Google Classroom: Easy Support for both Struggling and Advanced Learners
I have been using Google Classroom for about three years now. I teach ELA to 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and I average 55 students per year. Google Classroom has allowed me to better meet the needs of my students. The students in my classes are on very different academic levels, and Google Classroom allows me to differentiate my classes.
There is not an Honors English program in the Archdiocese like there is in Math, so teachers have to figure out how to meet the needs of all our students. In all my classes, I have students I would like to challenge in reading and in writing. With Google Classroom, I am able to have two different classrooms for each class. I am reading two separate books in 7th grade, and two separate books in 8th grade. With Google Classroom, I am able to read one book with a group while the other group works on Google Classroom answering questions and writing paragraphs. I am able to put questions on Google Classroom for one group that are more challenging and require more thought than I put on the other Google Classroom. I am able to challenge students who are on a higher reading and writing level.
There is not an Honors English program in the Archdiocese like there is in Math, so teachers have to figure out how to meet the needs of all our students. In all my classes, I have students I would like to challenge in reading and in writing. With Google Classroom, I am able to have two different classrooms for each class. I am reading two separate books in 7th grade, and two separate books in 8th grade. With Google Classroom, I am able to read one book with a group while the other group works on Google Classroom answering questions and writing paragraphs. I am able to put questions on Google Classroom for one group that are more challenging and require more thought than I put on the other Google Classroom. I am able to challenge students who are on a higher reading and writing level.
Google Classroom does not just help me challenge students, it also allows me to meet the needs of struggling students. The Google Classes are smaller because they only encompass eight to ten students in each class. I assign work on Google Classroom that is on their level or even a little higher allowing these students to feel that they are successful. Through the Google Classroom, I am able to see where students need help and address those needs. I feel by using Google Classroom, I am a more effective teacher for all my students.
Ms. Karen Gramiak
Mother of Providence Regional School
You can follow Karen on Twitter @karenfinn61. She has been at MPRCS since it started in September 2012. When she isn't teaching, you can probably catch her watching a baseball game. She has been a lifelong fan, having grown up in a baseball family. Her grandfather played and managed in the Major Leagues for 50 years.
Ms. Karen Gramiak
Mother of Providence Regional School
You can follow Karen on Twitter @karenfinn61. She has been at MPRCS since it started in September 2012. When she isn't teaching, you can probably catch her watching a baseball game. She has been a lifelong fan, having grown up in a baseball family. Her grandfather played and managed in the Major Leagues for 50 years.
AOPTech would like to thank Ms. Gramiak for sharing her insight into Google Classroom with us.
If you know of a teacher that should be featured next month let us know - Nominate a Teacher
If you know of a teacher that should be featured next month let us know - Nominate a Teacher