"Mirror Mirror on the Wall"

After being observed on Thursday I took some time to reflect on the comments by Dr. Johnson and the comments that my cooperating teacher, Ms. Ricci has given me all week. While I thought the lesson went well over all there were aspects that I immediately knew had to be corrected for this specific lesson and then aspects of logistics that I need to work on for every lesson here on out-

I will start with the specifics of the lesson that I know need to be changed- these include hand written directions for the “column-note-taking strategy.” This would have ensured that the class was on the same page instead of Rachel and I having to go to each group and clarify what we wanted them to be doing. The grouping for the activity should have been pre-done. So either having the desks already in groups or making sure the layout for the groups provided the class with adequate workspace for their desks- many of the groups were squished on one side of the room, while the other half of the room had plenty of space. That having been said we also should have consulted with Ms. Ricci to find out how she implements grouping. The journal prompt, or as Dr. Johnson put it- “the thesis I wrote on the board” at the start of the class, should have either been cut down in length or provided as a handout.

Then there are the particulars of being a teacher that transcend the lesson and should be used every day in the classroom- always having a purpose and providing students with the scaffolding to make connections to make it meaningful both to the lesson and the student. I should always make sure I know how to accurately pronounce certain spellings of words, which is a form of misinformation that is simply negligent-  Making sure my voice is clear and concise when speaking is important not only for students to understand me, but also should include a tone of authority.

All In all it was an experience I greatly enjoyed, and look forward to doing again… only with less mistakes J