Another week down and many more to go. I am amazed at how fast this semester is already going by. It is no surprise to me that the semester is already in full swing and assignments are beginning to be due. This week I have tried to focus on the checklist we are having to complete in 435 and make sure I don't miss one thing. Most of the items on the checklist are simple things to complete, it's just the fact of getting them all done. I am wanting to check these item off my list as soon as I possibly can to I can be proactive incase of a mistake or incomplete section. Also, this week has been very stressful with the amount of work that is having to be completed within the classroom. The assignments that I am having to complete for all of my education classes and having to explain it all to my CE and try not to overwhelm her. I never realized how big of a responsibility and street it is to work around everyones schedule and get things done on time and efficient. This is something that I know I need to work on and be aware of now instead of being behind and it kicking me in the rear later.
This week I researched "Student Teaching Tips" and the first search that popped up was from Scholastic.com, Our 30 Best Tips For Student Teachers! (http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/sites/default/files/posts/u133/pdfs/student_teacher_tips.pdf) When I was looking through the list of tips, I began to notice that most of the tips were things that are required on the checklist for EDUC 435. As I was reading through these tips, they gave examples of how to act them out. For example, one tip said to take pictures of everything. This is not something you would first think about doing... However, it makes since to take pictures of the hallways, the classroom, the lunchroom, wall decorations/student work and other things that are going to help you get familiar with the school. It also mentions to ask for constructive criticism, which may be hard for some people. I know, for me personally, I sometimes take it to heart and get my feelings hurt. However, I have told myself not to get upset over it because this is a time to learn and practice. It's better to receive the criticism now than to get into my own classroom and have no idea what I am doing or be doing it all wrong because I wasn't open to criticism. I really enjoyed the list of tips and hope you would take time to read these tips from a teachers point of view.
I would relate this research to standard one of the North Carolin Teaching Standards, Teacher Leadership. I say this because as a student teacher, it is very important to go ahead and start practicing these tips now so when I have my own classroom one day, I will be experienced and I can be a leader inside and outside the classroom.
This is great Lacey! It's awesome to see you are getting more familiar with your classroom. I have had to really remind myself to document everything as well. I recorded myself Tuesday just to see how I looked (posture, gestures, etc..) as well as how I talked and instructed or asked questions. I found it to be great at pointing out flaws or problem areas for me. I didn't realize how many students were not engaged. My CE is SUPER nice, so it's hard to get any true criticism out of her. :) Keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteGood point about feedback, Lacey! It is crucial to sure up the feedback loop now - so when student teaching rolls around, you are accustomed to receiving feedback in the correct lens. Keep on growing!
ReplyDeleteLacey,
ReplyDeleteI love that you wrote about keeping up with the checklist! Way to go!! That is something I need to focus on this week (thanks to your encouragement). One of my goals for this semester is to, "Be Proactive," and I love the fact that you want to be proactive, too, is so encouraging!
Yes, yes, yes to everything about timing/trying to explain assignments/work on them and go to Clinical Experience. You're doing a great job! Let's be proactive together this week.
And thanks so much for sharing the Student Teaching tips! I read through them, and loved the practical suggestions for my time in Clinical Experience. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and heart with us this week!
-Meredith
Lacey,
ReplyDeleteIt does seem overwhelming but I am sure your CE is more than willing to help! Just take it one step at a time! The checklist is something I am also focusing on BIG TIME this week but no worries, we will get it done and grow from it! Constructive criticism can be really hard sometimes but it is so necessary for growth! Always just look at it as a way to become a more effective teacher! Have a great week!