Empower Hour (2020-21)
by Caitlin Hill
This school year has been no one’s favorite thus far. Remote learning is great for some things, but it could also be affecting students' grades. It is much harder to pay attention during online learning and staying engaged with the material being taught to students. Students may also find themselves unmotivated to do any work or study. Some students might think that online learning is encouraging them to cheat, or look up answers online for answers (Hint: it’s not).
However, Nottingham is bringing back Empower Hour this year.
Empower Hour isn’t new to the school. We’ve had Empower Hour for a while, but it has finally been introduced remotely. If students need any help with homework, assignments, projects, or material, students can log onto a Google Meet for some one-on-one time with a teacher who specializes in that subject.
Empower Hour is available during 2:40 pm to 3:40 pm after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Click here to get a link to the Empower Hour directory.
The following is an interview with Ms. White about Empower Hour:
1. What can students do during Empower Hour?
Virtual Empower Hour is held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:40 PM to 3:40 PM. Teacher tutoring is available is Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12, Sciences, Social Studies, Study and Organizational Help, Educational Apps, Technology Classes, Powerschool and Google Apps.
Students can come into Empower Hour and get help doing homework, re-explaining directions on homework, a project, questions about material when studying for a test. Students can also get some help in getting organized and study skills. If they have any questions about how to understand Powerschool, use Google Classroom, other Google apps or apps used by teachers. Even if I didn't list a topic, I would suggest that students can enter Empower Hour to ask a question on how to get an answer if they need help. We also have our librarian accessible for research questions or assistance with getting resources. If the librarian is available that day then the host can email her the student's information and she will offer assistance. Spanish speaking students will have days when the host will be someone who speaks both English and Spanish.
2. What are some struggles/difficulties that students have with remote learning? How can Empower Hour help?
Some students are struggling with how to give themself a schedule or how to structure their time when remote. We do have some teachers that can assist a student in organizational skills during Empower Hour. Students may also have difficulty understanding homework assignments especially in Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. Some students may need reassurance that they understand a project or an assignment and teachers can support students with clarification of directions. Empower Hour can serve our students as an academic support hub where questions can be fielded and resources shared.
3. What are some differences between remote and in-person Empower Hour?
Remote Empower Hour makes tutoring more accessible to our students. Remote Empower Hour also allows students more time on task with the teachers. When we have in-person Empower Hour the students spend some time transitioning to the library and setting themselves up with the tutor. In addition, remote Empower Hour will serve as an information desk for a student that may just want to ask a question about Nottingham. We are trying several ways to promote Empower Hour and know it can make a positive difference on our student's understanding and grades!!
However, Nottingham is bringing back Empower Hour this year.
Empower Hour isn’t new to the school. We’ve had Empower Hour for a while, but it has finally been introduced remotely. If students need any help with homework, assignments, projects, or material, students can log onto a Google Meet for some one-on-one time with a teacher who specializes in that subject.
Empower Hour is available during 2:40 pm to 3:40 pm after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Click here to get a link to the Empower Hour directory.
The following is an interview with Ms. White about Empower Hour:
1. What can students do during Empower Hour?
Virtual Empower Hour is held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:40 PM to 3:40 PM. Teacher tutoring is available is Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12, Sciences, Social Studies, Study and Organizational Help, Educational Apps, Technology Classes, Powerschool and Google Apps.
Students can come into Empower Hour and get help doing homework, re-explaining directions on homework, a project, questions about material when studying for a test. Students can also get some help in getting organized and study skills. If they have any questions about how to understand Powerschool, use Google Classroom, other Google apps or apps used by teachers. Even if I didn't list a topic, I would suggest that students can enter Empower Hour to ask a question on how to get an answer if they need help. We also have our librarian accessible for research questions or assistance with getting resources. If the librarian is available that day then the host can email her the student's information and she will offer assistance. Spanish speaking students will have days when the host will be someone who speaks both English and Spanish.
2. What are some struggles/difficulties that students have with remote learning? How can Empower Hour help?
Some students are struggling with how to give themself a schedule or how to structure their time when remote. We do have some teachers that can assist a student in organizational skills during Empower Hour. Students may also have difficulty understanding homework assignments especially in Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. Some students may need reassurance that they understand a project or an assignment and teachers can support students with clarification of directions. Empower Hour can serve our students as an academic support hub where questions can be fielded and resources shared.
3. What are some differences between remote and in-person Empower Hour?
Remote Empower Hour makes tutoring more accessible to our students. Remote Empower Hour also allows students more time on task with the teachers. When we have in-person Empower Hour the students spend some time transitioning to the library and setting themselves up with the tutor. In addition, remote Empower Hour will serve as an information desk for a student that may just want to ask a question about Nottingham. We are trying several ways to promote Empower Hour and know it can make a positive difference on our student's understanding and grades!!