Student Practice Reflection - Self-Evaluation #1

1A) MY POTENTIAL AS A TEACHER 

My professional attitude. Am I interested in entering the teaching profession? What are my attempts to perform competently? Am I creative and flexible? Am I mature enough to work in this profession? (work under pressure, accepting criticism, being open to others’ needs)

I think as I entered the student practice I was quite insecure about my teaching skills. It was my first time doing any sort of practical work related to teaching. I definitely do not think I was ready back then. However, right now, as I have completed the practice, I feel ready. These last couple of months have been incredibly transformative for me as an educator. I got to observe an incredible mentor and slowly work my confidence up through the microteaching and conducting lessons. There were plenty of issues along the way, as I described in my previous blogs, but I think those were the moments that made me stronger. Knowing where I still lack has allowed me to work on myself and become better. I still have a long way to go, but I believe right now I have pretty decent skills of managing a classroom and a lesson. Being around students and getting to bond with them has reassured me that this is the right profession for me. I love working with kids, getting to know them, seeing them grow, and building our relationship along with their knowledge. I think I've learned to adapt to the changing needs of a classroom and having my downs during certain lessons has allowed me to see what works and what doesn't. I think my lesson planning skills have also grown tremendously since having practical experience and seeing firsthand how different activities play out. Towards the end I've also noticed all my fears or stress going away. I would go into a lesson excited and ready, not stressed and doubtful like at the beginning. As far as criticism goes, I believe I've always been good at taking it. I love hearing how I can improve and actually, I think I am my own worst critic. I think I am much harsher on myself than any of my mentors or colleagues have been. Luckily, that has not gotten in the way of my confidence as a teacher and has only motivated me to do better each time. I might've started off weak and had my ups-and-downs throughout, but I believe that I am leaving my student practice ready to be a teacher.

1B) ORGANISATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A DIDACTIC PROCESS 

Can I form appropriate lesson goals and objectives/ select appropriate methods and teaching materials/ select appropriate forms of students’ work/ provide justification for teaching decisions? Can I motivate students? Do I provide meaningful feedback?

I think my lesson planning skills have definitely increased. I can clearly see what the goal of the lesson is and create a path for my students to get there. Not every activity or even lesson is a complete success, but my mistakes have allowed me to see what works and what doesn't. I do not believe there is ever one way or method to get to a goal. I believe more in creativity, interactiveness, and communication when it comes to knowledge. I like working closely with my students and also allowing them to work with one another. I think as teachers we all have our different styles of conducting lessons and I do not believe that there is only one right way. I might still be perfecting my style of teaching, but I believe that I know how to guide my students successfully to obtain the knowledge I've prepared for them. I also believe that I am good at listening to students and providing them with a comfortable space, where they are not scared to ask questions. I've had plenty of moments, where students have straightforwardly told me they don't understand something or that they're confused, which I think is a good thing. Learners might often feel uncomfortable expressing such thoughts in fear of getting scolded, but they don't seem to feel that way with me. If they don't understand something, that is not always a reflection of them or their knowledge - sometimes it's a reflection of me and my teaching abilities. Getting this feedback is important, because I can go back and explain concepts better, until they are finally understood. I also believe I am good at motivating my students. I think they trust, respect, and appreciate me, which creates a positive atmosphere. I also love speaking to them casually and making sure they feel good. When I can see them being low on energy, I begin the lesson with asking them what is going on, chatting to get their spirits back up, and then proceeding with the lesson. I think as far as motivation goes, I am able to really impact my students. Feedback on the other hand is something I am still working on. I think I am good at giving positive reinforcement, but sometimes I wish I was better at being constructive or more critical. I am good at making students feel comfortable and positive about themselves, but I think my answers could also include more wisdom and advice. That will hopefully come with time and more experience in the field, but at least I have a goal to work towards. In general, though I am nowhere near perfect, I am very happy with how I've grown as a teacher and a didactic guide.