'm out for now. Would love to talk more, but in keeping with Mathematics and Statistics, I have to go look at my Fantasy Football teams...

Statistics Continued...

This week in class we continued on with statistics, and I felt a little more comfortable with it this week. Of course, we went over topics that I get to teach in 2-3 weeks, so I was a bit comfortable with it. However, we went a little more into detail with using Microsoft Excel to do stats, and that made life a LOT easier for me. I do a lot of statistics for sports, so some of the shortcuts that I learned are going to make the statistics I create much easier to create. I can save a ton of time doing stats like slugging percentage and batting average (NERD ALERT!!!) by copying formulas instead of creating them for each individual kid!

On a side note, I think that I'll get to look at standard deviations in terms of my own research, and I'm able to do it the old-fashioned way as well as the shortcut. Nice, huh? I'm still not entirely sure about the significance of standard deviation, but I think that's just a matter of time. Overall, this week was a little easier than last week. Hopefully, that trend continues....

Well, that's all for this week. Please leave any comments, concerns, or questions, and I'll talk to you later...