Was
the teaching lab component a positive experience? Why or why not?
The experience of teaching my peers
was one of the most positive experiences I have had this semester. With talking
to my cooperating teacher, she stated that their only teaching lab was
micro-teaching at State College. As I reflected upon that I thought how in
three days can you really practice and develop teaching skills? It seems
impossible to me. With the lab component of the semester I was able to develop
my teaching by learning the following:
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The importance of “wait time”
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How to engage learners
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The use of variability in teaching aids such as
worksheets, objects, and visual aids such as PowerPoint
By fulfilling the requirements of
the teaching lab I was able to not only develop my skills in the moment but to
also reflect upon my performance. I was able to watch videos of my performance
as well as my peers. Through this I could see that I wasn’t the only one
struggling with different areas of teaching. As I gave my peers constructive
reflection I was able to give myself that valuable feedback as well! Through
the use of voice thread and blogger I was able to develop my teaching
pedagogies.
How
would you improve the lab component of AEE 412?
To improve the lab component of AEE
412, I would start by changing the reflective component. I feel that too often
we’re afraid to critically assess our peers because we have our own areas to
develop. However, it’s so important that we are able to assess our peers and
help them as they develop their teaching ability. If I was running the AEE 412
lab I would link blogger and voice thread. Along with that I would cut back the
number of reflections but ask more of each reflection. I would ask that the
students critically assess their peers and link it to their blogs.
I think I would also assign students
to reflect on three of their peers.
For example: I would read blog of
“Johnny” watch the teaching video of “Johnny” and then reflect upon both.
Because we’re always trying to
refine our ability to give constructive feedback I think it’s important that we
receive feedback on our feedback. I think every week comments on how in depth
we we’re or how we could expand.
How
you personally and professionally grown since taking the AEE 412 teaching lab?
With the role playing component of
the AEE 412 teaching lab I feel that I have grown as a professional. As the
role model of a classroom it’s important that we’re consistent with our
expectations of our students. I found that with the teaching labs I was able to
keep that consistency with my students (peers). I was able to commend great behavior
and correct poor behavior.
Every time we interact with someone
on a professional level we’re being interviewed. With the lab component of this
course I was able to help make that first interaction a good interview! By
presenting myself in professional attire and greeting students at the door I
set the stage for my classroom. This is something I will take with me as a
professional.
Do
you feel you have become a more reflective teacher/learner? Why or why not?
Through this lab I was able to
strengthen my reflective part. I was not only willing to give others critical
feedback but I was open to receiving it myself. As a practitioner it’s so
important that we’re always reflecting in order that we can continuously
improve. I think one misconception of reflection is that things need to change.
I disagree, if I have something great I wouldn't change it! However, I think
that continuously assessing my performance to make sure that it is great is
key!
How
do you think incorporating reflection into your preparation, teaching, and
learning will make you a better educator?
By incorporating reflection into my
preparation, teaching, and learning I’ll be able to continuously improve. Being
a reflective practitioner will ensure that I’m learning from what I do and continuing
to improve. If I’m lacking variability in one lesson I’ll be sure to make note
of that and change it for the next day or the next time I teach that lesson. It’s
only fair to the students that they are receiving the best education and in
order to tailor the necessary content to their needs I’ll continue to reflect
and refine!
What
do you wish would have been detailed more in depth for better understanding in
the AEE 412 teaching lab experience?
I feel that everything needed for
the labs was available to us and taking advantage of that opportunity was our
responsibility as well. However, more expansion on expectations of us and
feedback of when we are or are not meeting those expectations would benefit greatly.
