Student Teaching Experience Week 5

Through my experiences this week, I have learned the importance of reflecting on my lessons every day.  my students will learn the best if I am reflecting on my lessons and making adjustments to my lessons based on these reflections. 

During my first period, I am able to see how my lessons for my 9th graders will be received by the students.  As a student in my own high school, I remember being bored to death by readings, worksheets, and notetaking, so I know the importance of switching it up.  I have found that it is hard to find the time to create the elaborate and meaningful lessons that I think of in my mind.  The important thing is to put forth a big effort in creating and implementing these lessons, reflecting on them, grading the papers and assignments in a timely manner, and keeping communication open with students and parents.  It is also integral for history teachers to thoroughly research how the resources we are using to convey historical topics to students are depicting the story.  What all does this resource say about this specific historical event? How can I best pass this along to my students?

Bottom line: I want my students to learn A LOT and have fun doing it.  I always hear my professors talk about "being a reflective practitioner" and they are right! It is so important. 

My student teaching experience this week was full of moments where students were bored by notes and readings, and there were only few moments where conversation was foreward moving and truly diving deep into the material.  I know there are times where lessons will not go well, but it is important that students are learning and are enjoying learning.  Bottom line: it is so important to reflect, and implement changes in my practices based on my reflections.