2 posts tagged “learned”

Wow, shameless and lame.  He doesn't even say that, that I know of.  But if he did, that would make it even funnier.. or maybe funny at all.  I'm sorry, Jeremy.

I've really enjoyed having Jeremy as my TEAM teacher.  He is very approachable and I never felt uncomfortable around him.  I also think he's pretty funny and has a great outlook, which helps me to put his comments and suggestions in context.  He has a very laid back attitude and style, which I think cuts back on being able to easily identify things that he's taught.  However, I have picked up some valuable lessons from him.

First, break it down.  Jeremy gave us some lesson planning tips at the end of June, which all involved simplifying information and hammering into the kids' heads.  Coming from the college lecture background of "look at these powerpoints and listen to me read them or maybe even rehash them in my own words while you furiously write notes, sleep, talk online, or maybe glance at the copies of slides you have in front of you if you were lucky enough to get a copy from me even though you don't really have to pay attention because the notes are all online" teaching, I have struggled somewhat with really simplifying information to the basics to maximize retention.  Jeremy's tips have helped me improve in this area.

The second thing I've learned from Mr. Fiel is to find what works for me.  In the role plays and his general advice about classroom management, he often will point out how what he does in practice differs from what many of the other teachers do.  He is conscientious about warning us of this, but he also talks about how what he does is effective for him.  The lesson I've taken from this is that even though his methods may not be "by the book," he still is able to accomplish what he wants to accomplish.  His recommendation to start out doing the things we're taught and diverge as necessary is probably how I'll try to survive this year.

Related to the above, Mr. Fiel has taught me so adjust to my administration and school temperament.  In pointing out how his style differs from others, he also points out how his administration differs from that of others.  He and Ashley Johnson have very different teaching styles, but both are effective.  Their schools have different temperaments and administrations, and they would probably not be able to swap strategies and survive.  This year I'll need to come in with a plan for management and instruction, but also be prepared to adjust to the policies and temperament of the school.  I may have to take more crap than I'd like just to keep control, or I may be fortunate in being able to discipline more sternly and frequently.  Either way, I'll need to adjust.

See, Jeremy?  You did teach me some stuff.  Thanks.

Don't go don't go don't go don't go

Just kidding.  It has been invaluable to have the second years here with us as we begin our journey as teachers.  They're help and never ending generosity with their time and ideas have helped me when I couldn't think of anything and also helped me to think of things on my own the next time around.  So thanks.

What I've learned:

1) Keep the students involved in different ways.
One thing I have struggled with somewhat so far is the transition from an educational environment that is almost entirely lecture based to one in which lecturing is borderline sinful.  I am a sinner.  This was brought to my attention by my second year and (in my case) MTC alumna quickly and has vastly improved my teaching and helped me to create more interesting and engaging lessons for my middle school students.  I still struggle, especially in the summer school setting, with trying to squeeze as much information into a lesson as I can, which tends to mean a little too much lecturing, but I'm getting better at it.

2) You WILL want to quit.  Trust us.
Especially before teaching, I was asking a lot of the second years about their experience of their first year.  Of those that I asked, nearly all said that they wanted to quit at some point.  While this is not something that will help with my teaching technique, per se, it is definitely a nice piece of information that will help with my sanity.  I am confident that the MTC will teach me how to be a good teacher.  My doubts lie about my ability are connected to the fact that this is an entirely new experience for me in an entirely different place than I have spent the other 22 years of my life.  I like to hear about the bad things.  I ask the second years what they did wrong and how bad it was and what it was like and all of that stuff because I want to know what the dangerous things look like so that I can avoid them.  If I walk blindly into an oasis, thats ok.  I need to avoid the quicksand.  Knowing that I WILL want to quit and leave this God forsaken state and its horrible educational system filled with rotten children is incredibly valuable information to me.  Knowing that those thoughts are coming will help me bare down and push through to the renewed appreciation for the beauty of this place, the hardworking people in the system, and good kids that really do try.

3) It's the little things.
Don't talk so fast.  Don't turn your back to the students, they will throw things.  If you think it's important for them to know, write it down.  Model it first.  After posing a question, wait for the uncomfortable silence, then wait a little bit longer, then call on someone......... etc.  All great advice, and there's so much of it!  I am happy with my progress so far and I think I'm on my way to being able to survive in the fall, but there are still a couple big things and a boatload of little things to work on, refine, and polish before I can consider myself a good and confident teacher.  I am thankful to all of the second years who have taken the time to observe me and give me feedback on my teaching.  The second year and alumna in my room are great daily guides to improve my teaching, but its always nice to have new eyes watching and picking up on different weaknesses and pointing out different strengths to help me be the best instructor I can be and point out that I still don't have a clue.  I thought that humility would be important before I got here, but I'm convinced its essential, now.  I owe it to the second years and other evaluators who have offered me criticism, and always constructively.  It's not fun to here, but it's helping (I think).  Keep telling me the little things and I'll keep working on them.

I won't talk about the non-teaching related things I've learned from the second years.. that's not assigned.  Nevermind, here are a few that may or may not be associated with teaching:

I can't do 100 push-ups in 15 minutes, but I'm only a half liar.
I can hold my breath while crossing the Mississippi River between Memphis and Little Rock.
I've built houses without roofs.
Come to think of it, I may be currently working on a beautiful place in Cincinnati right now.
I am not as good at skeet shooting as I thought.
Ben Guest has a silent classroom.
Volleyball is a lot more fun than I thought.
Wagon Wheel is a great song.
It is possible to have that much enthusiasm.