The aspects of week five that I found most valuable is the participation rate that my seventh period class is starting to give. When I first started teaching that class nobody wanted to participate and they all stared at me like I had ten heads. I have started to get them to participate because I have just been going around the room and everyone takes a turn solving the transactions. I think they are finally started to get used to me a little bit, and they are not as talkative as they were when I first started. The other aspect of the week that I found valuable was using a video to introduce my lesson on contracts. The students seemed to have liked the video, and enjoyed something different in the class. My business law students always participate during the class discussions. I also feel that some days I can do this and some days I feel like I am horrible and cannot do this. I know that this also has to do with the hormones in my body going wacky since I am expecting a baby, but I just get so emotional some days, not until after I leave school though. I also found that planning is everything. If you plan far enough in advance, it will only benefit you in the end. There is a lot of work and planning that goes into this student teaching experience.
I also followed a student for the day on Friday. I thought that this was a great activity for us to complete. It really gives insight on what the students do throughout the day. The girl I followed is very intelligent and is in the advanced classes at the school. I feel that most of the teachers expect a lot from the students but that is great because it makes them motivated. I think that the day is long at the district that I am at. I think that the students attending nine periods a day plus lunch is long.
If I could go back to the beginning of the week and change anything it would definitely be to try and not let things bother me. Things that are not in my control and the unexpected disturbances that occur during the class is what I wish did not bother me this week. I would also make sure that I have extra activities ready for the students if they finish early or if we finish completing the cases in the book early. I would make sure that in accounting there is enough time to get through the mastery problems at the end of the chapter also.
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I had some experiences with students as well this week. Many of the kids are comfortable talking with me now and it is very valuable to learn what their lives are like. It shows that your students do many more things outside of your classroom. Sounds like you've done a great job with your planning. Keep up the good work and I agree with you, we should all try and collaborate for Accounting and any other classes we have. Good luck in week 6!!
ReplyDeleteBoy Vicky! This was a great posting!
ReplyDeleteYou learned so much this week not only about your students and what works in the classroom, but also about yourself. Take all that you are going through into consideration, but promise me to do one thing. I read a book, The Four Agreements: A Tolec Wisdom Book, by Don Miguel Ruiz, on the four principles of life and one of those principles is, Don't take anything personally." Since I have read that book and instilled what I learned, things go a lot smoother even when those things are really rough. You will prevail even during your pregnancy. Pregnant women are very strong physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually...you have to be...you are doing it all for two! :)
Take care and know that we are all cheering you on to finish the semester!