This semester is starting out like most other semesters in
the education program for me; I am beginning a new placement at a new school, I
am getting to know a new CT and students, and am preparing a unit to teach
entirely on my own!
To begin the semester, my CT is gradually allowing me the
opportunity to work with students which allows them to become more comfortable
with me and get to know me, while at the same time seeing how I teach and
allowing me to better understand the students and the classroom environment she
has already created. She began by having me take over the bell work activities
that begin each class. Each afternoon before I leave, I pose two philosophical questions/statements
(one for English 2 and another for Honors English 2) for students to respond to
when they enter the classroom. This has been a challenge for me at times, but
has also been a great way for me to get know the students. It has allowed me to
interact with students at the beginning of each class period, and because of
this I feel as though I am getting to know more about each student so I can
have an idea of what to expect when I begin teaching full lessons. It has also
helped me become more comfortable around students and I have begun forming habits
for when I will take control of the entire class.
After bell work, my CT has been taking control of the class
while I observe her teaching styles, see how students respond, and occasionally
answer students’ questions. There has been several student-led small group discussions
where students review their study guide questions together and my CT gives
points for the number of times a student contributes to the discussion (Smagorinsky 42). The
students respond well to this, as it gives them a chance to discuss their ideas
with a group before coming together as a class and reviewing the information.
When the students have talked about all or most of the questions
from their study guide, usually after about 10 minutes, my CT will call the
class back to order and begin discussing the importance of each question with
the class as a whole. This usually consists of her going through each question
and explaining the answer in more detail. While this is happening, some
students will add to their own answers while others sit back and listen.
Although I have not had an opportunity to teach a mini or
full lesson to a class just yet, I am beginning to prepare a mini lesson with
the help of my CT so that students will continue gaining that confidence when I
am in charge. This will also serve as a good practice for me so that I can gain
a better insight to how students respond outside of bell work and small group
discussions. I look forward to this opportunity this week and am hoping for the
best!
