Reflection #3

Well here goes for post #3...

I was able to visit Scott Bartholomew at Vista Heights Middle School and watch his class. Here are a couple things that I wanted to remember:

Instructional Strategies: although the day we visited was dedicated to a student work day it was still apparent that Scott has established a structured classroom. They started with a quick brain teaser that allowed the winner an extra credit point, followed by a calendar rundown that was written on the white board. A simple set of instructions was given reminding the students what the assignment was and how they were to continue carrying it out, and the students were left to work in groups.

One strategy that Scott used was with a student tracker card. This card had all of the assignments for the term as well as discipline, late work passes, and classroom rules and expectations. Each student had it out on their desk and was expected to keep track of it throughout the semester.

Approach/ Appearance: Scott was dressed in a button up shirt and slacks that gave him a more serious look than a more casual appearance would have.

Student Reactions: The students were very respectful and willing to follow instructions. Most seemed to have a genuine interest in the class.

I really didn't take to many notes during the class because Scott had us involved with the students, but a couple things that i did note were: he involved everyone in the discussion and related things to them very well. Scott also checked for understanding regularly and it seemed that the kids were giving him truthful responses that they understood.

During the last few days I have also been reading from the Gong book and there are a few things that i would like to remember:
Questions that teachers should ask themselves
1) How can i prepare and present information in a way that motivates my students to love learning?
2) How do i teach a group when some students learn faster or have more background than others?
3) How do i find a consistent teaching method when student have such different learning styles?
4) How can i control the classroom and still give students individual freedom?
5) How can i make a deep, life-changing impact on my students?

"I began to realize that the most important key to learning was the students' role--their view of themselves, their purposes, desires, and relationships." If students wanted to learn, nothing could stop them. -Walter Gong

Reflection #1

So... i don't really know what I am for sure supposed to be writing about, but here goes... I beleive:

That teaching should be well thought out and planned before hand. There should always be an objective for the lesson, and each lesson should lead into the overall goals or objectives of the class. I beleive that teaching should be fun! If you don't love what you are teaching or how it is being taught then change it. I also beleive that there is nothing wrong with changing the lesson plan to further understanding or applicable knowledge. If a class has shown particular interest in the topic, or is having a hard time with comprehension then it is my responsibility as a teacher to have those students learn as much as possible about the topic. If it was important enough to teach it the first time then it is important enough understand it.

Learning should occur under the direction of the teacher. That does not mean that the teacher needs to be the one to teach! I beleive that the best learning comes from teaching others and applying the topic to the real world. Wong states: "Every one of us is both a student and a teacher. We are best when we each teach ourselves what we need to learn." The teacher is simply the tool to guide a discussion and not get in the way of learning. Involving every student at some point will not only better understanding but it will build a more unified classroom and show the students that it is possible to learn.

"You were hired not so much to teach...as to influence lives." - Wong

The three characteristics of an effective teacher:

1. Has positive expectations for student success.
2. Is an extremely good classroom manager.
3. Knows how to design lessons for student mastery.

Reflection #2

I think the thing I have enjoyed most about TEE 276 so far is watching everyone teach. Sometimes it gets monotonous and boring but watching other people teach has helped me alot. It has been good to see that I am not the only one that gets nervous in front of others. I have also enjoyed both the good, and the bad teaching moments.

For example, I hate when people become dependant on their Power Point presentation. Don't get me wrong I love the visuals and the use of technology in a lesson, but I really get bugged when the presenter stands in front of the class and reads word for word what is shown up on the board. Really, I can read... teach me something. Don't read what I can already read for myself. Luckily there are plenty that use the power points to lead their discussion with key words or phrases and then teaches about those ideas.

I really have been impressed with the lessons that have been taught so far. I think the hardest thing about it has been creating a good lesson with only 6 minutes to teach it in. One lesson that has stuck out to me was the other day from David. He taught about hydrogen energy and a converter that you can add to your car. He did a great job of preparing with both the video he showed as well as having a small demonstration in a jar of water. Props to him.

As a last thought I came across a section in the Wong book that I would like to post so that I can have it for future reference:

People in our culture are starved for attention:

1. The average child receives 12 minutes of attention each day from his or her parents.
2. By age 18, most Americans have spent more time in front of the television than they have with friends or parents.
3. the average adolescent spends more than three hours alone every day.
4. Loneliness is the number one problem of the elderly, many of whome are afraid to venture out of their homes or apartments

You don't need to tell all the members of a class that you love them, but you certainly can show it.