Hello,
As you know this week as a short week due to the Holiday.
Monday
The students were not happy on Monday, as they did not get a late start due to getting out early. This week is going to be low maintenance. I had the Honors students work on the short story we have been working on to prepare them to move into The Old Man and the Sea. They were to read the short story and then outline the dialogue in the story in order to understand the concepts that will be found in the novel later on. I had the Regulars work on concision, aka avoiding wordiness, I made a PowerPoint and planned the lesson. However, the lesson was not as entertaining as I thought it would be. The students were not that happy to see that we would be taking notes. I did, however, with one class effectively guess where they fell in birth order in each of their families. They were shocked, and I told them that studies show that personalities play a specific role in birth order. They thought that was pretty cool. I had to leave a bit early to get to class as usual.
Tuesday
Today, the Honors students read on Hemingway's life and Iceberg theory. They were not too happy with that, however, they did read and annotate the packet in order to prepare to read tomorrow. Regulars worked on organizing the characterization of George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men. I had some trouble keeping them on task. However, the same period wanted more psychology stuff to do so I said I would look into it and maybe before each class starts I can use as it starter to the day. The students were pretty upset that they had school the next day due to all of the middle school students, and the grade school students being off on Wednesday. I had a meeting with the Principal today to set up an appointment for my observation with him, I am excited and nervous about this.
Wednesday
Finally made it. The students were not really excited. They were complaining that I was the only teacher that made them do work today, with it being a short day and all. I told them they would thank me in five years. I had the Honors students read their new books, and the Regulars were to continue reading their book. The Regulars did not want to work at all. I was on top of them for the entire 30 minutes of each class. I was fighting a loosing battle. I was just as excited for the Holiday as the students.
This week I was focused on standard 6, Instructional Planning, which states, "The competent teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’
development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills." I have found that it is important to use a variety of instructional strategies, so that I can become better, and so my students will not feel as if school is mundane. I know that they will always feel like that on a superficial level, but I want to do my best to make sure they feel they are in a learning environment that promotes excellence. We are now winding down, and I am sad that I am leaving my students, but I have learned a lot these past 13 weeks. It has been a roller coaster of stress and fun, but totally worth it.
Courtney
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Weekly Reflection 13
Hello,
This has been a extremely busy week.
Monday
Today, was a shortened day (25 minutes a class) due to late start. I just had the regular students work on ACT/Plan prep, they were not really happy about this. However, the Plan test is Thursday. The honors students worked on a method of editing that I really like. They were to write Stumbles, meaning there was a word problem in their essay; Marbles, meaning there was a sentence problem in their essay; or Gravy, meaning there was as structure problem in their essay. I really like the idea of the students actually grading for this. The fun part about this was a that the students shouted these things out when they read the paper out loud. I'm definitely going to take this with me when I leave.
Tuesday
I was literally worn out today. I was going to be observed and I had planned the lesson for that day. Honors students finished up their work on peer editing. I then had them go through a benchmark checklist so they would understand and know the criteria for the paper due Friday. I then had them work on some ACT/PLAN testing prep. They hated that, but I told them, just as I told my Regulars, that if you don't do it, it's only going to hurt you, not me. For Regulars, I had a PowerPoint of the Benchmarks for their papers, also due Friday. I then had a sample article that they needed to correct with the Benchmarks we just went over. Finally, I had them look over their papers to check for the the criteria in their own paper. I also worked with my troubled student during seventh period. He did not complete any more work than what we worked on Friday. It was frustrating. I told him that he had to do the rest himself and that I would be siting there if he really needed help. 8th period was fun,the students wanted me to read their papers, so I gave them suggestions to work on before Friday.
Wednesday
Today, the students had course selection. So, the counselors pulled out the students during their English class periods. This was somewhat frustrating because 2 minutes into each of my classes, 80% of my class was called down to their respective counselors. I couldn't get much instruction in, but I did encourage the students to ask me questions about their papers and any questions they had about the class. Some of my students utilized this time, others did not. I did, however, write my school email address on the board if they have any burning last minute questions before Friday. I will not see my classes tomorrow because they have PLAN testing. I also informed my students that I get to school at 7:15; and that day, Wednesday, I would be staying after school until 4:15 pm. I had two students come in after school that day. It was somewhat disappointing. However, I realized that I am there for those two students just as much as I am for the entire classroom full of students. At the very least, two students came in and received the help they needed. Finally, one my students told me that I was going to be a great teacher. That made my day.
Thursday
Today is testing day. Let me just first say, that I believe that is extremely counterproductive for the state to have testing for students in November instead of April. In saying that, the students had a half day full of testing and were released at noon. My CT allowed me to leave for the day with the students. I was able to proctor an exam which is not nearly as fun as you would think. It was ridiculously boring. However, I got a chance to interact with some of my first period students. There is a funny bunch in that class. All in all, it was a learning experience.
Friday
My student's papers were due today. However, I had excuses up the wazoo of why some of them didn't have them completed. It was frustrating and disheartening to find that I had given them so much forewarning only to have a large portion of my regular students not turn in the essay. However, the student that I have been working with turned in his essay! I am so excited! I know it is not the best, but I did work with him and I told him my expectations and he met them! I can't wait to read his paper! I also told one of my students, who said English was her worst subject and she was concerned about the ACT that I would work with her on ACT prep. I let her borrow one of my grammar books and I told her I could meet with her during the resource hour as long as I'm there. I also went out this evening to purchase some English ACT books for my classroom. On a side note, one of my students (not the same one) told me that I'm a pretty good teacher before he left class. I had a lot of fun 8th period. I taught half the class in an English accent. The student in response answered and asked questions in an English accent.
**************************************************************
This week has taught me when you set expectations your students are more than likely to meet them. Which brings in the standard #5 of creating a welcoming learning environment. "The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." I think I am slowly but surely finding the motivation for each student, bit by bit. I am excited to see what will happen in these last few weeks.
Courtney
This has been a extremely busy week.
Monday
Today, was a shortened day (25 minutes a class) due to late start. I just had the regular students work on ACT/Plan prep, they were not really happy about this. However, the Plan test is Thursday. The honors students worked on a method of editing that I really like. They were to write Stumbles, meaning there was a word problem in their essay; Marbles, meaning there was a sentence problem in their essay; or Gravy, meaning there was as structure problem in their essay. I really like the idea of the students actually grading for this. The fun part about this was a that the students shouted these things out when they read the paper out loud. I'm definitely going to take this with me when I leave.
Tuesday
I was literally worn out today. I was going to be observed and I had planned the lesson for that day. Honors students finished up their work on peer editing. I then had them go through a benchmark checklist so they would understand and know the criteria for the paper due Friday. I then had them work on some ACT/PLAN testing prep. They hated that, but I told them, just as I told my Regulars, that if you don't do it, it's only going to hurt you, not me. For Regulars, I had a PowerPoint of the Benchmarks for their papers, also due Friday. I then had a sample article that they needed to correct with the Benchmarks we just went over. Finally, I had them look over their papers to check for the the criteria in their own paper. I also worked with my troubled student during seventh period. He did not complete any more work than what we worked on Friday. It was frustrating. I told him that he had to do the rest himself and that I would be siting there if he really needed help. 8th period was fun,the students wanted me to read their papers, so I gave them suggestions to work on before Friday.
Wednesday
Today, the students had course selection. So, the counselors pulled out the students during their English class periods. This was somewhat frustrating because 2 minutes into each of my classes, 80% of my class was called down to their respective counselors. I couldn't get much instruction in, but I did encourage the students to ask me questions about their papers and any questions they had about the class. Some of my students utilized this time, others did not. I did, however, write my school email address on the board if they have any burning last minute questions before Friday. I will not see my classes tomorrow because they have PLAN testing. I also informed my students that I get to school at 7:15; and that day, Wednesday, I would be staying after school until 4:15 pm. I had two students come in after school that day. It was somewhat disappointing. However, I realized that I am there for those two students just as much as I am for the entire classroom full of students. At the very least, two students came in and received the help they needed. Finally, one my students told me that I was going to be a great teacher. That made my day.
Thursday
Today is testing day. Let me just first say, that I believe that is extremely counterproductive for the state to have testing for students in November instead of April. In saying that, the students had a half day full of testing and were released at noon. My CT allowed me to leave for the day with the students. I was able to proctor an exam which is not nearly as fun as you would think. It was ridiculously boring. However, I got a chance to interact with some of my first period students. There is a funny bunch in that class. All in all, it was a learning experience.
Friday
My student's papers were due today. However, I had excuses up the wazoo of why some of them didn't have them completed. It was frustrating and disheartening to find that I had given them so much forewarning only to have a large portion of my regular students not turn in the essay. However, the student that I have been working with turned in his essay! I am so excited! I know it is not the best, but I did work with him and I told him my expectations and he met them! I can't wait to read his paper! I also told one of my students, who said English was her worst subject and she was concerned about the ACT that I would work with her on ACT prep. I let her borrow one of my grammar books and I told her I could meet with her during the resource hour as long as I'm there. I also went out this evening to purchase some English ACT books for my classroom. On a side note, one of my students (not the same one) told me that I'm a pretty good teacher before he left class. I had a lot of fun 8th period. I taught half the class in an English accent. The student in response answered and asked questions in an English accent.
**************************************************************
This week has taught me when you set expectations your students are more than likely to meet them. Which brings in the standard #5 of creating a welcoming learning environment. "The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation." I think I am slowly but surely finding the motivation for each student, bit by bit. I am excited to see what will happen in these last few weeks.
Courtney
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Classroom Confidential 10
Hello
Chapter 10,
What's the big deal about social justice? Why are the ideas of chapter 10 important for a Christian teacher?
I am a strong supporter of social justice. At Trinity I have been in the social justice chapter, and have participated in social justice programs. I was excited to read this chapter and find it was a bout social justice. I would say, from my own experience, that the big deal about social justice is that it presents itself as everyday problems that people fail to see. I love the quote, "great teachers are social activists at heart" to me that speaks volumes that you as a teacher are a social activist. I also really enjoyed the quote "when you're teaching social justice, the curriculum is ourselves." We become the example we are supposed to set for our students. This is done only through modeling what we want our students to learn.
As a Christian teacher we are called to take care of the Earth and it's inhabitants. I have found that this has been a great way to keep the cultural mandate. I have also been able to share my love of social justice with my students and my colleagues through following the cultural mandate. I am excited to share this with my students and look forward to implementing social justice in my classroom.
Thanks, Courtney
Chapter 10,
What's the big deal about social justice? Why are the ideas of chapter 10 important for a Christian teacher?
I am a strong supporter of social justice. At Trinity I have been in the social justice chapter, and have participated in social justice programs. I was excited to read this chapter and find it was a bout social justice. I would say, from my own experience, that the big deal about social justice is that it presents itself as everyday problems that people fail to see. I love the quote, "great teachers are social activists at heart" to me that speaks volumes that you as a teacher are a social activist. I also really enjoyed the quote "when you're teaching social justice, the curriculum is ourselves." We become the example we are supposed to set for our students. This is done only through modeling what we want our students to learn.
As a Christian teacher we are called to take care of the Earth and it's inhabitants. I have found that this has been a great way to keep the cultural mandate. I have also been able to share my love of social justice with my students and my colleagues through following the cultural mandate. I am excited to share this with my students and look forward to implementing social justice in my classroom.
Thanks, Courtney
Weekly Reflection 12
Hello,
This week seemed to be panning out as an extremely long week.
Monday
Today was a frustrating day because in addition to having the two hour late start for planning. the students also had an assembly because of girls cross country going to state and the boys soccer team winning the state championship I also leave early on Monday's in order to get to class. I think that it is pretty exciting that the boys won. However, the class periods were shortened to 25 minutes a piece. So today, the honors had to take a practice quiz to prepare them for the Plan test next week, then finish their peer evaluations, and then finally write three goals for their essay. They did not finish these tasks of course because there was not enough time to complete them. I now see why shortened days are frustrating for teachers. The regulars were another story. They all seemed to really whine and moan because they were supposed to have their drafts done for today. Over 80% of the students did not come to class with their draft done. That was frustrating as well. The most annoying thing that happened today was a saw a "regulars" student flick my CT off behind his back after he told them for the fifth and final time to get to work on his essay. The student saw that I was watching him do this and his eyes got really big. I just shook my head at him. I told my CT about what happened and he just laughed and said I should show him a referral tomorrow. Later on, I thought, why show him any referral? If I was not in the class my CT would have never known what had transpired. I wonder if I did the right thing by telling my teacher, or if I should have just administered a punishment my self.
Tuesday
Election Day. I was nervous about the class periods today considering the tone of the election. My CT was also late today, he said there was a car fire on the Edens Expressway. When I say late, I mean he got here at 7:45 instead of 7:15, school starts at 8:25 am. Today, was an ok day. MY CT created this new format of PowerPoint that only had a few words on each slide. Unfortunately, he only got it to me 20 mins before school started so I had very little time to work with the slides. I went extremely fast through the slides for first period, one because I usually don't talk that much when I administer notes with students. The second reason being I only saw the notes for a short period of time. The notes were based on introductions, so I had some per editing activities ready when I finished 10 minutes early. In the prep period afterwards, I was able to talk to my CT who said I needed to slow down and explain some of the points a bit more. He also at this time, informed me of my filler word, which is "often." In the next class, I took my CT's advice, and having time to look through the slides and notes again, and I actually didn't finish! I was so happy about this. I felt like the students had a good time, they were laughing throughout the class, they asked higher level questions, and they really seemed to understand the material.
In the teacher's lounge, my CT and a couple other teachers were ranting a bit today. My CT has expressed a distaste for some of the methods found in English classrooms across the country as well as my placement. He was saying that teachers, just want to study skills once a week and then do literary analysis, and make word picture maps, and other fun activities. This presents itself as a problem to my CT and a few other teachers who teach sophomores They get to our class and know no skills. They then get frustrated, and we are pulling teeth to get the to do a writing process, or know what a thesis is. However, they are never taught these things throughout their freshman year so we are spending time teaching it to them. My CT states, of course the students "love so and so because they let draw pictures, read stories, and watch movies, they're not learning. I would love them too if I didn't have to do any work." I can see where trying to make a classroom fun, can be destructive to a student. I see where my CT is coming from, and I see why the other teachers want to make English fun. I think there should be a balance I think there is an effective way to make a classroom fun, and I think that I am finding the balance in my own style right now.
My 8th period class had a lot of fun with the notes, I again did not quite finish the notes which was the goal all along. My CT sat in on the beginning of this class, so he can continue to give me feedback. I find that he makes me nervous when he's in the classroom, and I do much better without him there. I think it maybe because he intimidates me a bit. The school did a mock election, President Obama the election and the school will compare their results tomorrow. This conceded my Election Day school day.
Wednesday
I came to school and one of the teachers I team plan with, said my teacher was not going to be in tonight and I would be taking over the entire day. I had a sub with my who was around my age and said he did his student teaching at Warren as well. He said that he was an English teacher over at the campus; the one that houses the juniors and seniors. I was a bit nervous, but excited to work with the regular students. They are a mess sometimes, but I knew I would take over their classes sooner or later. My first and third period went well, they were both used to me teaching them so it was no problem. My fourth period however, was in shock. They said oh we have a sub today. I said no, you don't you have me. They said no your like a sub and that guy is a sub, (the sub they got for my CT). I informed them that I was not a sub, and I would be taking over their class until December.
They were surprised with this notion. I since they are a problematic class, even with my CT, I waved the passbook and said, if I have any problems, I haven't had any yet, nor do I hope to have any problems, I have no issue with sending you a pass to the dean. They all really got the drift and from that point on in the class I didn't have any serious issues, except for keeping them on task. The fifth period, who are known for not doing work because they are too cool. Anyway, they stayed on task when I stayed on top of them.
In seventh period, the at risk teacher, for students who are at risk of failing, brought one of my students to the resource room, which is open for the English during specific periods. My CT and I work the English resource room during seventh period. This student was brought in from my fourth period class which is just 50% of students who are in the at risk class as well. This student, did not read the book, and had very little quotes to work on his paper. I knew my teacher told him if he didn't do this paper, he would fail. I was really happy to work with him, he seemed like he was trying a bit harder. I told him to come in during 7th again and I would be there if he needed help, and I would also help him during class if he needed it. However, I'm not sure if he will complete the assignment. I hope he does though. He has very few people in his corner that are rooting for him, my CT and the at risk teacher are somewhat fed-up with his work ethic. I am still going to root for him though.
8th period was so goofy, they were giggling the entire period. They were ok though, they got the work done and got a bit ahead of my other classes. By the end of the day, I was so tired. Staying on top of all these students during work days is tough work.
Thursday
My CT was back, he looked please that I told the regulars I would just take over instead of giving the classes back, and then taking over again. So, I have another long day ahead of me. I somewhat flubbed my directions for first period. I wasn't completely sure what my CT wanted does as well, when I realized my mistake I apologized to the class and re explained what I wanted them to do. They were clear on what needed to be done after I gave better directions. When my CT came back into the room, I told him that I re explained and he said that was good considering he didn't even know what I was saying. I really think, I do better in front of the students when he is not there, he really makes me nervous which is weird. I think it is because he is very critical. He is just a critical person and I believe me sub conscious picked up on this.
Today, the most interesting thing that happened was that one of the at risk students came in during this period for help. Her name was Hannah. She has having a lot anxiety about completing her assignment. Ironically, her teacher was one of the team teachers I work with. However, it was a problem because even though we plan together she did not follow the prompt that we all agreed on for the regular students. Despite this, I was able to help her. She really seemed to be a bit more calm. She even was able to come up with a thesis on her own by the end of the period.
Friday
Today was a long day, I taught the entire day, but the students weren't really focused. I cant really expect them to stay too focused when it's Friday, I understand that. However, I am having some issues with the regular students. I just can't seem to relate to them. They don't laugh at my jokes and they seem indifferent I don't need them to be by friends, but I would like to connect with them on some level. Most of them feel they are too cool for school, which is sad because their grades are hurting because of this. I am still working on a way to break through this ideology they have. I also was able to work with the student Junior from Wednesday. Unfortunately, he did not do anymore work than what I told him to do on Wednesday. I worked with him some more and I told him he needed to come back on Monday with the work I asked for. I really hope he comes in with the work, I'm still in his corner.
This week has been really tough for me. I have been really stressed out with my upcoming planing starting on Monday on top of all my projects. My school does not have veterans day off so I am starting to wear a bit thin and I could really use a break. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break. This week I was focusing on professional conduct, which states "that the competent teacher understands education as a profession, maintains standards of professional conduct, and provide leadership to improve students' learning and well-being." This week, I've been learning about how to improve students learning. I understand that this process will not be done over a short period of time, but needs nurturing and care in order to succeed.
Thanks, Courtney
This week seemed to be panning out as an extremely long week.
Monday
Today was a frustrating day because in addition to having the two hour late start for planning. the students also had an assembly because of girls cross country going to state and the boys soccer team winning the state championship I also leave early on Monday's in order to get to class. I think that it is pretty exciting that the boys won. However, the class periods were shortened to 25 minutes a piece. So today, the honors had to take a practice quiz to prepare them for the Plan test next week, then finish their peer evaluations, and then finally write three goals for their essay. They did not finish these tasks of course because there was not enough time to complete them. I now see why shortened days are frustrating for teachers. The regulars were another story. They all seemed to really whine and moan because they were supposed to have their drafts done for today. Over 80% of the students did not come to class with their draft done. That was frustrating as well. The most annoying thing that happened today was a saw a "regulars" student flick my CT off behind his back after he told them for the fifth and final time to get to work on his essay. The student saw that I was watching him do this and his eyes got really big. I just shook my head at him. I told my CT about what happened and he just laughed and said I should show him a referral tomorrow. Later on, I thought, why show him any referral? If I was not in the class my CT would have never known what had transpired. I wonder if I did the right thing by telling my teacher, or if I should have just administered a punishment my self.
Tuesday
Election Day. I was nervous about the class periods today considering the tone of the election. My CT was also late today, he said there was a car fire on the Edens Expressway. When I say late, I mean he got here at 7:45 instead of 7:15, school starts at 8:25 am. Today, was an ok day. MY CT created this new format of PowerPoint that only had a few words on each slide. Unfortunately, he only got it to me 20 mins before school started so I had very little time to work with the slides. I went extremely fast through the slides for first period, one because I usually don't talk that much when I administer notes with students. The second reason being I only saw the notes for a short period of time. The notes were based on introductions, so I had some per editing activities ready when I finished 10 minutes early. In the prep period afterwards, I was able to talk to my CT who said I needed to slow down and explain some of the points a bit more. He also at this time, informed me of my filler word, which is "often." In the next class, I took my CT's advice, and having time to look through the slides and notes again, and I actually didn't finish! I was so happy about this. I felt like the students had a good time, they were laughing throughout the class, they asked higher level questions, and they really seemed to understand the material.
In the teacher's lounge, my CT and a couple other teachers were ranting a bit today. My CT has expressed a distaste for some of the methods found in English classrooms across the country as well as my placement. He was saying that teachers, just want to study skills once a week and then do literary analysis, and make word picture maps, and other fun activities. This presents itself as a problem to my CT and a few other teachers who teach sophomores They get to our class and know no skills. They then get frustrated, and we are pulling teeth to get the to do a writing process, or know what a thesis is. However, they are never taught these things throughout their freshman year so we are spending time teaching it to them. My CT states, of course the students "love so and so because they let draw pictures, read stories, and watch movies, they're not learning. I would love them too if I didn't have to do any work." I can see where trying to make a classroom fun, can be destructive to a student. I see where my CT is coming from, and I see why the other teachers want to make English fun. I think there should be a balance I think there is an effective way to make a classroom fun, and I think that I am finding the balance in my own style right now.
My 8th period class had a lot of fun with the notes, I again did not quite finish the notes which was the goal all along. My CT sat in on the beginning of this class, so he can continue to give me feedback. I find that he makes me nervous when he's in the classroom, and I do much better without him there. I think it maybe because he intimidates me a bit. The school did a mock election, President Obama the election and the school will compare their results tomorrow. This conceded my Election Day school day.
Wednesday
I came to school and one of the teachers I team plan with, said my teacher was not going to be in tonight and I would be taking over the entire day. I had a sub with my who was around my age and said he did his student teaching at Warren as well. He said that he was an English teacher over at the campus; the one that houses the juniors and seniors. I was a bit nervous, but excited to work with the regular students. They are a mess sometimes, but I knew I would take over their classes sooner or later. My first and third period went well, they were both used to me teaching them so it was no problem. My fourth period however, was in shock. They said oh we have a sub today. I said no, you don't you have me. They said no your like a sub and that guy is a sub, (the sub they got for my CT). I informed them that I was not a sub, and I would be taking over their class until December.
They were surprised with this notion. I since they are a problematic class, even with my CT, I waved the passbook and said, if I have any problems, I haven't had any yet, nor do I hope to have any problems, I have no issue with sending you a pass to the dean. They all really got the drift and from that point on in the class I didn't have any serious issues, except for keeping them on task. The fifth period, who are known for not doing work because they are too cool. Anyway, they stayed on task when I stayed on top of them.
In seventh period, the at risk teacher, for students who are at risk of failing, brought one of my students to the resource room, which is open for the English during specific periods. My CT and I work the English resource room during seventh period. This student was brought in from my fourth period class which is just 50% of students who are in the at risk class as well. This student, did not read the book, and had very little quotes to work on his paper. I knew my teacher told him if he didn't do this paper, he would fail. I was really happy to work with him, he seemed like he was trying a bit harder. I told him to come in during 7th again and I would be there if he needed help, and I would also help him during class if he needed it. However, I'm not sure if he will complete the assignment. I hope he does though. He has very few people in his corner that are rooting for him, my CT and the at risk teacher are somewhat fed-up with his work ethic. I am still going to root for him though.
8th period was so goofy, they were giggling the entire period. They were ok though, they got the work done and got a bit ahead of my other classes. By the end of the day, I was so tired. Staying on top of all these students during work days is tough work.
Thursday
My CT was back, he looked please that I told the regulars I would just take over instead of giving the classes back, and then taking over again. So, I have another long day ahead of me. I somewhat flubbed my directions for first period. I wasn't completely sure what my CT wanted does as well, when I realized my mistake I apologized to the class and re explained what I wanted them to do. They were clear on what needed to be done after I gave better directions. When my CT came back into the room, I told him that I re explained and he said that was good considering he didn't even know what I was saying. I really think, I do better in front of the students when he is not there, he really makes me nervous which is weird. I think it is because he is very critical. He is just a critical person and I believe me sub conscious picked up on this.
Today, the most interesting thing that happened was that one of the at risk students came in during this period for help. Her name was Hannah. She has having a lot anxiety about completing her assignment. Ironically, her teacher was one of the team teachers I work with. However, it was a problem because even though we plan together she did not follow the prompt that we all agreed on for the regular students. Despite this, I was able to help her. She really seemed to be a bit more calm. She even was able to come up with a thesis on her own by the end of the period.
Friday
Today was a long day, I taught the entire day, but the students weren't really focused. I cant really expect them to stay too focused when it's Friday, I understand that. However, I am having some issues with the regular students. I just can't seem to relate to them. They don't laugh at my jokes and they seem indifferent I don't need them to be by friends, but I would like to connect with them on some level. Most of them feel they are too cool for school, which is sad because their grades are hurting because of this. I am still working on a way to break through this ideology they have. I also was able to work with the student Junior from Wednesday. Unfortunately, he did not do anymore work than what I told him to do on Wednesday. I worked with him some more and I told him he needed to come back on Monday with the work I asked for. I really hope he comes in with the work, I'm still in his corner.
This week has been really tough for me. I have been really stressed out with my upcoming planing starting on Monday on top of all my projects. My school does not have veterans day off so I am starting to wear a bit thin and I could really use a break. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break. This week I was focusing on professional conduct, which states "that the competent teacher understands education as a profession, maintains standards of professional conduct, and provide leadership to improve students' learning and well-being." This week, I've been learning about how to improve students learning. I understand that this process will not be done over a short period of time, but needs nurturing and care in order to succeed.
Thanks, Courtney
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Weekly Reflection 11
Hello,
So, I've been reading your posts, and I will admit that my posts could be a bit more exciting. Which is why I "revamped" my background and tried to add more detail to my day to day reflections. So here is my attempt at transitioning into my new type of blogging.
Monday
As you know, I leave early on Monday's in order to get to class. However, on Monday's the school also has a two hour late start. So my day is very limited with the students. Despite this, I still learn a lot from the teachers during their plan time. This week during plan my CT and a few other teachers from the English department talked about their process for recommending students for Academic Placement classes The teachers also talked about making the midterm for next school year. I found that this was not very interesting to listen to considering I can't give any input. However, it was really interesting to see teachers collaborating on the best way to assess the students based on previous years. In class, the students had time to read their books so that they could catch up for Friday which is when they should have the book read. The honors students were give time to peer edit one another's papers. I am really excited to read their papers because it is on Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck my favorite author.
Tuesday
Today, I learned that collaborating and receiving criticism is key in order to become a better teacher. So, for the past two weeks I have been able to teach two honors classes. The first class I teach is 3rd period. Since I have just started teaching them at the end of last week, they are still warming up to me and I to them. Today the students were learning about the use of the colon in writing. I was able to show them a bit of my personality by making some Kenan and Kel jokes as well as a movie joke. I was excited to get some genuine laughs from this group of students.
I'm not sure if I have mentioned this, but my CT and I eat in the teacher's lounge. The teacher's lounge is something I have tried to stay away from. In my last placement it seemed like a negative environment so I ate by myself in the classroom. Here, the lounge is much like eating at lunch in a school cafeteria. The teacher's gossip, they talk about popular culture, and other things that are happening in the school. I would say that the teachers are not negative but there is a general understanding that if they believe a student can do better then the student should do better. I digress, I also had my observation today, the teacher's in the lounge were all talking about how they had to go through that experience and some of their stories. It was interesting to hear that these stories do not really differ. Anyway, 8th period came around and my observation went really well! I am really comfortable with these students and I can tell they are starting to see me as the teacher.
I was able to use humor quiet a bit in my lesson. I gave a few stories, made a few joke throughout the lesson and I can honestly say that they seemed to be interested in colons and how to use them. For once, I was well paced and finished with just enough time for them to apply the lesson to a journal and their paper. I am really excited about working with them tomorrow and working with them on peer editing. I will say I would like to change their seats.The students in their respective groups right now are good. However, there is one group in each class, that does not stay on task. I really like groups because they let the students been in charge of their own learning.
All in all, today was a fun day. I feel like I am finally getting used to teaching at this level.
Wednesday
Today the students are working on peer editing. I found that first period, which is the next honors class I will be taking over on Friday, works pretty well on editing and wanting feedback.
However, period 3 was a bit ridiculous They were chatting a lot, I had to walk around more than usual. The students all keep checking or testing me to see if I will make them get back to work. Every time I see them possibly off task I ask them who they are working with or what they are working on. I can tell some of them do not like that. However, I'm not there to make friends. I found that the regular students are definitely not as intrinsically motivated as the honors students Knowing this before I take over the regulars I need to start thinking of ways to effectively engage the students. (I would consider this a long term goal.)
Now for the segment "In The Teacher's Lounge." Today, in the teacher's lounge my CT and the other teachers were talking about a scandal that happened a few years ago where a teacher had a relationship with a student. It was really sad to hear about. The teachers kept saying they could not understand why a teacher would want to have a relationship with a student, considering that they are not on the same intellectual level. This conversation brought down the mood of lunch in my opinion, but it is something to learn from: you are not there to make friends.
Well, that brought down the mood, some good news is that the girl's Cross Country team is going to state this weekend and so is the boy's Soccer team for the second year in a row! I think that is pretty neat. The school in an effort to get students to get excited and support the teams is having a two hour early release on Friday announced today through an email. Also, because today is Halloween the some of the student body population was dressed up. Of course, the students needed to follow costume rules for school such as, no chains, no make-up that hides the face, no masks, no weapon looking props etc. As a result there were a lot of cats walking around. Fortunately the students that I saw were not dressed completely inappropriately.
Now, back to my teaching reflection. Period 8 was interesting. They all seemed to work really well. However, I had to make sure they keep switch for editing. When the students were done working on one paper, they sort of just sat there and talked. However, they did give really good feedback to one another which is perfect for editing before the final draft. There was one thing that sort of concerned me. There is a student in this class who I can tell does not respect me as a teacher. I get the strong feeling that he believes I don't know what I am doing. To a certain degree this is true. He is a smart student and works much like a robot. I know I cant make someone respect me, but it still bothers me a bit that someone thinks I incapable. I still am respectful to the student, but I am beginning to wonder if this will be an issue.
It was an interesting day.
Thursday
The start of the day was "cray cray!" So I got to school and hour early as usual, that is when team planning happens. I have been struggling with team planing because I hate coming into school the day of and not knowing what we are going to do for the day until the bell rings. It drives me a bit insane. This has been getting better because I ask the three other teachers what the plan is for the week so I have some sort of idea of what to expect. Today though, I believe tensions were running high.
So there are three teachers that plan together everyday and I have been sitting in on the planning since my student teaching started. Well, there is my CT, who has been teaching for 11+ years, another teacher (male), let's call him Tom, who has been teaching for about the same amount, and a newer teacher- I believe she has been teaching for maybe a year or two. Well here's what went down. So, my teacher is very opinionated and outspoken about how to teach English and what works and what doesn't. As you know the students are starting on their papers for the respective texts the Honors and Regulars are reading. The young teacher really wanted to have an assignment sheet for the Regulars on their paper. Which would outline how many quotes you need, how many pages, and come up with your thesis before you start writing your essay.
My CT hates this format. He made it clear as soon as she brought it up that it was not a good idea. Tom told her if she wants to do that she can. So they started to work on that together. (My teacher stepped out of the classroom for a second when Tom told her this.) When my CT came back he was said, "Why are we doing this? It does not work. Students freeze up and don't like writing or want to write when you give them a page full of things they need to do in order to write." He feels like you are setting the students up for failure when you tell them to write a thesis before seeing if the text has the ability to prove that statement. Well, tension got a little thick.
My CT just said do whatever you want. So, she was pretty much done for the day then left to her class she was saying earlier she like to have back ups in case her computer deletes it or if she is not going to be here next year. (I'm not sure what that means but if there is a job opening I'm going to apply for it.) My teacher said "[forget] this" when the other teacher said well what do you want to do. My teacher said nothing. Tom said, "Well I think that you should just say what you want to do because you're clearly not happy." My teacher decided to say well, "We keep telling her what to do and she doesn't want to do it. She's a new teacher and is still learning. I don't care if she is planning on not being here next year or not if your not going to listen or want our help then do your own thing. It makes no sense to do what she is trying to do. They've been doing that since the beginning of education. It clearly does not work." Then Tom and my CT went on to plan something that "works better." They came up with this: find evidence about your topic whether it is: music, violence family, drugs etc., then define what you think about the topic, gather evidence from your own life, compare the two ideas and make a chart out of them. I think I understand why they did this, but I will get to that later. Then my CT had to step out again.
Tom spoke with me for a moment. Tom says that my CT is a idealist. I picked that up for myself right away, but I didn't tell Tom this. Tom says that my CT must understand that he is a lone salmon swimming up the stream and everyone else is moving down. He needs to understand that he probably won't be commended for his ideas until he has retired and everyone else sees that they work. Tom continued to tell me that he agrees with him, but he sometimes gets a bit over the top. He also said that his ideas mostly come from his teaching style which is from a junior and senior stand point, this is only my CT's second year teaching sophomores. Then class was beginning to start.
I feel my CT was a bit over the top today because he was being observed the first period by the principal. He did perfectly fine, but I just think he was nervous. I just can't believe all of this went down in under an hour. It was pretty intense. However, it taught me that team planning is difficult and it is also frustrating when you have your own agenda. Despite this, you can still learn to compromise and work together in order to become a better teacher for your students.
Back to my teaching schedule...
I went a bit fast during 3rd period, but I had the student peer edit for tense and colons towards the end of class. Everything worked out fine. There is a student who will just sit there when I assign directions. I'm getting a bit annoyed because this is an honors class and I should have to tell him two or three times to get started. He will do everything except work, bother the other students, draw etc. I am going to talk to my CT about it soon.
The students in the regular classes worked really well on the pre-writing stage of their papers. My CT informed them that if they did not he would collect their books tomorrow. So, I suppose they didn't call his bluff, like he specifically told them not to.
My 8th period did well with the material. I had the students do some examples in their note books in order to pace myself a bit better.
Friday
We had an early release schedule today, I took over 1st period in addition to 3rd, and 8th period. I found that the students were expecting to not do work. However, I had them do some reverse editing where they would have someone who has not read their essay make an outline of their draft. I think the most frustrating thing a bout today is that the students were expect to watch a movie or something because other teachers were doing that. My CT and I were sort of annoyed to hear that. Throughout the day the students were complaining of having to do work, I was somewhat glad it was a short day.
******
You asked me last week you asked me how my faith is impacting my students. I would say my grace on assignments would be the best way for me to share my faith at this moment. This week a student forgot to turn in a major reading assignment to me last week. I asked her why she had a zero because I knew she completed the assignment. She was unaware that she had not even turned the assignment in. I suppose this is because she doesn't check her grades online. I allowed her to turn it in the next day even though it was well over due. I am also searching for new ways to show my faith in the classroom.
My journals will not be this long every week. However, this is the guidelines I would like to follow for the remainder of my student teaching. I believe that this week I focused on Illinois teaching standard 10, Reflection and Professional Growth. I believe that this week I have had to work on being a " reflective practitioner who continually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally." I am trying to work on my presentation to others and this standard is the main one that I am working on.
Thanks,
Courtney
So, I've been reading your posts, and I will admit that my posts could be a bit more exciting. Which is why I "revamped" my background and tried to add more detail to my day to day reflections. So here is my attempt at transitioning into my new type of blogging.
Monday
As you know, I leave early on Monday's in order to get to class. However, on Monday's the school also has a two hour late start. So my day is very limited with the students. Despite this, I still learn a lot from the teachers during their plan time. This week during plan my CT and a few other teachers from the English department talked about their process for recommending students for Academic Placement classes The teachers also talked about making the midterm for next school year. I found that this was not very interesting to listen to considering I can't give any input. However, it was really interesting to see teachers collaborating on the best way to assess the students based on previous years. In class, the students had time to read their books so that they could catch up for Friday which is when they should have the book read. The honors students were give time to peer edit one another's papers. I am really excited to read their papers because it is on Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck my favorite author.
Tuesday
Today, I learned that collaborating and receiving criticism is key in order to become a better teacher. So, for the past two weeks I have been able to teach two honors classes. The first class I teach is 3rd period. Since I have just started teaching them at the end of last week, they are still warming up to me and I to them. Today the students were learning about the use of the colon in writing. I was able to show them a bit of my personality by making some Kenan and Kel jokes as well as a movie joke. I was excited to get some genuine laughs from this group of students.
I'm not sure if I have mentioned this, but my CT and I eat in the teacher's lounge. The teacher's lounge is something I have tried to stay away from. In my last placement it seemed like a negative environment so I ate by myself in the classroom. Here, the lounge is much like eating at lunch in a school cafeteria. The teacher's gossip, they talk about popular culture, and other things that are happening in the school. I would say that the teachers are not negative but there is a general understanding that if they believe a student can do better then the student should do better. I digress, I also had my observation today, the teacher's in the lounge were all talking about how they had to go through that experience and some of their stories. It was interesting to hear that these stories do not really differ. Anyway, 8th period came around and my observation went really well! I am really comfortable with these students and I can tell they are starting to see me as the teacher.
I was able to use humor quiet a bit in my lesson. I gave a few stories, made a few joke throughout the lesson and I can honestly say that they seemed to be interested in colons and how to use them. For once, I was well paced and finished with just enough time for them to apply the lesson to a journal and their paper. I am really excited about working with them tomorrow and working with them on peer editing. I will say I would like to change their seats.The students in their respective groups right now are good. However, there is one group in each class, that does not stay on task. I really like groups because they let the students been in charge of their own learning.
All in all, today was a fun day. I feel like I am finally getting used to teaching at this level.
Wednesday
Today the students are working on peer editing. I found that first period, which is the next honors class I will be taking over on Friday, works pretty well on editing and wanting feedback.
However, period 3 was a bit ridiculous They were chatting a lot, I had to walk around more than usual. The students all keep checking or testing me to see if I will make them get back to work. Every time I see them possibly off task I ask them who they are working with or what they are working on. I can tell some of them do not like that. However, I'm not there to make friends. I found that the regular students are definitely not as intrinsically motivated as the honors students Knowing this before I take over the regulars I need to start thinking of ways to effectively engage the students. (I would consider this a long term goal.)
Now for the segment "In The Teacher's Lounge." Today, in the teacher's lounge my CT and the other teachers were talking about a scandal that happened a few years ago where a teacher had a relationship with a student. It was really sad to hear about. The teachers kept saying they could not understand why a teacher would want to have a relationship with a student, considering that they are not on the same intellectual level. This conversation brought down the mood of lunch in my opinion, but it is something to learn from: you are not there to make friends.
Well, that brought down the mood, some good news is that the girl's Cross Country team is going to state this weekend and so is the boy's Soccer team for the second year in a row! I think that is pretty neat. The school in an effort to get students to get excited and support the teams is having a two hour early release on Friday announced today through an email. Also, because today is Halloween the some of the student body population was dressed up. Of course, the students needed to follow costume rules for school such as, no chains, no make-up that hides the face, no masks, no weapon looking props etc. As a result there were a lot of cats walking around. Fortunately the students that I saw were not dressed completely inappropriately.
Now, back to my teaching reflection. Period 8 was interesting. They all seemed to work really well. However, I had to make sure they keep switch for editing. When the students were done working on one paper, they sort of just sat there and talked. However, they did give really good feedback to one another which is perfect for editing before the final draft. There was one thing that sort of concerned me. There is a student in this class who I can tell does not respect me as a teacher. I get the strong feeling that he believes I don't know what I am doing. To a certain degree this is true. He is a smart student and works much like a robot. I know I cant make someone respect me, but it still bothers me a bit that someone thinks I incapable. I still am respectful to the student, but I am beginning to wonder if this will be an issue.
It was an interesting day.
Thursday
The start of the day was "cray cray!" So I got to school and hour early as usual, that is when team planning happens. I have been struggling with team planing because I hate coming into school the day of and not knowing what we are going to do for the day until the bell rings. It drives me a bit insane. This has been getting better because I ask the three other teachers what the plan is for the week so I have some sort of idea of what to expect. Today though, I believe tensions were running high.
So there are three teachers that plan together everyday and I have been sitting in on the planning since my student teaching started. Well, there is my CT, who has been teaching for 11+ years, another teacher (male), let's call him Tom, who has been teaching for about the same amount, and a newer teacher- I believe she has been teaching for maybe a year or two. Well here's what went down. So, my teacher is very opinionated and outspoken about how to teach English and what works and what doesn't. As you know the students are starting on their papers for the respective texts the Honors and Regulars are reading. The young teacher really wanted to have an assignment sheet for the Regulars on their paper. Which would outline how many quotes you need, how many pages, and come up with your thesis before you start writing your essay.
My CT hates this format. He made it clear as soon as she brought it up that it was not a good idea. Tom told her if she wants to do that she can. So they started to work on that together. (My teacher stepped out of the classroom for a second when Tom told her this.) When my CT came back he was said, "Why are we doing this? It does not work. Students freeze up and don't like writing or want to write when you give them a page full of things they need to do in order to write." He feels like you are setting the students up for failure when you tell them to write a thesis before seeing if the text has the ability to prove that statement. Well, tension got a little thick.
My CT just said do whatever you want. So, she was pretty much done for the day then left to her class she was saying earlier she like to have back ups in case her computer deletes it or if she is not going to be here next year. (I'm not sure what that means but if there is a job opening I'm going to apply for it.) My teacher said "[forget] this" when the other teacher said well what do you want to do. My teacher said nothing. Tom said, "Well I think that you should just say what you want to do because you're clearly not happy." My teacher decided to say well, "We keep telling her what to do and she doesn't want to do it. She's a new teacher and is still learning. I don't care if she is planning on not being here next year or not if your not going to listen or want our help then do your own thing. It makes no sense to do what she is trying to do. They've been doing that since the beginning of education. It clearly does not work." Then Tom and my CT went on to plan something that "works better." They came up with this: find evidence about your topic whether it is: music, violence family, drugs etc., then define what you think about the topic, gather evidence from your own life, compare the two ideas and make a chart out of them. I think I understand why they did this, but I will get to that later. Then my CT had to step out again.
Tom spoke with me for a moment. Tom says that my CT is a idealist. I picked that up for myself right away, but I didn't tell Tom this. Tom says that my CT must understand that he is a lone salmon swimming up the stream and everyone else is moving down. He needs to understand that he probably won't be commended for his ideas until he has retired and everyone else sees that they work. Tom continued to tell me that he agrees with him, but he sometimes gets a bit over the top. He also said that his ideas mostly come from his teaching style which is from a junior and senior stand point, this is only my CT's second year teaching sophomores. Then class was beginning to start.
I feel my CT was a bit over the top today because he was being observed the first period by the principal. He did perfectly fine, but I just think he was nervous. I just can't believe all of this went down in under an hour. It was pretty intense. However, it taught me that team planning is difficult and it is also frustrating when you have your own agenda. Despite this, you can still learn to compromise and work together in order to become a better teacher for your students.
Back to my teaching schedule...
I went a bit fast during 3rd period, but I had the student peer edit for tense and colons towards the end of class. Everything worked out fine. There is a student who will just sit there when I assign directions. I'm getting a bit annoyed because this is an honors class and I should have to tell him two or three times to get started. He will do everything except work, bother the other students, draw etc. I am going to talk to my CT about it soon.
The students in the regular classes worked really well on the pre-writing stage of their papers. My CT informed them that if they did not he would collect their books tomorrow. So, I suppose they didn't call his bluff, like he specifically told them not to.
My 8th period did well with the material. I had the students do some examples in their note books in order to pace myself a bit better.
Friday
We had an early release schedule today, I took over 1st period in addition to 3rd, and 8th period. I found that the students were expecting to not do work. However, I had them do some reverse editing where they would have someone who has not read their essay make an outline of their draft. I think the most frustrating thing a bout today is that the students were expect to watch a movie or something because other teachers were doing that. My CT and I were sort of annoyed to hear that. Throughout the day the students were complaining of having to do work, I was somewhat glad it was a short day.
******
You asked me last week you asked me how my faith is impacting my students. I would say my grace on assignments would be the best way for me to share my faith at this moment. This week a student forgot to turn in a major reading assignment to me last week. I asked her why she had a zero because I knew she completed the assignment. She was unaware that she had not even turned the assignment in. I suppose this is because she doesn't check her grades online. I allowed her to turn it in the next day even though it was well over due. I am also searching for new ways to show my faith in the classroom.
My journals will not be this long every week. However, this is the guidelines I would like to follow for the remainder of my student teaching. I believe that this week I focused on Illinois teaching standard 10, Reflection and Professional Growth. I believe that this week I have had to work on being a " reflective practitioner who continually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally." I am trying to work on my presentation to others and this standard is the main one that I am working on.
Thanks,
Courtney
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