The highlights would have to be found in Thursday and Friday. On Thursday my co-op was out due to having to speak at a conference, so even though I had a sub in the classroom, I got to run the show for all of the classes that I typically do not teach. These groups are so much fun, and I had a great time working with them. In the Advanced App's course that I covered on Thursday, we took the whole period to watch persuasive PowerPoint presentations that the students had worked very hard on for the past couple weeks. This was for the purpose of peer grading. Some of the work these students come up with is simply amazing, while others left a fair bit to be desired. Whatever the case may be, it was a great time. It was also in this class that I had to be the most stern that I have had to up until this point. It was nothing too dramatic, but I did have to project my voice (more than usual) and tell one or two students to get back to their seats after they were causing a mild disruption. It evoked a few "ooooooooooo's" from the other students, but it did not escalate and all was well.
Today (Friday) I was asked to be a judge for a foreign foods contest in the cafeteria at the end of the day. This meant that I got to sample ethnic desserts for approximately 20-30 minutes. For obvious reasons, this was also a great time, and I was able joke around with many students during a light hearted time of hanging out and eating some great food.
Overall, this has been a great week. As far as things I would change, that would primarily pertain to the day I video taped myself. I taught a lesson that mainly pertained to compound interest, and I could clearly sense that towards the end of my lesson there were many students that were starting to trail off due to the content being somewhat confusing and a little dry at times. I under estimated the amount of time I would have to spend on it, which made it more difficult to maintain their attention. The class was still fairly successful, but there are things I could have done to improve it.
What I benefited from most this week was simply getting to know students a little better, and having the opportunities to loosen up and let them get to know me better as well. This is very important to me as a teacher and as an individual because it not only lets the students know that I am very much human which allows them to relate to me better, but it also increases trust and respect so that when it comes to classroom management and related factors, it is rather easy to get their attention and have them respond positively to me.
All in all, a very good week. This is reinforced by the fact that we are over the half way mark...Yipeeeeee! =)
My coop was out on a sick day as well this week. Even though there was a sub in the room, I felt the same way you did in control of the class. The sub was there, but the students understood they had to pay attention and do their work for all of the classes. It was a good feeling knowing that even when the coop is not there, that we have gained the respect of the students. I like the countdown and it truly is flying by. Have a great week 9!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed your solo run when Mrs. Gavitt was out. That type of day is a true indication of what is ahead in your life as a teacher. Even though your school runs 81 minute block schedules, the time always flies with only four periods. When I am observing, the time goes by very quickly! I'm also glad you have the countdown going. The end is nearer than we know!
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