The last week of fieldwork is complete, and although I feel it was a great accomplishment, there is so much more to learn and experience. I have to admit the idea of fieldwork was scary as the time approached, however, I will certainly be able to use this experience to build on in the future. There are several things I learned throughout this time helping to develop my pedagogical knowledge, while reinforcing much content along the way.
For one, planning and preparedness are essential!!! It is not enough to know what the plans consist of but having expert knowledge in the different subjects is crucial. Being able to teach in a way that students can understand and be engaged is what every teacher hopes to accomplish. Having the ability to answer their questions, or at least acknowledge that you don't have the answer but will get back to them is important. Classroom management - without it, you have nothing. It is important to establish your class rules from the beginning whether they are posted in the classroom or at the start of your assignments. Developing standard practices will create fewer headaches in the future, and the students will know what your expectations are from the outset. I liked the point system group 4 used during their fieldwork. Another thing I learned was that it's important to stop what you are doing and wait until you regain the student's attention, rather than continuing with them talking over you.
I learned it's important to relax and have fun. And to write your lessons like a story the students can follow leading into each new day. It's important to remember that while the lessons may not go as planned every day, as a teacher, we can improvise and remain on task. If you are enjoying what you do, are knowledgeable in the material, and having fun chances are your students will too. I learned it is important to give students the opportunity to think for a few minutes before providing them with an answer, for me to question them or involve their classmates in whether or not they agree with the answer. Students learn more when they are engaged in the process. Anyone can give them the answers!
I knew this already, but fieldwork definitely reinforced just how different each student is and as a teacher how we must adapt to that in order for each student to have the same experience and opportunity to learn, equity-based learning. And in becoming a great teacher it is important to know your students, how they learn, what motivates them, what worries them, what they are good at, what areas they need assistance in, and so forth. This is where a "get-to-know" you type project at the beginning of each school year helpful to teachers. While some are classic "textbook" learners, others learn best through inquiry. And yet, there are others who have a hard time reading or writing for that matter. It's important to get to know your students at the beginning of each year to assess their strengths and weaknesses and to re-evaluate them throughout the year. The students you start with, will not be the same students intellectually as the year progresses. Being able to adapt to all of these situations will make me a better teacher.
And one last thing I'll touch on. I learned it's important to cover the material in a manageable fashion, with awareness of both time and sensory overload. While I think all of my colleagues including my group, made significant attempts with a valiant effort, I believe that we need to find a happy medium in the materials taught. Some lessons were shorter, and some were so extensive in detail they made me feel like my head was going to explode. So, I think there has to be a balance in our creativity of required subject material.I grew up in a house where education was paramount in life; I instill that in my children, and I hope to teach that in at least some of my students along the way. Without the ability to question, we learn nothing. I truly believe that teaching is a privilege!
No comments:
Post a Comment