Reflection #10

Today and last time we have been in groups working on our lesson plans for the sixth-grade classes. Even though we are planning to teach them, I am learning a lot in the process.

I learned once again that working in a group can be difficult at times because there are so many ideas from different perspectives. The benefit of this though is that usually the best results come from this sometimes difficult process of collaboration.

Planning lessons has given me a greater appreciation for teachers who really take the time to plan for their classes. It has also helped me to categorize different styles of teaching and use them together in such a way that they support and built off of one another.

Learning new things everyday is the best. Hope it goes on forever.

Reflection #9

Today in class there were several things that I observed that I liked and could incorporate similar ideas into my own teaching.

-Geoff teaching about lab maintenance with such passion and energy. Looked like the man in charge when he stood on the shop table and we had to literally look up to him.

-Steve's example with T of the bridges and how they are supported.

-Tyler's debate, that got the students excited and involved.

-Greg's activity with building houses out of "pre-fabricated" graham crackers.

I think I enjoyed these examples in particular because they involved the class and were full of charisma. This helps the students get invested in the material and develop a desire to learn more. It gives importance to the subject being taught and the material presented.

Reflection #8

Something I noticed this week was that for one of the teaching classes Professor Wright was not initially in attendance. Some students asked whether or not he'd be there later, or if he'd be there at all. In any case, the class began as normal, and class procedure seemed to run smoothly.

The students taught one after another, and the participants took notes and evaluated the teaching. Everyone knew what he or she was supposed to do, and where to be. When Professor Wright eventually did show up, class was unaltered and the transition was smooth.

What I observed from this is that it is important to have a set schedule so that if you have to turn your class over to someone else, things go well. This also makes the job of the TA or the substitute teacher much easier, and facilitates a seamless transition from teacher to teacher. This is an important situation to address and prepare for so that when it happens you are prepared.

Reflection #7

We've recently been watching everyone else teach in class and receive feedback. This has been very helpful to see strategies that are effective, and those that could be adapted for success in various classroom settings.

One element we've discussed several times is that of proximity. When the teacher moves around and includes the students in what is going on, the lesson becomes more engaging. This is something I noticed we could all work on.

Also, this series of instructional lessons has prodded me to cultivate creativity and explore new teaching methods. Diversity in instruction can lead to diversity in learning.

These were the main points I've noticed thus far.