So far in my teaching endeavors, I have learned what I thought I already knew - I really like teenagers. They crack me up. They usually have a great sense of humor, they can be VERY honest, and they thrive when challenged. So far, I have been in a high school biology classroom for two periods three times a week for the last five weeks. During that time, I have been able to teach four lessons, and have been on hand to answer questions (and direct traffic - an Anne specialty :>) during labs and individual work time. I am learning a lot of things from my cooperating teacher (the H.S. teacher whose classroom I spend time in), and have also learned a lot from my ed classes. To be honest, more than I anticipated I would.
Many of my classes have focused on inquiry methods which essentially consist of presenting students with a problem and allowing them to figure things out. The instructor provides directed-guiding questions when students are stuck or on the wrong track. This technique is usually applied to "lab type" activities. Although I would have hated them during high school...they really do require a higher level of thinking, and when mixed with other types of instruction, can really raise the level of students' confidence and ability to solve problems.
My schedule is a little crazy, but at least I stay busy which keeps me from feeling sorry for myself with Matt away. In addition to my full load of classes and 6 hours of high school class time a week, I am also teaching lab twice a week at EWU for a biology 101 class. It has been a good experience, and I have "remembered" a lot! It really is amazing how much you think you understand, but have difficulty applying until you teach it yourself! It has been good review.
I recently was made aware that I qualified for a second degree, Bachelors of Art in Education, instead of just earning my professional certification. So today I applied for graduation! Having an ed degree accompanied by a degree in my area of expertise should make me much more marketable as a teacher, as will my additional endorsements in general science and chemistry that I will also have earned.
So, I guess in a nutshell, I am having fun amidst the craziness! I love reading everyone's blogs (check them between classes!) Keep up the posts.
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3 comments:
i know what you mean that you don't really know how much you have learned until you are put into situations where you have to apply it. It sounds like your classes are really busy but helpful! I have really enjoyed my education classes even though i too thought they would be dull and of little use. hahah. yeah right.
Busy girl, you are! I would love to be in your classroom, but sure don't want to go back to those teen years :) You are a super teacher, lucky kids. Hang in there, you'll be in YOUR classroom before you know it. That's a good bonus, the other degree! Sure miss talking to you...
I have enjoyed your classroom "stories." I hope you will find the time to write some of them down. You will look back to this time one day and you won't remember the details! We're very proud of you and know you will make a big difference in the lives of the kids you teach!
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