As you all may be aware, I took over my third class a couple of weeks ago (Advanced Applications) and this is one of the most hyper, "screw-ballish" classes of them all. The students are a great deal of fun, but can be hard to keep on task, to say the least. This week was the first time I ever led this class through "guided practice" for the full 80+ minute period, and I learned that if you don't intensely prepare, and intensely prepare some more, it can be hectic. I understood all of the content, and was comfortable with the material, but when there is a class of 15-18 students (10 of which are not the best at staying on task,) it can be VERY difficult to keep everyone working on the same page. Also, anytime I made the slightest mistake, it was earth-shattering to the students who were just looking for something to squeal about. This was a very good learning experience, and it really was not too hectic/out of control, but it was certainly beneficial for me as I continue to learn how to improve on my teaching styles.
This in mind, it was probably the most beneficial part of the week for me, but also the one part I would like to do over again. As I said, I learned a great deal from it, but I also would like the chance to go back and do it over again because I feel there are many things I could have improved upon. Again, hindsight is 20/20; learn and move on.
Another very beneficial part of my week was yesterday; an in-service day. I worked almost non-stop from 8:15 a.m. until about 4:10 p.m., with a very short lunch in between. This entire day was spent coordinating activities and lessons for next week being that we will all be at FBLA. I had to develop detailed lesson plans for the sub, instructions for the students, rubrics for their activities, and back up activities for all of those early finishers. I know how students can be for substitutes, especially when they do not have work to keep them engages, so I attempted to have enough quality work for them to do while I am gone so that they do not cause any unnecessary issues for the substitute.
Once again, a good week overall. I learned more than I taught, as usual, but I also had some great breakthroughs with some of my students. As far as I'm concerned, a student teacher can't ask for any more than that :).
Oh, and by the way, 49 days down, 17 to go (of being in school, that is.) Bring on April 29th!!
Glad to hear that you used your teacher in-service day to your advantage to prepare for the sub during FBLA. Man, it sounds rough planning for a block period schedule and keeping the students interested. Sounds like you are fully prepared and thats good. See you at FLBA!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the class that is hyper. I have a class during 7th period that is very hyper. Just the other day I asked them what class they have just before coming to computer concepts. They said English and the teacher gives us candy just as we leave for this class everyday. Great!!!This class also travels all day long together so you can just think what they are like.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work and see you at FBLA!
I can also relate to that hyper class. My 4th period class is a little wacky especially with one student. He is smart and asks ridiculous questions but in the end is a good kid. The only problem is that his wackiness takes the focus away from the other students. Every day my first task is calm him down before the class gets underway. Glad to hear you’re fully prepared. See you at FBLA.
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