Final Lab Reflection

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:

-          The importance of “wait time”

-          How to engage learners

-          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.