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!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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
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!
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 :)
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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.
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.
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