Using Revision as a Tool to Succeed!

Every day I can count on one thing: Adam (not his real name) will come into the classroom ready to learn. He usually walks in with 3-4 of his friends, but he always makes it a point to say "hello" or "good morning" to me before he sits down. I have not given my period four class assigned seats, because I haven't had a reason to do so, but Adam distances himself from his friends when choosing his seat. He almost always sits in the front row only a desk or so away from my desk.

Adam is a student who really surprised me. If I hadn't had the opportunity to observe this class many times prior to taking it over, I would just assume that he is quiet and shy.  This could not be farther from the truth. Adam always participates during class discussions, even if he is not confident about what he is saying. He is willing to put himself out there and ask the questions that I'm sure a lot of his classmates are thinking, but are too tired to ask at 7:30 in the morning. I love that he asks these questions! He isn't afraid to ask me to clarify something or repeat what I said, and I admire that about him.

Adam has an amazing work ethic. He did not receive what he considered to be a good grade on the first assignment that I gave period four (his grade was a C) so he took the opportunity to revise it. I am a big believer in giving students honest feedback (with my purple pen, NEVER RED) and he took the time to read my comments and resubmit the assignment, without being prompted to do so. Adam always strives to do his best and doesn't stop until he is satisfied with whatever he is doing.

English may not be his best subject or even his favorite subject, but the fact that he is willing to revise his work on his own is astounding, especially in a world where students are being constantly reminded by parents and teachers to do most things. Adam isn't one of my top students in this class, but he isn't failing. He's somewhere in the middle, and he takes it upon himself to improve. He is one of the few students I have who actually READ what I write on their assignments. As a teacher, this makes me so happy. Not only does he read it, but he understands my comments and uses them to make his work stronger.