Reflection One
Week
One Reflection
Leigha
Tracey – BSU Student Intern
For the week of August 19-23
Note: Hours tallied include the short week and are based on a
seven hour day.
Observation
– (16 hrs.)
I
was able to observe many important techniques and values in the
first week. The first class sessions were devoted to getting to
know students. They were tasked to introduce themselves and tell
the class something unique about themselves. Mr. Smith uses wait
time effectively. One student pointed out that they were the only
black student in the class. Mr. Smith took the opportunity to
address multicultural issues at this time. During our planning
period I was able to give him feedback on how I thought he handled
the situation. Mr. Smith also began determining readiness by surveying
the students as to whether or not they had been in a journalism
class before. Along with this he set the pace for the coming weeks
by discussing the expectations that we had for them. During our
planning periods we discussed teacher/student boundaries, techniques
for dealing with differing growth and maturity rates, and integrating
proximity and current events (news) into lessons.
I
have completed the following “log experiences”
- Observe
and shadow a building level administrator – Rich Allen
- Attend
and complete training on electronic grade books
Participation
- (17 hrs.)
Beginning
on the first day of class Mr. Smith allowed me to take over portions
of the class. By the end of the first week I was teaching the
entire lesson and leading discussion. I began by watching him
during the first class period to see how he set the pace and style
of delivery, then I took over portions of the class throughout
the day. I am able to tell Mr. Smith how I would like to learn
from him, which has made me feel very comfortable. By engaging
me immediately in teaching the class I feel that I have built
credibility with the students and they view me as an authority
figure in the classroom. During my participation this week I learned
how to integrate proximity into class discussions, group students
effectively, utilize the entire room when giving a lecture, lead
critical thinking exercises, and implement a “let them fail
first” philosophy. I found this last approach interesting
and very effective in a journalism classroom. By letting students
get the hands dirty and try things they are able to discover what
they need to know, then they ask to learn. Genius!
Teaching – (19 hrs.)
The
first week I developed and taught a multi-day lesson plan on interviewing.
I demonstrated a bad interview for the students and then had them
critique what I did wrong. I facilitated several discussions and
group work.
Notes
- When
leading a discussion ask for students that I haven’t heard
from today
- Integrate
current events and news into discussion
- Remember
to review an activity before moving onto the next
- Activate
prior knowledge as often as possible
- Prior
to journaling or pre-writes, tell the students who will have
to read to establish security
