TP-6

As I am reflecting on my last teaching practice, I am identifying some of my weaknesses that I have to work upon in order to become an effective teacher. One of the most important skills seems to be lacking, communication. I am finding it a bit hard to communicate with the students. Before I enter the class, I have lot of things in my mind, things which I have to do or say, but then I find it a bit hard to surpass the communication barrier between me and my students.

When I was doing the observations, I could immediately spot out methods and techniques that in my opinion could have been delivered in a different approach. However, there is a difference between observing and criticizing, and implementing the best approach possible. Thus, I have to work upon these skills to improve the way I communicate and deliver knowledge to my students in the best way possible.

Daniela

TP3 self evaluation

Sometimes you think that what you did was good, until someone puts in the picture other alternatives that you could and should have done. And this was what happened to me. Looking at the lesson plan, it seemed perfect but reflecting on things that I should have included, made me aware of how much time and thinking should be spent on organizing and structuring a lesson plan. During the lesson,i planned a quiz and it went as I was expecting, but if I had to do it again, I will change lot of things. First of all, I would consider the idea that the students themselves do the questions to be give to their friends, instead of me doing all the work. This way, it would be the students who would be doing the lesson. Moreover, I should have written the questions on a presentation rather than just reading them. This way the students would have been able to read the question themselves and maybe using pictures or animation can also be a trigger to motivate the students more to participate during the game.Regarding the time spent on the quiz, I am now realizing that it was way too long. I should have divided the time and instead of doing one activity, doing two or even starting something new. Even looking from the perspective of the students. I think that staying for a long time, in the same place makes you feel bored and thus loosing motivation. Although the students participated throughout the whole time, I think that doing something different would have been better. These evaluations are helping me to improve on my teaching skills since I am reflecting on my weaknesses and on those things that could go better and therefore, reflecting is helping me to be a better teacher. Take care, Daniela xoxo

TP 3 - Self Evaluation

Hello, During today's TP I reflected upon the importance of monitoring students one by one. Sometimes, while I was doing it, I was thinking that monitoring each student may prove to be timely and less effective; however, having shy students asking questions and clarifying certain concepts helped me realise that individual monitoring helps a lot to relate with the quite shy students; it helps you create a relationship of respect with the students. Furthermore, having students working with the NXT robots on the floor, although it might give the impression that they're wasting time and playing, is very essential since they are having fun roaming around the classroom rather than participating in a convential type of lesson. In addition to this, students seemed more likely to pay attention and get involved when they are free to use a larger area of space. Hence, I'll try to as much as possible create experiences which involve getting students out from behind their desks and taking an active part in the lesson which they feel they can relate to. That's all for today!! :)

TP 2 - Self Evaluation

Hello all, During last week's TP, being my second TP, I felt more confident and at ease before entering a classroom. However, there was a slight twist as in the Form 3 Computing students went on an outing and I were to expect them during the 5th lesson for either 40 minutes or 10 minutes, I didn't know at what time they were coming!! Moreover, I didn't find the NXT robots fully assembled with sensors and motors and this drove me up the wall although I tried not to show it. Obviously, we tried our best and managed to assemble one NXT robot. When they came in and we started the activities, I excused myself for not having enough NXT robots. Afterwards, I kind of regretted excusing myself in front of students as I thought they might perceive me as being reluctant to adequately prepare a lesson. But, if I were to take on the role of a student, having a teacher reasonably excusing herself would have taught me maturity, responsibility and a sense of humbleness which are important in every profession.

Although I was a bit scared about all the things that can go wrong during a lesson, I was looking forward for this teaching experience. Although I have to work upon time management skills, I feel that I did good, being my first time. I felt very tense and nervous and this had effected a bit the way I related with the students. Nontheless, this week was better than expected. During the Computing lesson, I had full control of the class and the students behaved very well. They did not take long to settle down and the lesson started immediately. When the students were doing their presentation in front of the class I could have involved more the other students by asking them questions about what their friends have just said. But still their behaviour was good. I liked the fact that when I was doing the presentation they participated and gave lot of feedback. This fact encouraged me a lot during the lesson because it was kind of a sign that they were being motivated and interested in the lesson. Also, when they were asked questions they answered wrong, another student was asked to explain to his friend and this worked very effectively. I also liked the fact that when the students were asked if they have any difficulties, at the end of the lesson, two of the students raised their hands and I explained again to the whole class.With regards to time management, I managed to finish everything in time.

Teaching Practice 1 - Sel-Evaluation

Hey all,
Since my very first teaching practice is 'finally' over, I'd like to share some thoughts upon my performance up to now as a student teacher. I said 'finally' because naturally, I were a bunch of nerves last week before my TP!!! On a general tone, I feel that the Computing lesson went better than the ICT one; I think that I wasn't wholly mentally prepared for the first lesson (ICT) as in I was more concerned about the content and resources which I had rather than on how to tackle the students. But as the lesson progressed, I started comprehending that my approach and my disciplinary method is as equally important as the resources, activities and worksheets which I had prepared.

I don't know whether it's normal but when I was reflecting about my first TP I found more weaknesses than strenghts. First of all, during the ICT lessson, I didn't stick to the time. I prepared a revision quiz on MS Word which I didn't even start becauase the shifting of students from the computers to the middle table seemed never to last. Hence, for next time I won't tell them to shift places; I'll simply carry out the quiz with them sitting on the PC stations so as to save time.

However, I personally felt that the Computing lesson was more successful than the ICT one. First and foremost, it was a double lesson hence I had ample time to carry out the activities which I prepared. Secondly, unlike what I did for the first lesson, I entered the class looking quite rigid and this had a positive effect since the students felt that they weren't going to mess around and waste time. Therefore, I'll always keep in mind to be kind but firm.

See you next week!!

Looking back from when I was a student, the most lessons which I used to find difficult (and boring, in a way) were those lessons in which a new topic was introduced. So much new material in so much little time. But the way the teacher present it can change the whole spectrum.


As I was observing a computing lesson, the teacher introduced the use of a decision in a flowchart. He started by giving a problem and building the solution step by step. When it came to the decision part, the students got confused and could not understand the point of it.

If I were the teacher, I would have started by giving a ready made example and then building one from the beginning. In this way, students can understand what they are moving towards and get the idea of what they are suppose to do, rather than moving towards something that they don't know about.

Daniela
XOXO

Visit 10 - Reflections

And some reflections of the last observation session...

From the lesson that I've observed, I've learned about the importance of checking beforehand whether all the resources available are at hand. The fact that the students realized first that the public domain was inaccessible shows a degree of unprofessionality on the part of the teacher. Hence, I'll make it a point to check beforehand whether all the resources I need are working so that the activities are done more seamlessly and precious time is not wasted on distributing working files one by one.

That's all for today!

Visit 9 - Reflections

My reflection for observation visit 9...

One approach that I liked is the fact that the teacher sat next round the middle table next to a disruptive student. This student stopped fidgeting immediately and I could see that he felt also proud that the teacher chose to sit next to him. Personally, I liked this method since it maintains order in the class without having the teacher correcting students all the time and wasting time changing students' places.

Although I like the fact that the teacher showed parts of the internal system (RAM slots etc.)when explaining computer architecture, however I found it quite disturbing that he didn't pass on mobile equipment such as the fan and the data cables especially because students sitting at the back found it difficult to see the objects properly. In this case, I think it's more appropriate to distribute the objects to the students so that apart from helping them getting the feel of what a real computer system is all about, furthermore they are gaining confidence in this field by having a closer look at how things work.

Now... my last post for today coming up soon :)

Visits 8 - Reflections

Hello,

Although a bit late, I'd like to share with you some of the things which struck me and hence I jotted down during my 8th observation session.

Firstly, I liked the approach that the teacher took when she asked a question to a particular student and pretended the answer from that student only. This shows that student that the teacher believes that he knows the answer. Furthermore, this also helps to keep the students focused as they never know when it's their turn to answer to a question posed to them by the teacher.

Secondly, I feel that in some cases it's not necessary to show the students step by step what to do on the SmartBoard. I think that they should be left to work simple things out on their own rather than being spoon fed all the time. In this sense, I witnessed the teacher showing them how to change a picture to each of the available formats (tight, behind text, in front of text). If I were the teacher I would have showed them only how to change the picture's format once and then leave them to experiment on their own with the different formats available. In this way, the students are urged to work more rather than being passive receivers of knowledge and moreover, they are given the chance to actively construct their own knowledge.

Teacher's responsibilities

I strongly believe that teachers' responsibility starts from the moment s/he walks into the school, until s/he leaves the premises. Today I witnessed a particular incident that made me reflect on the roles and responsibilities I would be having as a future teacher.

Between the change of lessons a student was having an argument with a younger student. I heard him saying: "Jaqbillek taghmel li qatlek". As I was watching them from above, two teachers passed by the students but they did not even dare to look at them. The older student pushed the other one so strong that he fell to the ground. One of the teachers turned around and said to the boys: "Aqtawha naqa boys. Go to your classrooms." and did nothing to scold the older student. The young one looked scared and I could see that he was about to cry. He was being bullied and the teacher, who saw everything that was happening, did noting to stop him.

It was the teacher's responsibility to do something. Things could have been much different for the young boy if the teacher had done something. I am fully aware that the role of the teacher is not simply to go in the classroom and do the lesson . I will response to bullying when it does happen. If I encounter a bully activity in the school environment, it will be my responsibility to stop the activity and bring this to the attention of the school administration.

Regards,
Daniela
XoXO

Hey all,

During my last observation, I reflected on how important it is to be flexible and to have a second plan ready for whatever can unexpectedly happen. There was a misunderstanding since the teacher thought that from that day I would start teaching. Although he was not prepared to do the lesson, he had backup plans ready to be used. He used the lesson as a revision lesson using ready made activities. He gave out the half yearly examination papers and discussed the questions with the students.

First of all, I liked the fact that the teacher did not read out the marks in front of everyone. Since some of the students did not go well, they did not feel humiliated in front of the others. I liked the fact the the teacher went through the paper and did a quick revision on each question using different activities. For instance, when doing a question regarding binary, a student (who got the answer right)was asked to explain the question to the other students and then another student (who got the answer wrong)was brought out to do another example and he got the answer correct. Other simple and quick activities included a brief interesting presentation on utility programs, in which the students were randomly asked questions and thus they were on their toes all the time.


As a future teacher, I believe that one of my biggest challenges would be that of trying to be flexible with my schedule and have ready plans and activities at hand. Also I would do my best to motivate each student and be active in the class. I will address these challenges by becoming more organized.

Visit 7 - Reflections

Hello,
During last week's observation session, I reflected upon:

Creating experiences for students to become independent and responsible :-
Mr. X was approached by a student who claimed that the hadn't handed in his homework because Mr. X didn't ask him for it. Mr. X explained that it was the student's duty to ensure that he hands in his work on time. I totally agree with the teacher's mode of handling such a situation because this helps the students become more aware of their responsibilities and helps them become more independent.

Collaborating with other staff members :-
During the lesson, a student came for Dusty as the guidance teacher asked for him. The teacher, quite angrily said "Uhh, ghadu kemm gie ghax ghadu kemm mar jiehu t-TB; ha jkollu jerga' johrog". Because of this, Dusty hesitated a bit and then he sent him. I think that the teacher's remark didn't show that there was a sense of collaboration and mutual understanding between members of staff as there should be. Although I understand that the teacher said that because he didn't want Dusty to miss the lesson, however if I were the teacher I wouldn't have passed that comment in front of the students because that shows lack of professionality and reluctance to collaborate with other colleagues. Besides, because of such a comment, the teacher sort of underrated the importance of the guidance teacher in the school.

Importance to marks :-
Although much is being said upon gearing students towards appreciating the importance of educating themselves to be more rounded humans rather than teaching so that students pass exams, I believe that the success of such a goal depends primarily on the teacher. As a case in point, I witnessed a teacher reading out aloud the results of the students one by one without making any reference to what sections did the students gone awry. Besides, the teacher didn't even correct the half yearly paper at all; she simply read the marks. Firmly, I believe that this affirmed the culture of studying to obtain a pass mark rather than studying to become more knowledgeable about a subject. Hence, as a future teacher I'll strive not to fall in this pattern of heading my class to obtain a pass mark solely for the sake of passing an exam. I'll try to go beyond that by acknowledging the parts where they excelled in and directing their attention towards those areas where they need to work more.

That's all for today... Good day

Hello,
It's been quite a long time since I published my last post. However, as I was skimming through the points and reflections that I've jotted down during my last visit, I felt compelled to share some of the things that I've thought about...

The importance of establishing class rules a priori :- Mr. X refused to let 3 students enter the classroom late without bringing a note from the head justifying their lateness. However, this was the first time he took on this stance. Naturally, the students were gobsmacked and went out quietly. When they came in, Dusty rudely threw the note on the teacher's desk. The teacher rebuked by saying, "Int x'izzik tahseb li int!? Jien minix ir-rufjan tieghek." Eventually, he sent him out for the second lesson as well. Personally, although I cannot justify the student coming late when mostly all of his fellow classmates were on time, however, if I were the teacher, I would have had stipulated class rules at the beginning of the scholastic year and definately I won't try to assert my position by speaking rudely to a student. I would be lacking professionality if I were to tackle this matter this way.

Boardwork :- Another aspect which is worth mentioning is the importance of neat and organised boardwork. The lesson prepared by Ms. Y was about binary subtraction. Undoubtedly, this requires working thorough examples and explaining the method more than once. Ms. Y took care of using the board appropriately by dividing it in half and using headings as well. I feel that this will help the students structure their thoughts easily and above all, those who dared to take notes had the chance of copying organised notes which will surely help a great deal when they study for their exams.

hey all,

I found last weeks' lesson observation quite interesting. during the previous lesson, the teacher had explained a new topic. To further explaine it, during the lesson I was observing, the teacher used an online presentation and the students were very motivated. After seeing the presentation, the students were asked to do a presentation themselves in groups and present it infront of each other. I liked the fact that the teacher gave them a list of websites that they could find information from regarding the topic and then it was up to them to do the research rather than having ready made handouts. In this way, the students were very motivated and did their best to come up with a good presentation.

P.S. this is the link of a website that was used during the lesson which I found quite interesting:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/

Daniela,
XoXo

Visit 5

In last week's observation session I kept an eye and reflected upon the teachers' skill to elicit and make use of pre-taught knowledge. As a case in point, I remember an episode which took place during a Form4 Computing class during which the topic was binary addition. She taught them the reasoning behind the result 1 carry 0 for 1+1 and hence, when she was about to work out 1+1+1, she expected them to come up with the answer. Fortunately, a considerable number of students managed to work out the sum correctly without having any hints from the teacher. All of this helped me understand the importance of eliciting and creating the experiences in which students are given the opportunity to manipulate what they already know. Undoubtedly, this helps the students because apart from triggering them to think, it helps them perceive learning as a tool for maturing thought rather than as an excercise in which to use memory and regurgitate.