This week was a short week for me. Monday was a vacation day for my school district and I was out sick from Wednesday to Friday. I only had Tuesday to base this week's reflection.
Although it was only one day, what I found most valuable was realizing I need to keep up grading students' work. I was still catching up from grading the projects from last week. In-class work on tuesday added to that pile that needs to get done.
Another aspect I found valuable and something I would modify if given the chance to start over is breaking up dry material like taxes (Personal Finance) into smaller chunks instead of trying to get through it as fast as I could. After five minutes I noticed that the students were already uninterested. I had to cut my lesson short and found a way to stretch the activity to fill the time I cut from lecturing. Before cutting the lesson short, I made sure to consult with my coop of my plan prior to execution.
If given the chance to start the week over, I would probably wish I did not get sick because I am now behind in grading and I am unaware where my coop has concluded the lesson on friday.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Don't just hear what students say, listen...
This week is another memorable week for me. It seems that I did plenty of listening to what the students have to say. I gave the students a project that was due friday. Part of the project was a short oral presentation of their work. Listening to what they have to say gave a deeper insight to where the students are coming from.
The most valuable information I gained this week is not just hearing what they have to say but actually listening to what they are trying to say.
The project was about their dream vacation. The whole week, I could tell that the students were very excited to talk about what they were going to share with the class. I even had one class that the majority turned in their project a day early. Well, one student decided not to share his dream vacation. He's the quite type but seems to be coming out of his shell lately. Even my coop has noticed that he's started to talk more with other students. My coop mentioned that earlier in the year, the student just sits on one spot and never talks to anyone.
I had a brief talk with the student after the class regarding his project, he stated, "we (him and his family) never do anything." I felt so bad that it took me a while to respond. I then shared the information with my coop. My coop gave me a brief background about the student and reminded me that we need to be more understanding of the students because they might be dealing with a lot more than what's on the surface.
My coop also reminded me that we, the teachers are the most constant figure in a students' life (at least for the meantime while they are in school). Students spend majority of their day with their teachers, in some cases, teachers are the only adult interaction the students get in a day. So, sometimes we need to do more than just hear what they have to say.
During the week, another student had mentioned that she does not have enough time to work on her homework because she has to work after school. I asked if she really needs to work because if it's affecting her schoolwork maybe she needs to cut down her hours at work. Later on, I overheard her state to another student that her mom takes all her paycheck.
After learning a little bit more about each student, I am starting to understand why they act the way they do. My coop has been an excellent mentor. I can see how much the students love her because she cares so much for them.
I followed a student for a day this week as part of the requirement for school. If there was something I would change this week it would be to move the observation on a week other than this week. It was PSSA week and the schedule was irregular and threw most of the students out of loop. Even I got really confused.
I had to take a sick day this week and it threw my teaching schedule off balance because I am now a day behind. If I could redo it over again, I would wish that I was not too sick to miss a day.
The most valuable information I gained this week is not just hearing what they have to say but actually listening to what they are trying to say.
The project was about their dream vacation. The whole week, I could tell that the students were very excited to talk about what they were going to share with the class. I even had one class that the majority turned in their project a day early. Well, one student decided not to share his dream vacation. He's the quite type but seems to be coming out of his shell lately. Even my coop has noticed that he's started to talk more with other students. My coop mentioned that earlier in the year, the student just sits on one spot and never talks to anyone.
I had a brief talk with the student after the class regarding his project, he stated, "we (him and his family) never do anything." I felt so bad that it took me a while to respond. I then shared the information with my coop. My coop gave me a brief background about the student and reminded me that we need to be more understanding of the students because they might be dealing with a lot more than what's on the surface.
My coop also reminded me that we, the teachers are the most constant figure in a students' life (at least for the meantime while they are in school). Students spend majority of their day with their teachers, in some cases, teachers are the only adult interaction the students get in a day. So, sometimes we need to do more than just hear what they have to say.
During the week, another student had mentioned that she does not have enough time to work on her homework because she has to work after school. I asked if she really needs to work because if it's affecting her schoolwork maybe she needs to cut down her hours at work. Later on, I overheard her state to another student that her mom takes all her paycheck.
After learning a little bit more about each student, I am starting to understand why they act the way they do. My coop has been an excellent mentor. I can see how much the students love her because she cares so much for them.
I followed a student for a day this week as part of the requirement for school. If there was something I would change this week it would be to move the observation on a week other than this week. It was PSSA week and the schedule was irregular and threw most of the students out of loop. Even I got really confused.
I had to take a sick day this week and it threw my teaching schedule off balance because I am now a day behind. If I could redo it over again, I would wish that I was not too sick to miss a day.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
We Are Guests at the School
This week was especially difficult for me. I was faced with the dilemma of having to balance between an expectation and what my coop informed me to do. During this time, I wrestled with both choices. I found myself having to reflect on the different advice, suggestions, tips and knowledge during the last few years from the different professors and instructors I’ve had to help make the decision. I value all that knowledge that was imparted upon me. So, I decided to follow what my coop had informed me to do. I work with my coop everyday and I respect her dearly. I am there to learn from my coop thus, I need to listen to her.
The most valuable information I learned this week is …
1. We are guests at the school. It is the coop’s class and students. It is ultimately the coop’s responsibility what happens in that room.
So, if you are ever faced with a situation where you feel you might question your coop … don’t. Of course, this is just an advice. You all need to weigh each situation carefully based on the circumstances.
The next valuable information I learned is …
2. Recognizing that we will all be faced with a difficult situation where we will have to weigh and balance between all the expectations and what we are told to do.
I have been going on auto pilot the last few years that I failed to recognize that situations such as what I experienced would happen. First, I didn’t recognize that my choice might potentially become a problem.
Don’t worry! Everything has been resolved.
Aside from that, I am enjoying being in the classroom. I am learning so much about the students and I feel that I am really bonding with them. Students are starting to tell me how well they’ve done on a project or test from another class. I think that’s amazing!
Would I change anything that happened this week? Absolutely not! I learned so much not only about myself but also about the people around me. I also learned that a great coop can make you change your mind even if you are on the verge of quitting. I feel so lucky to have been paired up with my coop because I am learning so much. If there is something I would like you to take from this is the advice that – we are guests at the school.
The most valuable information I learned this week is …
1. We are guests at the school. It is the coop’s class and students. It is ultimately the coop’s responsibility what happens in that room.
So, if you are ever faced with a situation where you feel you might question your coop … don’t. Of course, this is just an advice. You all need to weigh each situation carefully based on the circumstances.
The next valuable information I learned is …
2. Recognizing that we will all be faced with a difficult situation where we will have to weigh and balance between all the expectations and what we are told to do.
I have been going on auto pilot the last few years that I failed to recognize that situations such as what I experienced would happen. First, I didn’t recognize that my choice might potentially become a problem.
Don’t worry! Everything has been resolved.
Aside from that, I am enjoying being in the classroom. I am learning so much about the students and I feel that I am really bonding with them. Students are starting to tell me how well they’ve done on a project or test from another class. I think that’s amazing!
Would I change anything that happened this week? Absolutely not! I learned so much not only about myself but also about the people around me. I also learned that a great coop can make you change your mind even if you are on the verge of quitting. I feel so lucky to have been paired up with my coop because I am learning so much. If there is something I would like you to take from this is the advice that – we are guests at the school.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Knowing How to Help a Student
During my first few lessons, I've noticed that one student does not pay attention during class. The student prefers to talk to others and not participate during activity time. Before teaching the class, I asked my coop which students, if any, have special needs and this student happen to be one of the three in this class that have an IEP.
After my lesson on monday, I asked my coop for advice on how to handle this student because the student was a bit disruptive during the lesson. My coop gave me a brief history and what is currently being done to help the student. I spoke with the special education teacher in charge of this student to get more advice. The next day, I modified my lesson and gave the student one on one time during activity time. My coop had to step in during activity time to help the other students because I was starting to connect and I did not want the student to loose interest. By the end of the week, I noticed that the attitude of the student has changed. The student participated during activity time and asked for help when needed.
Initially, I was afraid that the student might feel embarassed about getting one on one time. But ... it seemed to help a lot! I also made special effort to call upon this student to participate during the lesson and it seems to keep the student paying attention during the lesson.
Once I found what helps with this student, it made the rest of the week much better. I don't think I would change anything that happened this week. I learned so much -- it was those mistakes that made me realize how to make things better.
After my lesson on monday, I asked my coop for advice on how to handle this student because the student was a bit disruptive during the lesson. My coop gave me a brief history and what is currently being done to help the student. I spoke with the special education teacher in charge of this student to get more advice. The next day, I modified my lesson and gave the student one on one time during activity time. My coop had to step in during activity time to help the other students because I was starting to connect and I did not want the student to loose interest. By the end of the week, I noticed that the attitude of the student has changed. The student participated during activity time and asked for help when needed.
Initially, I was afraid that the student might feel embarassed about getting one on one time. But ... it seemed to help a lot! I also made special effort to call upon this student to participate during the lesson and it seems to keep the student paying attention during the lesson.
Once I found what helps with this student, it made the rest of the week much better. I don't think I would change anything that happened this week. I learned so much -- it was those mistakes that made me realize how to make things better.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Great Week for Learning
The start of the week was very eventful because the school allowed students to watch the inauguration. It was great to learn that most students were very excited to witness history as it unfolds. Listening to the students share what they know about events leading to the inauguration made me reminisce my high school days and tried to remember if I was as interested in politics then as the students seem to be now. Conclusively, it has made me aware that most students make avail of the different media forms to get their information. Most get their information through the internet utilizing different sites, television, and lastly, the local newspaper. Isn't that wonderful! Our students are very aware of the technology that we will teach them. Hopefully, each of us can enhance that knowledge.
This week, I had an opportunity to spend the entire day at the elementary school. I am very lucky because the elementary school is just next door. I observed a class from each of the K-6 classes and learned so much! I even observed a remedial math and remedial reading class. I picked up so many great ideas to use in my classroom. The teachers were eager to help and did not hesitate to share their tricks and give advice.
My only regret this week was not recording my first lesson. I wanted to record my progress but there was just so many things going on this week that I neglected to set up for recording. It was obvious that I was nervous for my first lesson but as I reflected while preparing my next lesson I used tools that I learned and the advise from my coop. I felt very confident going into my second lesson and ... it turned out great! That was when I really felt the connection with the students.
This week, I had an opportunity to spend the entire day at the elementary school. I am very lucky because the elementary school is just next door. I observed a class from each of the K-6 classes and learned so much! I even observed a remedial math and remedial reading class. I picked up so many great ideas to use in my classroom. The teachers were eager to help and did not hesitate to share their tricks and give advice.
My only regret this week was not recording my first lesson. I wanted to record my progress but there was just so many things going on this week that I neglected to set up for recording. It was obvious that I was nervous for my first lesson but as I reflected while preparing my next lesson I used tools that I learned and the advise from my coop. I felt very confident going into my second lesson and ... it turned out great! That was when I really felt the connection with the students.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Getting to Know the Students
Learning the students' name on the second day and asking them to tell me and the class one information about them (nothing embarassing of course) to help me remember them. They shared information about their after school job, sports they play, and their special talents. I found the information very helpful in connecting the name with the face. I also chaperoned the Snow Ball Dance which gave me an opportunity to observe students demeanor outside the classroom. I found the experience very helpful in learning the dynamics of the students of the school. The experience has also given me an opportunity to learn from other teachers on how they feel about their students, parents and other teachers.
As I reflect on the past week, the only thing I would probably change would be to have made several attempts to meet the principal. When I took the tour of the school, the principal was not available. As of the end of the week, I still have not met with the principal. I did have an opportunity to meet with the superintendent for the school district which was great!
As I reflect on the past week, the only thing I would probably change would be to have made several attempts to meet the principal. When I took the tour of the school, the principal was not available. As of the end of the week, I still have not met with the principal. I did have an opportunity to meet with the superintendent for the school district which was great!
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