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!
Not a bad way to start off this semester Stephanie! I'm actually in the same boat, to where I'm doing bell work with each class to become more acquainted with the feeling of being in front of the classroom. The difference is in our approach though and I commend you for your efforts. I really like that you're posing philosophical questions for your students to write on. It goes beyond answering with a yes/no response and allows for deeper inquiry than circling the correct response. I'm kind of stuck in a sticky situation with the grammar bell work I am to be held accountable for, but maybe I could implement bell work involving critical thinking once at the end of the week. Thanks for the response Stephanie and keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lucky! It has been tricky at times trying to pose questions that challenge them but that are not to difficult for my students, and that has happened once! But my CT was very encouraging and pointed out that I had my students run before they walked that day. She has been super encouraging lately and is very open with ideas and willing to allow me to bounce my own ideas off her before placing me before the entire class. Thanks for the encouragement!
DeleteSD
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts as we began our new semester. I know you have had a change of environment, and that can be a lot to take-in considering you have a new school, CT, and students! I genuinely hope this is a positive experience for you. I have found that students who work well in small groups also respond well to change, so I hope they will be accepting of your presence in the classroom. I have found the transition into being the authority figure in their classroom was a little uncomfortable, but for me it didn't last long! Within the first week students were looking around the room asking for my help. They're more adaptive than we think...
Good luck with taking charge! If you start to feel awkward, just remember it shouldn't take long for them to get used to you taking over.
Thank you for sharing!
Lindsay
Thanks for the encouragement, Lindsay! You're right, students have taken to me quickly in my new placement and that has been super encouraging! I am often walking around the room observing them as they work and am finding that I am able to help them with their questions without feeling as though what I'm saying is wrong. And the students have been very accepting of my presence in the classroom, which has made this transition even easier. They are already viewing me as an authoritative figure and are comfortable coming to me with questions. So far, this has been a wonderful experience!
DeleteSD
Sounds like you are off to a strong start, Stephanie! I love that your CT is providing such engaging opportunities for you to get to know students and interact with them so purposefully. Keep up the great work! I look forward to seeing you teach.
ReplyDeleteYour bell work activity sounds interesting, and, yes, it's a great way to quickly get to know your students personalities and their abilities. I too hope your mini-lesson goes well this week and that your student teaching semester is a positive experience.
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