I agree with all of the insights from Meggie and Julie as well, but here are some other things I have learned as well.
1. Worry Less, Enjoy More: I think if I could go back and tell myself (on day one) some advice it would be worry less and enjoy more. I would tell myself to not feel so overwhelmed. That things will come together, you will be ready to teach, and you will feel successful by the end. Student teaching is so fun and so much is to be enjoyed and learned everyday.
2. During lessons, be flexible and read the students: Have a well planned lesson ahead of time to ensure valuable use of time and that students are meeting objectives, but don't be afraid to change things during the lesson. Read the students, if they are getting restless you may have to move ahead in the lesson plan or change plans. Don't be afraid to stray from the plan or any script you may have had. It will keep students more engaged and they will probably learn more. If you are feeling defeated during a lesson, try to power through the lesson and do the best you can.
3. Don't be afraid to try new things (activities/lessons) and make mistakes: If you have a new idea that may work with the content you are teaching don't be afraid to try it. It may end up being a great lesson or you may make some mistakes and then learn from them for next time. Each time you teach you have an opportunity to reflect on what went well and what did not work. This will make the next lesson better. I have gotten ideas in middle school math that I just wanted to try for the fun of it. I didn't know if things would work out, but the experience was so valuable.
4. Be Organized: Teachers have to deal with so many student papers and materials it really helps to have some organization in the room for supplies and a way to manage all of the student papers. Also, have lesson materials ready ahead of time so they are easily accessible while teaching. Students can get off task if the teacher has to stop and find the materials/supplies.
5. Be flexible with noise in the room under certain circumstances: I have learned that the room does not always have to be completely quiet for it to mean that students are on task. Students can be talking during parts of a lesson and it can still be going well and they can still be on task.
It's amazing to me that all three of you could write different but significant insights from your student teaching experience. I'm also impressed that you have had no "distance" from your student teaching time to really think about what the whole thing meant, and yet you're writing these thoughtful, personal pieces of advice about how to make the experience even better than it was for you.
ReplyDeleteI have to remind you that hindsight is 20/20, so it's difficult to know, for instance, whether being more relaxed would have yielded as much success for you. Have you ever heard of eustress? That's the kind of stress that's positive because it keeps you on your toes, always thinking ahead, and anticipating what's needed. Although you advised to "worry less", sometimes worry is eustress. It's important to be able to recognize the difference, that's for sure!
As I've said to Julie and Meggie, I'm going to get the three of you published (I'll ask your permission first, don't worry).