The questions I chose to reflect on were asked at the beginning of class on February 17th. I have been able to good instruction and poor instruction through the time I've spent in my PDS. The two teachers I have been placed with thus far have been amazing and extremely helpful. Last semester I was able to grasp English teaching strategies while this semester I am learning about integrated classrooms. I think both methods are important to learn because I may have an integrated English classroom one day.
1. What kinds of assessments have you seen used in the classroom? Which do you like? Dislike? Explain.
Last semester the host teacher I was with did a unit on The Canterbury Tales. My host teacher gave me a section to teach the next week I was there. I came up with an activity that incorporated the tale. I typed up each characters part in the tale, and had the students read it aloud. However, they had to pay attention because they didn't know when they went next-- I would cue them in each time. I made up some discussion questions and asked the students what they thought the purpose of that tale was. They really enjoyed the assignment. I thought it was good for me to be able to create a mini lesson and perform it to the class. My host teacher told me what she liked and what I may want to do next time if I were to teach the lesson again. Feedback helped me decide how to do better during the next lesson I would put together, and what things to do again.
This semester I am with a special education teacher that collaborates with other teachers. He floats around 3 classrooms while I'm there. I was able to witness my host teacher in his own classroom a few weeks ago for about 15 minutes. He teaches 1 special education history. It was interesting that he tried to incorporate different learning styles. The students put together cereal boxes that had a famous person in history on the box. Then the students added information and whatever else they wanted.
2. What kinds of assessments would you like to use in your future classroom? Explain. What will you need to do between now and then to increase the likelihood of you using those kinds of assessments?
I would like to include different genres of literature in everything I teach. Whether it be from the 1920's and The Great Gatsby, or a graphic novel, American Born Chinese. I think the reason students don't enjoy literature is because most teachers do not incorporate things the students like. They like technology and like working with technology as much as they can, so as a teacher, that needs to be incorporated in the classroom if possible. I think student responses can be done via blog. If the students see that they can write whatever they want with some structure online and can respond however they want, and comment of other students responses they may do this more frequently. To make this happen I need to find a school where I can have computer access. Most schools only have one computer in the classroom, the teachers computer, and have computer labs for students to use if the teacher requests to use it. I need to experience different styles of literature myself, so that I can introduce them to my students as well.
Some of the wonderings I have incorporate both aspects of my host teachers and mentors. If the special education can not be in the classroom how willing are they to help collaborate with teachers? I know this will vary from school to school; however this is a relevant question to ask when getting hired in an integrated school. Also, does the school (whichever school I am at whether it be EFHS or another) offer special education materials that teachers, or student teachers, like myself, can use to help students succeed in the classroom?
Nicole
First of all, I liked your mini lesson on the Canterbury Tales. The more engaged students are, the more they are likely to learn. Your discussion questions are a good form of assessment, except that some students are reluctant to discuss orally. They may prefer to write responses.
ReplyDeleteYou most likely will be in a differentiated classroom, since most special ed students are now included in regular ed classrooms. Ask your host teacher to see the teachers' edition of the class textbook. I believe the literature texts have side notes and suggestions for modifications. When you make regular lesson plans, you'll have to include modifications in them, so it would be good to start thinking along those lines. I'm sure your mentor teacher will share those with you.
With regard to the absence of technology, many school systems struggle with finances, but hopefully, as you enter the teaching profession, things are getting better with regard to technology. Many classrooms now have 3 or 4 computers or, as you mentioned, access to a lab. Your idea for students blogging is a great one. Try to implement that. If you don't have access to computers in your classroom, schedule lab time(you may have to schedule the lab a couple of weeks in advance), or is it possible for kids go blog from home?
Good luck with your mini lessons.
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having a great experience at your PDS. I think that seeing a teacher who collaborates with others is something we should all see. It shows us how to work with our co-workers and shows us that we can share lesson plans and ideas with others.
I definitely agree that it's important for teachers to use materials that the students will enjoy, like books that appeal to their interests and activities that make class fun for them. I think it's great that you're thinking about the student and their interests and needs rather than just moving along through a school provided anthology, for example, and making it uninteresting.
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