Class # 5
For our first class being observed, by our practicum supervisor, it was a little nerve-racking. Overall I think that the lesson went well, and we got great feedback afterward. I did try to use multiple choice again, although this time using the interactive whiteboard. Thinking that using this tool as a way to engage students, but I think I might have got more answers the last time when I used it in the chat. Students seemed more confused by the interactive whiteboard, so something to note for next time. I think, overall, the lesson went well, but there were a few things I would have liked to change. The first thing is just more instructions on how to do intext citations and practice together with the different types. I think for the most part this class understood, which was great, but I would like to explore perhaps a better way of teaching APA in-text citations. I would also like to find a way to make it a bit more fun. I did add the joke, which I thought added a bit of a break or a least a little something to break the class up. We had one of the students ask for typing, which is something that I know I need to work on remembering to do. One thing that I notice that was a little bit frustrating that maybe we need to change is that it was hard to point something out when I am not in control of the presentation. That is probably just one of the challenges of working with a partner that I will need to find a better way to maneuver around. I just really noticed it this time around, and I think when I am talking, especially when doing practice with the class, I should be in control if possible.
Class #6
This class, as always, was more challenging than the first. It is hard because we don’t have the time to make any changes between the two classes to make it a little easier or more on their level for the second class. I can sense the second class students’ frustration, which makes it hard because I want them to succeed in this. One thing that we did try a bit differently this time was no group work and instead, we did more class practice. I think with the group work going so horrible last time we taught, we just wanted to give them a break. We thought that perhaps this would be better for them. Overall there weren’t too much of a difference in participation or how many answers were given, so we will have to decide what we feel is best. I know that group work is important although I am not a fan of participating in it. I do think doing the practice as a class is important too, but I do want them to have a chance to succeed on their own. I think one of the toughest things about teaching academic writing is making it engaging and more fun. This has been a struggle, that I think Chloe and I will have to keep working on. I think for the next lesson I want to find a fun video to use as my goal. Chloe and I were going to use this one fun punctuation song as a warm-up this lesson, but we didn’t want to go over the class time. I think that time management is important in being a teacher, and I have begun to realize that. It is a skill that I will have to continue working on becoming better at. I also think it would be different if it was my class as well because then I could go into the next time we meet with the lesson if need be.
