Reflection Four

Week Four Reflection
Leigha Tracey – BSU Student Intern
For the week of September 9-13

Participation/Observation (15)

This week I was able to observe and participate in several areas of training. Final projects for the first cohorts were due. I was able to observe and participate in organizing work groups, making special arrangements for students in detention, absence and students that have special needs. We also did a dry run for ISTEP testing next week. During out intern meeting this week we met with Sue Moeschl from Carmel/Clay Admin. She is in IT and her presentation to us was helpful and very interesting to me considering my affinity for computers, technology and instructional design.
One of the things that has been on my mind this week is how journalism fits into the school system. It is not a core 40 subject and is considered an extra-curricular activity in many schools. This makes grading difficult. Mark and I spoke a lot this week about grading and being fair, especially to students that may need extra time or help. Then, there are those students that just simply do not apply themselves, but are quick to catch onto how to get more time in the name of fairness. It is an intricate game between teacher and students. It has been an educational week!

Teaching (21)

I did my first substitute teaching this week. It went very well, even though I have been ill all week. I was a sub for a science class, but still felt that I had valuable input to give to the students on their projects and presentations. I didn’t feel nervous at all and dealt with the few discipline problems that arose with ease. The anniversary of the terrorist bombings was this past week. I was a sub on 9-11. The school had a moment of silence and commentary over the loud speaker. It was emotional and several students cried. This not being my normal class and being emotional myself had me a bit worried, but somehow without skipping a beat I moved the class into their task.

In my own classes, it has been a crazy week. Students were trying to complete their final projects and the excuses began on Monday! I felt some disappointment and frustration with the quality of the work, especially in the group I was spearheading (photography). In addition to their project outlines, I took the time to develop an additional worksheet explaining the requirements in detail. I also gave them the opportunity for extra credit. On the other hand, I had a few students who normally flounder really shine in this area, which gives me a sense of accomplishment. The ying and the yang, I suppose.

Notes

• Due to being ill this week, I did not try to tackle anything on my intern list.
• I appreciate how the class assignments directly relate to the yearbook that the students are putting together. They seem pleased and surprised that their work will be part of the product. I think that is great.
• I have had the opportunity to see a few students doing some critical thinking this week during project work times. I have even had a few students take initiative further develop their projects based on their interests and creative ideas.
• The administration had instructions for 9-11, so I followed those directives.
• Mark gave the students an extra assignment this week called “Random Acts of Kindness.” He charged the students with completing one week of random acts to be written about in their weekly free-write. He explained that this was a way to counter the bad feelings of the terrorist attacks.
• Mark also had the managing editor take a leadership role in the newspaper class. It was difficult to watch him struggle, but undoubtedly, he will never forget the experience. A true learning moment!
• I am learning a great deal about rules and consistency. In addition, I am learning the art of being fair without being black and white. Mark is a MASTER at this.
• I have been grading and also noticing areas that I will need to spend extra class time with skill development. I notice that the students are still struggling with leads, so I will present another, more specific lesson on lead writing on Monday.
• I will also do a presentation of captions in the near future as students lack skill in this area.