Pre-Video: Before my videotaped lesson I was very nervous about how I would sound, if I would make the lesson flow coherently, and if my students would behave. Normal worries, but worries nonetheless. My students at this point weren’t to me teaching them as a whole class because it was early in the rotation and I had only taught a few small group lessons. I started the lesson just hoping things would go as planned.
Immediately after video: I felt like maybe my students would seem like they didn’t work well in their group work. It got a little hairy in the middle of their group work because in their classroom it is teacher centered and they rarely work in groups. When I spoke with my facilitator and my peer who videotaped me they assured me that they thought the lesson went great. I was so happy and relieved! When the student did their independent work I was able to monitor their work and it seemed like they really understood. That made me feel like the lesson was effective and they grasped the concept of math patterns, and how to find them.
Post-Video: After having seen and edited my video I have some same thoughts and new observations. I noticed how serious I was during my lesson. I wish I had lightened up a little bit. I really think it was because I was nervous about being videotaped, but I don’t want to get in the habit of looking and sounding stoic. That’s not me! Otherwise I still feel great about the lesson. Later in the week students applied what I taught in some other class work so I know they understand the concept that I taught.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The End!
My second rotation was very different from my first rotation. I only went up to third grade from second grade but I could tell the difference. The students were much more independent. I also did a lot more observation in this classroom than in my first rotation. I was still able to learn from my students about how I function as a teacher. I was able to incorporate a lot of the strategies that I have been learning in my methods courses into the lessons that I taught in this rotation. Professionally I know I grew as a teacher. I found myself worrying about my students and trying to find new ways to help them to learn. I also found that some teachers like to get things done in the morning before school starts. However, I am a teacher who likes afternoons, and does not mind getting things done after school. I learned that I enjoy teaching no matter what grade my students are in. Even though I think I prefer second grade I love teaching no matter what my students’ age. The entire Quest 2 semester was incredibly challenging. I find myself at the end feeling prepared to start teaching, and ready to enter my own classroom. The coursework often times was so overwhelming that I could not focus on anything and accomplish it to the full. It was difficult to authentically learn from the assignments or focus on them because of the sheer amount of work. However, many of the assignments were meaningful and added to my learning experience. I so enjoyed being in a school atmosphere and drawing closer to my Quest 2 peers. Overall I am satisfied with my learning experiences in Quest 2.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Mid-Term
So far in Quest 2 I have learned that it takes a while to break habits! The professional attribute that I began to work on at the beginning of the semester was punctuality. Overall I did really well during the first rotation being on time. However, it was really a struggle. I think it is going to take longer than I expected to be a morning person, but I know I will get there. I have also learned that I am really comfortable with students. I felt at ease in the classroom, and it was a good feeling to know that I can handle a classroom. I always knew that classroom management is one of the most important things to a successful classroom, and that has only become more concrete from my experience in my first rotation.
I know that I have learned that I am good with students because my cooperating teacher commented on it several times. She mentioned that I made great relationships with the students. My cooperating teacher also wrote about this ability while reviewing one of my lessons. From the observation in my classroom I learned how my teachers effective classroom management techniques (already firmly in place) could save a hairy situation. Students would get too loud or were being disruptive to others and there was something already in place to get the students back on track. I could even use these techniques when instructing the students and it helped me to realize different classroom management techniques that I would use in the future.
A challenge that I faced was being on time as I have already stated. I handled it by setting my alarm clock even earlier. I realize that this learning experience is more important than twenty more minutes in bed. That thought would get me going in the morning and on time to school. My goal for the rest of the semester is to learn as much as I can! I want to teach as many lessons as possible and continue to improve my teaching skills.
I know that I have learned that I am good with students because my cooperating teacher commented on it several times. She mentioned that I made great relationships with the students. My cooperating teacher also wrote about this ability while reviewing one of my lessons. From the observation in my classroom I learned how my teachers effective classroom management techniques (already firmly in place) could save a hairy situation. Students would get too loud or were being disruptive to others and there was something already in place to get the students back on track. I could even use these techniques when instructing the students and it helped me to realize different classroom management techniques that I would use in the future.
A challenge that I faced was being on time as I have already stated. I handled it by setting my alarm clock even earlier. I realize that this learning experience is more important than twenty more minutes in bed. That thought would get me going in the morning and on time to school. My goal for the rest of the semester is to learn as much as I can! I want to teach as many lessons as possible and continue to improve my teaching skills.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Beginnings
Beginning in Quest 2 I feel that I have worked through most of my weaknesses in professional attributes. I used to be very concerned about my punctuality. However, having completed my first week of Quest 2 I really did well, and I was on time every day whether it was for my methods courses or my classroom days.
I think one of my strengths in the professional attributes is cooperation. I feel that I am able to work well with my peers. We have a great group of girls in the Katy cluster, and I really enjoy working with a variety of my peers. In the classroom, with my cooperating teacher, I am willing to help her with whatever is needed. I am able to help her complete some time consuming activities while still having meaningful teaching experiences with the students. Another aspect is cooperation with the faculty that has also proved to be a success.
Flexibility is another professional attribute that I feel confident I execute effectively. If there are any sudden scheduling changes I am able adapt quickly. If something gets off course in the classroom I am able to accommodate any change that may be needed. I think that this is such an important quality to have as a teacher because it is almost guaranteed that your day will not stay on schedule. Not everything will always go perfectly, and I need to be able to handle that as a professional.
As I continue in this semester I will continue to work on my punctuality. It is very important to me that I become regularly and continually punctual as the semester continues.
I think one of my strengths in the professional attributes is cooperation. I feel that I am able to work well with my peers. We have a great group of girls in the Katy cluster, and I really enjoy working with a variety of my peers. In the classroom, with my cooperating teacher, I am willing to help her with whatever is needed. I am able to help her complete some time consuming activities while still having meaningful teaching experiences with the students. Another aspect is cooperation with the faculty that has also proved to be a success.
Flexibility is another professional attribute that I feel confident I execute effectively. If there are any sudden scheduling changes I am able adapt quickly. If something gets off course in the classroom I am able to accommodate any change that may be needed. I think that this is such an important quality to have as a teacher because it is almost guaranteed that your day will not stay on schedule. Not everything will always go perfectly, and I need to be able to handle that as a professional.
As I continue in this semester I will continue to work on my punctuality. It is very important to me that I become regularly and continually punctual as the semester continues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)