I am getting a more comprehensive understanding of the students’ weekly routine since I started my long practicum. For the past two weeks, I noticed how an inside day could affect the afternoon dynamic in the classroom. I also felt the impact of family situations could have on the students. I realize that the success of one lesson is often not depended on the quality of your lesson plan, but how you carry out every small part to make learning process smooth. For example, the length of sitting time is necessary to notice. Also, sending the students to get materials at the same time might cause more anxiety for the students as they all rush to one place simultaneously.
One of the biggest Aha moments for the last two weeks is when I realized that only student-initiated questions could truly motivate the students to learn. I tried doing surrey on students’ personal information and personal interests for making tally charts and bar graphs. However, I was very surprised to see that many students did not seem to care about the result. They didn’t care much about how many students had one, two, or more pets at home. The next class, I invited the students to think of a question that they are curious about and ask at least ten of the classmates. They were more engaged and motivated for sure, but this time it was challenging to have the side conversations under control. The challenge of talking about the students’ interests (video games in this case) without getting them too excited to get focused on the task.
I am very excited to try out new things in the classroom. I have tried to incorporate more educational technologies into learning by introducing Menti.com, and students will be able to use the device to provide answers, votes, or play games. This week has been a process of having them getting familiar with this new tool and having their excitement under control. The school teacher has also introduced the website code.org to the students to explore and learn. Students are getting better at using these educational tools, and I look forward to seeing these technology devices being used in more meaningful ways.
I saw this boy, who usually acted rather silly on the Thursday during my visits before, carefully cared for his seed for many days. When many other students asked for more seeds to plant and play with, he was fully committed to that one seed that he picked and wanted to help it live and grow. His mother also shared with my school teacher that this student had been taking great care of the seed at home. The student carefully stored the seed at a safe place at home to hide it from his dog. These things change one’s perspectives, and you can only notice these small things when you are immersed in the environment with the students.
It makes perfect sense that you would feel more comfortable and aware of what’s happening in students’ lives and learning when you are in the classroom every day. It sounds like you are connecting with families, which is wonderful to hear, and that you are deepening your relationships with your students. Those little stories that we hear and moments that we have with our kids is what makes this work so rewarding!
I think you are typically right that student-generated ideas and questions are very motivating. However, teacher-led inquiry (with some student choice) can also be engaging and meaningful. It is ultimately all about balance in the classroom.
I haven’t heard you speak much about the use of technology in your classroom before (aside from seeing you use the SMART board) so it’s interesting to hear about the tools you and your SA are exploring with your students. Menti.com can be lots of fun, and coding is always a great opportunity to see how your students respond to different ways of developing their core competencies.
You have come so far already, but I look forward to your continued growth! In future, you might consider reflecting on your developing understanding of pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, or inquiry, as well as how your experiences are shaping your teaching philosophy.