Prepare to Strut Your Stuff
This week you should be looking at what is expected in Task 2. It sounds like you have all done some filming. What have you learned from watching yourself teaching?
As I prepare to spend time with you, what would you like me to see and give you feedback on? What are you most proud of thus far? What do you think you still need to focus on? Share with each other.
posted by Chris @ 9:21 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Filming has been a challenge. Because our class has so much going on during reading centers, the audio in my video clips are far from being high quality. One thing that I learned from watching myself is that I sound monotone or something -- maybe I'm being too critical of myself but if I sound as boring as I think I do, I feel bad for my students (I'm also surprised that they've been able to learn from me). Looking back at some of my footage, I think I made good choices about giving students tactile tools to use throughout the lesson. It helped keep them engaged and also helped them with the content/lesson objectives.
When you're here, I would like you to observe my classroom management. This class is high energy and has been called "difficult" by some of our specialists. I have seen an improvement in their behavior since I've arrived, and that has consequently impacted their academics (in a positive way). Sometimes, I wonder if there is something even more that I can do to continually prepare them for their new schools and 2nd grade. Additionally, I would like feedback on my math instruction. Because I have to use the provided curriculum, it has been a challenge for me to apply the whole class discussion methodology that we were taught at WSU. I have tried to integrate discussion time into the worksheets and games that are outlined by the curriculum, but I would like to see what you think about its effectiveness. I'd like to focus on continuing to create or research activities that align with the school's curriculum/standards to support student learning in all academic areas.
At this point, Rachael, Madelyne and I have all had the opportunity to teach for a full day. Of course, we all had substitutes in the room that provided a helping hand, but I think this was an eye opening experience for all of us.I am proud of all of the "independence" that I've gained because of Carol's absences. I was able to assess students, correct work, plan and set up literacy centers, map out the math for the week, and type our weekly letter to the parents last Friday. All of these responsibilities are giving me a good taste of the duties of a full-time teacher; I am surprised of my own ability to prep the classroom and make plans for the week.
Like Kryssa, filming has also been a challenge for me. There are so many people (students and other teachers) that come in and out of the room constantly so there is almost always some distraction that disrupts in some way, even if just a small occurrence.
Another challenge for me is having an authoritative voice when teaching. Monica has told me that this is something that I need to work on in order to gain more control over the classroom. This is something that I would like you to observe me on so that I can get another outside opinion on how my voice is coming along. Monica has told me that it is getting better but I know that it's still not there and something that I need to continue to work on.
I feel confident in my ability of knowing the routine and keeping the routine consistent throughout the day. I'm also feeling really good about being able to figure out when to adapt the lesson to either give students more time or to move on to the next thing and come back later.
Chris,
Similar to Rachael and Kryssa, filming has had its ups and downs. Filming went so well the first few times, I thought I was good to go with my videos, until I looked over the rubrics again and am now thinking I should film more to include aspects of the rubrics that I hadn't considered when naturally teaching. Other than that, filming has gone well with only a couple hiccups of students saying or doing (pretty hilarious) things that I wouldn't necessarily turn in as a final submission. Sometimes while filming, I'm impressed and delighted how quickly students get the concepts and say such wonderful 'ah ha' comments. Other times, students won't understand concepts and become slightly frustrated with the new material and although it's very realistic, it's always disappointing.
I would love for you to observe my classroom management as well. I feel fairly confident with it, but know that it's something that can always be improved. I also would like you to watch for my ability to break down new math knowledge at a comprehendible level for the kids and not go over their head with the new material.
I feel very confident in my ability to make good judgment calls on the spot and roll with the punches while teaching on my own. I have had two full days of teaching by myself and each day curve balls were thrown my way and I was very pleased with how I handled them. This was something I wouldn't have been able to experience as much if Mary was there because I can always turn to her, but I was glad to prove to myself that I can handle random change.
Post a Comment
<< Home