Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Model 2& 3

Module 2: Types of classroom data
I knew that the data that I could be using to collect would be students work and some assessments. I also thought of using conversations with my cooperating teachers and PLC members. I have learned so much from my cooperating teacher in my second ration that it would be assume if I could not use her/him as a resource. I also know that I have gained the most from the feedback from my cooperating teachers. It would be very beneficial to use data that has helped me grow so much over the past few months.
The two types of data that seem to not hit me to use was digital pictures and the video we had taken. Personally I feel that it is way too distracting to have a camera in the classroom. I do not know how many times I was trying to take pictures of my students at work and there would be a random head just showing up in the frame. Students also have a tendency to think that since there is a visitor in the classroom, then they can misbehave. I hated to have people come watch me because I knew my classroom management skills would be tested.

Module 3: Research Plan
I was able to use my cooperating teachers, other teachers and my PLC group for feedback on my research. I learned a lot about my classroom management, however; I also learned that the way you handle your classroom management is everything. I am still learning and will always be gathering information on classroom management. It is very important to always be willing to change and adapt for each batch of students.

After Video Edit

All I can say is that I hate to watch myself . It was so hard to listen to my voice. I sounded like a crazy person, however; the kids love it. One thing I learned from watching my video was that I play wit props. I had a pointer in my hand for a big book read and all of the sudden it became a weapon. I kept using it to point at the ground, pictures, children and random things. I felt like it became a distraction. Overall, I feel that I am learning a great deal and my teaching is reflecting it. I made sure to grab the students attention. I also made sure to let the students talk during the read aloud. Younger students love to make comments and get involved in the reading. Letting them talk was a great way to keep them involved. It was hard for me because it seemed a bit chaotic, but the kids loved it and really seemed to learn something from it. My video did not match my wondering because it was taken in the first rotation.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Post-Reflection ( Before the video)

Well folks, my lesson was a hit!
I honestly did a wonderful job and I am very, very proud of myself. I was worried for no reason. I think the moons were in line for me. The technology I used worked well and so did the students. All the students participated in the lesson . I did not expect the students to enjoy the lesson as much as they did. I love when all students actively participate and all of them truly did. The only thing that I think I could work on is my nerves. I was so nervous and at times it was hard for me to slow down. I was sweating like a pig and could not stop. However, I felt like I did much better than my other lesson. I feel like I have learned and grown so much since the last time I did my observed lesson. I am looking forward to Quest 2 and walking across that stage. I can honestly say that I will be a great teacher!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Observation Lesson Pre-Post

I am a little nervous about this lesson. I have chosen to use the active board and I am really scared that for some reason it will not work. My entire lesson is suppose to be on the active board, so it better work. I am very excited that I finally get to use the active board. I hope the students love it. I am also nervous that the students will not be on their best behavior. My last lesson was a bust and the students just did not want to listen. So, I hope this time they will respect me and participate fully. I am not so sure that the lesson will be fun, but they do love the active board. WISH ME LUCK!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Wondering #3

I wonder how I can maintain good classroom management skills without taking away from the students?

In my last cooperating class I had two students that were always a challenge. I had to constantly monitor them and make sure they were on task. In fact, I had to monitor them so much that I could tell it was taking away from the other students. I had to stop instruction several times, to try and keep these two students focused. While keeping these students in line, instruction had to stop and the other students would get frustrated. As a result, I would love to figure out how I could maintain classroom management with behavior challenging students, without taking away from the other students instruction.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Overall, this entire experience has been one to learn from. However, one of the most important things I learned, is the importance of classroom management. I had no clue as to how much time is really spent on classroom management. Without classroom management, things would be chaotic and the children would suffer from it. For instance, my cooperating teacher focuses on classroom management and her children are well mannered and well behaved. She is able to teacher her student so mu more than the other teachers that lack in that area. I have also learned the importance of organization. If you are not organized, then you will not be able to complete all your assignments for quest 2. I have also learned to give a real lesson. My first lesson was a big flop, but I have improved over time. Her critiques have given me an opportunity to correct my mistakes. For instance, my first lesson had a lot of classroom management problems. I was able to correct those problems the next time. Quest 2 has been a little crazy, but in a good way. I have faced a lot of personal challenges. For instance, I have wanted to give up several times. I have doubted my abilities and have even thought of changing my major. To get thorough the tough times of doubt, I have told myself I can and I will. I have tried my best and finally my best it starting to work. I have learned to face my fears. It is okay if you are not successful at everything, because you can learn from your failures. For the rest of the semester, my learning goals are to manage stress and to always keep growing. One must always find the positive in everything. Teaching is a hard job and if you can not find the positive, you will not be able to do your best.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Teaching Inquiry # 2 Teching Practice

I wonder how the TLC approach really works ?
I wonder this because she always talks about how positive reinforcement really helps a student who acts out. So I wanted to see if this approach really fixes the problem.
To answer my wondering, I plan on observing the class and asking the cooperating teacher her thoughts and opinions about the situation.

Teacher Inquiry # 1

I wonder why "Child A", has a hard time following instruction?
I always see this particular child taking her time to flow instructions. She is always the last person to the carpet and put up her materials. I want to know why this is!To answer this question, I plan on observing the child's behavior and asking the cooperating teacher for background info.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Beginning Reflection

Personal attributes are a very important aspect of Quest 2 . Every student must learn to uphold every attribute to the fullest. Personally, I feel that patience will be one of that hardest attributes for me to adhere to. I am the type of person that wants things done in a timely manner. It will be very difficult for me to understand that not everyone is on my time schedule. I understand that "life" happens, but I do not always have the patience for life. However, I feel that I will exceed in the areas of tactfulness and enthusiasm. I have a giant heart and adore children. I am always aware of peoples feelings and do my best not to hurt them. I am also very enthusiastic about about life. My love for life and children will help me exceed the expectations for tactfulness and enthusiasm; in and out of the classroom.

Quest 2: ONE CRAZY RIDE


Hello All,


This is my first reflection for quest 2! How exciting is this! Well, I say this now, however; it is only week one.