OCT 6th 2016 –
I had the opportunity today to visit a middle school. I feel very blessed being given such an opportunity to see a great school. We have been talking about the new curriculum at my university since I’ve heard about it. I want to see it in action as I am a kinesthetic learner so I need to see or do to acquire knowledge. Luckily for me, I was in the best place most likely possible to see it in person. I had the opportunity to meet a few potential SA’s and they are all wonderful people. As soon as me and my cohort colleagues stepped into the building, we we’re greeted with a great big welcome and smiles all around. I knew I was in a good place!
I started my day with Ms. C who could scaffold like it was no one’s business. She allowed me to introduce myself which I thought was very nice on her part. I said a few words about how I ended up where I was and offered any assistance. I made it a point that if anyone needed French help or had questions in the realm of Physical Education to ask me. I got a few questions on sports instantly and kids we’re asking me to go to the washroom in French. I know that keeping a straight face comes with the job, but I couldn’t help but laugh!
After introductions were settled, Ms. C went into her agenda. She started the day asking how everyone was doing and if they could say something quickly after they heard their name for attendance. I caught a few names and was able to use them throughout the day. I made it a point to exercise my memory and improve my strategies for remembering names. The first thing on the agenda was Math. I think I went red in the face when I knew I was going to be asked math questions. I figured it would be best to stop taking my own notes about her class management skills and get up and watch the lesson. I could also help Ms. C have a few of her students quiet down in the back by simply being in proximity.
I was put on the spot when I was asked to do a Mad Minute with the students. I couldn’t say no as I’m sure the students would get a kick to see how slow an adult’s math could be. Needless to say, I got my butt kicked (but in my defense Ms. C and I were talking about the new curriculum)! After the Mad Minute was over, algebra started. The students were grouped in groups of four and five while some students worked in pairs and sat on a ledge on the side of the room. It was interesting to see Ms. C set-up as I saw it as different and unfortunately I did not get a chance to ask her about it. It didn’t take long for questions to start rolling in and for a bit of anxiety to kick in. Although I was worried of being asked a question I didn’t know, I had strategies in place by either incorporating other students or checking examples to guide me.
Needless to say the morning was busy and amazing. It felt very natural and humbling to be of service. I felt very blessed. The self-regulation ability of these students was definitely something to note. I saw a few students walk out of class and was dumbfounded for a moment. I noticed while walking around the school there were plenty of places to study and students were definitely using the amenities. The teachers allowed students to find their space, but would make it very clear when they needed to be back and to notify them of where they were. I thought this was cool as I was never allowed to move around with such freedom. It was even more remarkable to see students not take advantage of it (from what I saw)!
Seeing the new curriculum in action was extremely interesting as it surpassed the walls of the classroom. It seemed as if the whole school dedicated every detail to create a space for students to enrich their learning. Art space was available during lunch as well as tech (if a teacher was available). The students had access to the gym as well as had space behind the gym where pool tables, Ping-Pong tables and all sorts of other games were available. I had the opportunity to work with Ms. M and Mr. M as well and their approaches to SRL was an experience. Ms. M’s classroom setting was a different dynamic completely with a nice reading corner while Mr. M knew how to assign roles and set up quickly for Physical Education and maximize time.
I felt old stepping into what almost seemed like a foreign education program compared to my past education. Students had work-shop like activities set up in the afternoon around the school regarding their interest, be it brain-games, knitting, tech, art or almost literally anything. I was in awe all day and had to use every muscle in my jaw to keep it from dropping too often. This place was definitely promoting a community and it really felt like students were getting the education they wanted while the staff was more than happy to deliver it. I should also note a lot of classrooms have open door policy and all invited me to take a look at any time. It was very nice to be offered opportunities from every angle!
I look forward to tackling any fears or anxiety I have about teaching a subject I’m not completely familiar with. Using some of my strategies that I used today definitely helped keep my composure. This definitely will be a refining process as every new situation can present an opportunity to adapt. I also look forward to exploring this new curriculum as I was completely sold by it today. I hope to engage with the students more in the future and hopefully be involved in more teaching opportunities. I hope to also recognize different patterns and methods in which a lesson is delivered. I also look forward to learning new strategies to quieting down students. I’ve definitely noted Ms. C’s method in which she thanks students for settling down (individually calling their name). I thought it was very cool of her to do it in such a manner.
The teachers seemed to be involved in every aspect of forming a SRL environment. It required and challenged them to be creative with their methods. Watching them do it seemed so natural. This would definitely be a challenge to me to move away from traditional teaching methods I’m familiar with and come in with a very open mind to a new method. I believe the biggest challenge I will face will be keeping the students engaged while doing meaningful activities. I heard two comments during the day saying “I don’t know why we’re doing this”. I’m thinking to myself either the objective wasn’t made clear or perhaps it isn’t modified to their liking. I find these difficulties to be only challenges in further bettering my practices as a teacher.