What crazy, interesting, confusing, strange, amazing experiences do I have on a weekly basis? Maybe my students made some off-the-wall comment. Some other time, I might have a story about a wonderful teaching moment. There may be some weeks that I reflect on my strengths/weaknesses as a teacher and others where I need advice. I'm dealing with the experience a day at a time.
As time of my internships ticks down, I find myself doing extra reflections, subconsiously. I thought I would make a list. Speaking of lists. I find them everywhere - in my planner, on random sheets of paper shoved in pockets of bags, on post it notes throughout my notebooks, in my mind, and even through my e-mail. They cover a variety of topics as well, from thank you cards to write, assignments to complete, to presents to buy. Why not add one about my experience to my blog? At least I can't lose it on here. Onward to the reflection list I go... 1. I wish I had moved the students and/or desks around more. I love teaching to students in groups but that is all I know now. What if different arrangements would lead to better lessons? 2. I need to be a better cp-teacher. I had the privelege of working with a special educator this semester. Can you guess how many times he or she taught the class while I was full-time? ZERO. Granted, the teacher did participate in class on occasion - called numbers for BINGO - but I failed to take more initiative for active involvement. That is for sure something they do not teach you in school! 3. Could I have been more enthusiastic and passionate while teaching? I always wanted to be the cool student teacher that the students liked. I know that is not the point BUT STILL! I'll always wonder if I made an real impression on any of the students' lives. If they only remember me for SOMETHING I'll be pleased! 4. Was my tone too sarcastic on a regular basis? This thought keep running through my mind. Sometimes I feel like I make inappropriate comments when trying to be easy to relate to. Professionalism should always be number one priority but I know this area can get blurry. 5. THE TRUTH - from my teacher's perspective that is! What do I mean by this? I am referring to my teacher's feelings on my performance and effectiveness as a teacher. Did I do an acceptable job of continuing her classroom? Here's the real question, would she be excited to work with me professionally, on an equal level, in the future?
I think a 5 thing list is long enough for now. How's that for reflecting? :)
The answer to number 5 is this - ANY teacher would be thrilled to work with you. I would love to work with you again some day, but we both know that realisticallly, that probably won't happen. However, you can bet that we will be keeping in touch through e-mails for years to come to exchange ideas and questions. My guess is - I will ask for your advice as many times as you ask me for ideas. You've done an excellent job with my classroom and it has been a pleasure to work with you!!! Mrs. Orton
As time of my internships ticks down, I find myself doing extra reflections, subconsiously. I thought I would make a list. Speaking of lists. I find them everywhere - in my planner, on random sheets of paper shoved in pockets of bags, on post it notes throughout my notebooks, in my mind, and even through my e-mail. They cover a variety of topics as well, from thank you cards to write, assignments to complete, to presents to buy. Why not add one about my experience to my blog? At least I can't lose it on here. Onward to the reflection list I go...
ReplyDelete1. I wish I had moved the students and/or desks around more. I love teaching to students in groups but that is all I know now. What if different arrangements would lead to better lessons?
2. I need to be a better cp-teacher. I had the privelege of working with a special educator this semester. Can you guess how many times he or she taught the class while I was full-time? ZERO. Granted, the teacher did participate in class on occasion - called numbers for BINGO - but I failed to take more initiative for active involvement. That is for sure something they do not teach you in school!
3. Could I have been more enthusiastic and passionate while teaching? I always wanted to be the cool student teacher that the students liked. I know that is not the point BUT STILL! I'll always wonder if I made an real impression on any of the students' lives. If they only remember me for SOMETHING I'll be pleased!
4. Was my tone too sarcastic on a regular basis? This thought keep running through my mind. Sometimes I feel like I make inappropriate comments when trying to be easy to relate to. Professionalism should always be number one priority but I know this area can get blurry.
5. THE TRUTH - from my teacher's perspective that is! What do I mean by this? I am referring to my teacher's feelings on my performance and effectiveness as a teacher. Did I do an acceptable job of continuing her classroom? Here's the real question, would she be excited to work with me professionally, on an equal level, in the future?
I think a 5 thing list is long enough for now.
How's that for reflecting? :)
The answer to number 5 is this - ANY teacher would be thrilled to work with you. I would love to work with you again some day, but we both know that realisticallly, that probably won't happen. However, you can bet that we will be keeping in touch through e-mails for years to come to exchange ideas and questions. My guess is - I will ask for your advice as many times as you ask me for ideas. You've done an excellent job with my classroom and it has been a pleasure to work with you!!! Mrs. Orton
ReplyDelete