Last week I had the opportunity to observe, A couple of physics classes taught by Mr. Farenholtz. When we first entered the school our advisor told us to make a point of observing this class because he was given the Governors Generals award for his teaching abilities. One of the driving reasons behind the award was his use of inquiry. While observing I was shocked that all the students worked throughout the class, regardless of skill level. Some lectures we’re given but most of the teaching revolved group based activities, that we’re open enough that it created teachable moments. He would circulate and look for off task students, when students approached him, I noticed questions we’re given instead of answers, This would usually cause more peer to peer teaching. They we’re not told how to go through the lesson, they could work in groups, individually or on computers, as long as they were on task.

“The teacher is not a transmissive source of information”

Mr. Farenholtz was taught how to use inquiry within physics at a UBC course in the early 90’s

“teachers prepare for the student not the lesson”

Another highlight of his teaching method that I really liked was that everything that the students were going to cover through out the year, including text book pages, lectures, lessons and activities was in a hand out, So they new exactly what was coming at them.This gave stability and opportunity to study ahead.

I was thinking afterward how as an teacher I wiil be able to implement this into my own teaching practice.

So four days in, and a lot of excitement.

Last night me and the other student teachers at Walnut Grove spent the night chaperoning at the Halloween dance party. 10 minutes in and the fire alarm went off and we had to go outside the building, surprisingly the students handled it very well and we we’re back inside the school in no time, 

This is what the hallways looked like after the fire alarm.  lol

Besides all the dance excitement, I have been observing a teacher who uses inquiry and other exciting teaching methods in his class and it has been a real pleasure to learn from him. I am really surprised at the generosity and attention that we are receiving at Walnut Grove. Hopefully I can arrange in my long practicum an after school Ceramics club in the huge ceramics lab at the school. More to come 🙂

Lights camera ….Halloween dance!

Welcome to UBC Blogs. For my practicum I will be at Walnut Grove Secondary, I have completed my first two days already, I have two fantastic teachers to learn from directly, and host of other talented teachers that are willing to let me observe and partake in their classes as well. The last two days have been full of surprises and happiness that I am actually in a classroom and that much closer to teaching.I will write again………..although my post might be done later at night as I am volunteering for the student dance from 6 to 9:30 🙂  

This my Teacher Advisor Mr.Gordon