Hello everyone,
I hope that Mother Nature’s little fit this week has not got your spirits down and that this blog finds you well. I started teaching the animal science course this week and so far I think it is going well. Starting out with one class is providing me the opportunity to test the waters or "get my feet wet" if you read my previous blog. I am able to teach a lesson then ask my supervising teacher what I did well and what suggestions he has for me. This immediate feedback is what makes the student teaching process so valuable. I have had a few conversations with a couple first year teachers and the general consensus is that the hardest part of your first year on your own is you no longer have the access to feedback that you did during student teaching. So I am going to use this resource as much as possible while I have it!
A few things I have already learned from a few periods of teaching:
1- Always have something for the students to do. No I am not talking about sending the kids out to clean the shop because you can’t think of anything for them to do. I am talking about productive items that you can have them do if they complete the assignment early. This could be reading ahead in their workbook to get a jumpstart on the assignment tomorrow, working on their record books (AET), or ongoing projects that they have a long time to complete. If a student is occupied by an activity that has meaning they are more likely to remain a positive influence in your classroom rather than a distraction.
2- Watch your crutch words. I mentioned before that I am no great orator, but I despise when speakers I listen to continually use crutch words. "So class, today we are going to work on... ummm... activity 2.1 in your workbooks. Ummm when you finish that you can continue on to ... ummm... section 2.2." I can thank my lucky stars that I do not use the word "umm," but every once in a while I will use the word "ok" more often than I should. This is something I plan to work on and I believe I did a much better job during today’s lesson.
3- Finally, pick your battles. Do not pull out the heavy artillery to attack a small problem. Most students will respond more to reprimands that come in a respectful and positive manner and not from a teacher that unleashes a wave of furry upon them. When students talk during lecture, remain quiet and explain your expectations. If the problem persists then you can use different tactics.
This just scratches the surface of what I have learned throughout my last few days. I am enjoying this opportunity and it has taught me that I chose the right profession. I love working with kids and all of their antics and I basically love everything about the job (except the never-ending pile of paperwork I have witnessed). I believe that with time I will begin to develop a better understanding of why certain methods work and why some don’t. I am on my way and as always I am living to serve.
No comments:
Post a Comment