Reflection on First Day Lab
"There is always room for growth." This saying kept repeating in my head after finishing up my First Day of School Lab. In this Lab we mimicked the settings of what the first day student teaching would look like for the Penn State 2018 student teaching cohort. There were "students" present and we all got to present part of our lessons to them.
The part of my lesson that I was able to present was my classroom expectation, classroom procedures, rules, and consequences. I learned a lot in the ten minutes that I was given to present my lesson. The main thing that I learned and reflected on was classroom management. Classroom management was presented as a struggle for me.
The first time teaching I always expected to have perfect students that would raise their hand to be called on, be kind, and understanding with myself and material. However, for the lab this was not the case that I was presented with. Each student in the lab was assigned a different role to play for my lesson. I had one student playing the role of confused, one distracted by their phone, and one playing the role of teachers pet, just to name a few. The role playing distracted me and caused me to get a little irritated.
The way I handle classroom management is definitely something I want to improve on. At one point in my lesson I told a student that she "talked too much." I know I could have handled that differently and said something kinder. I want to improve in classroom management because I struggled with timing. I was hoping to get through all my expectations, procedures, rules, and consequences, but I was unable to do this because of interruption and multiple questions being asked.
As I reflect upon this experience for the first day lab I want to set a goal for classroom management so I can be more timely and appropriate during lessons with the students.
The part of my lesson that I was able to present was my classroom expectation, classroom procedures, rules, and consequences. I learned a lot in the ten minutes that I was given to present my lesson. The main thing that I learned and reflected on was classroom management. Classroom management was presented as a struggle for me.
The first time teaching I always expected to have perfect students that would raise their hand to be called on, be kind, and understanding with myself and material. However, for the lab this was not the case that I was presented with. Each student in the lab was assigned a different role to play for my lesson. I had one student playing the role of confused, one distracted by their phone, and one playing the role of teachers pet, just to name a few. The role playing distracted me and caused me to get a little irritated.
The way I handle classroom management is definitely something I want to improve on. At one point in my lesson I told a student that she "talked too much." I know I could have handled that differently and said something kinder. I want to improve in classroom management because I struggled with timing. I was hoping to get through all my expectations, procedures, rules, and consequences, but I was unable to do this because of interruption and multiple questions being asked.
As I reflect upon this experience for the first day lab I want to set a goal for classroom management so I can be more timely and appropriate during lessons with the students.
Hi Heather!! I really enjoyed your reflection, but wanted to add that I don't think it helped that your student that "talked too much" was your sister! Possibly made your irritation level a little higher!! :)
ReplyDeleteHeather, I appreciate your honesty about the things you felt could have gone better with your first day lesson. Have you looked into resources to help you improve your classroom management techniques? Make sure to reflect about the things you did well too, and don't be afraid to highlight the positive aspects of future lessons!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I like that you were so honest in your reflection. I think many of us went into the "First day" thinking it's the first day they won't be that bad. But in real life the students can and will still act out on day one, if anything that is probably the times when they are going to act out the most to see how far they can push the boundary. I believe that this is something that rattled us all and we all need more time to get our management strategies in place.
ReplyDeleteBe very focused on making sure you clearly identify Opportunities for Improvement (Opps) and Gems (Great things)
ReplyDeleteRecognizing areas for improvement at this stage in your career is critical for success!! It sounds like that activity was beneficial in letting you experience some of a "real" teaching environment. That being said, don't be too hard on yourself. You might be surprised at the level of respect you will get from High School students (different than college students TRYING to be dramatic). Of course, you will have some that will test your patience. Research and observe as many strategies and techniques as you can, but ultimately, you will have to make your classroom your own. This will also be tricky during student teaching, as those students will be acclimated to another teacher's expectations and practices. Reach out for help or suggestions when you need it, but the key is knowing what types of strategies and behaviors work for you and your students! Great insight...good luck!
ReplyDelete