Reflection #5

I am a little confused about what we are supposed to write about it class considering we did not have a class period between reflection #4 and #5.

Today i was able to watch Terry Hunters CTE class. Mr Hunter was a great teacher 14 years ago when i had him as a 7th grader and has only improved since then. I was very impressed with the interaction and the care that he gave to each student. His instruction at the beginning of class was very clear, he checked for understanding in multiple ways and times, and had clear objectives for the students.

Mr. Hunter invited me to walk around and help students. Today they were working on a small truss bridge that they had previously designed and were now making out of small wooden sticks and Elmer's glue. The students had clear parameters for the assignment including dimensions, materials, and even different jobs assigned to each one. As i walked around helping the students as much as i thought i should, i noticed Mr Hunter was not only answering questions but he was right down in, working with each on of the students. Multiple time i watched as he gave large hints, sanded sticks to the right angle, or even glued pieces together for the students. Not only did it reinforce what he had previously taught but it gave the struggling students a one on one demonstration and push towards the final goal. I didn't ever feel like he was doing it for the students but helped them just enough to fulfill the goal for the day.

I was able to watch "E" time as well. Mr Hunter has a great working relationship with the kids and you could tell that he want all of them to succeed. Each of the students that needed the extra 20 minutes of help received it. Very impressive. About the only negative mark that i would give to Mr Hunter would be the overwhelming amount of things in his classroom. He does so many fun activities with the students that the amount of decorations and equipment kinda overpowers the room. It was not a messy classroom at all, but the combined desks, computer stations, and example activities, gives the room a claustrophobic feel.