This week was interesting. With Spring Break looming it was obvious during the latter part of the week that students had mentally checked out.
The start of the week was smooth and business as usual. I wrapped two units and have successfully started a unit with my Socials 9 group on New France. My Socials 8 and Socials 10 classes each had unit tests. I was happy with how I administered the tests as well as the results from students. In each class a couple of students did poorly, this was nothing more than a reflection of their commitment to the course material. I was not surprised by any of the results.
Overall the week has been all about adapting. Multicultural lunch day, Collaboration day and a Safe-teen talk with my grade 9s has meant I am rearranging lessons to cater to the events happening in the school. I wonder why they have packed so many “alternative” days into one week, it has caused extra work for teachers (or maybe just teacher candidates) and students have been easily distracted. I feel that some of that distraction comes from Spring Break starting on Friday, however, having the last week of classes be interrupted so frequently has surely contributed to student disengagement.
My grade 11s were my toughest class this week. On Tuesday we worked so well together. Research papers were developed and students actively participated in question and answer sessions. By Thursday the tides had turned. It was near impossible to get any involvement out of them. I tried small group discussions, whole class discussions, working in pairs…NOTHING! It was by far the most frustrated I have been in the six weeks of this practicum. I maintained my composure but internally I was struggling. I think the issue was a combination of unclear learning objectives from me and their knowledge that Spring Break was nearly here. It didn’t help that I assigned work to them that was due at the start of class. Once that was handed in I had lost the class. At least thats how I felt. The students and I have a good rapport and overall the class was pleasant, I just could not get them to do any work. It took all of my patience to get through that class. I am hoping that was an anomaly and it does not become common place moving past the break.
We had our mid point meeting this week. I was very happy with the outcome of it. I realize that I have been too hard on myself during this process. This is honestly just me, I have very high standards for myself. I want to be the best I can be at everything I do.
After Spring Break I will be focusing on the feedback I have received from my SAs and FA. I will work on my content and the amount I put into my lessons. Less is more! I will focus on my wait time and guiding students rather than telling students.
With six weeks down I am feeling good about where I am at. I still have work to do but I feel up to the challenge. Spring Break will be a nice chance to recover from the busy six weeks we have just have and refocus on the finish line. I am ready for the last four weeks!!
Highlight of the week: While conducting one on ones with my grade 10s I was expressing to one student how much I appreciated his contributions to class. He responded by telling me that he thought I was doing a good job as a teacher candidate. It was nice to hear this from a student.