I have always enjoyed clinical experiences in the classroom. I love being able to go and see what a real classroom looks and feels like. This semester was different for me. I really felt like I had a meaningful part in student learning this semester. I was able to teach a literacy lesson to 4th graders, assist the teacher, and get to know the students. I will also be able to teach a few lessons to 2nd graders this week. It has really made me realize that I am where I need to be and I love being in the classroom! Also, I feel that I have learned so much this semester! I love all the learning experiences we have had. One of my favorite learning experiences would have to be the TTotW that we did every week. This was one thing that I didn’t think I would like, but Twitter has great resources and very inspirational quotes to motivate teachers!
For my outside learning this month, I wanted to go to Twitter, since we have finished up TTotW. The tweet that I found inspiring was from Teacher Goals. It states that standardized tests cannot measure what makes students unique and it has a picture of a bulletin board that includes 30 things that standardized tests do not measure. This goes along with what we talk about all the time. We can’t look at a student based on what their test scores say. We need to get to know our students, know their strengths, along with their weaknesses, love them, and be there for them throughout everything they go through in life. Students can be successful in so many things that a standardized test doesn’t even begin to measure.
I believe that my learning and connections made relate directly to NCTCS standard 2c. Teachers treat students as individuals. This has become a really important motivation for me. I have a student in my clinicals that is severely below grade level. She has developed learned helplessness and doesn’t really try anymore. I allow her to try her morning math work on her own like all the other students. However, she doesn’t usually try. When she is finished, I will sit down with her individually and talk her through 2 of the 5 problems. It’s amazing when I hear her say, “I get it now!” This is what it’s all about. She just needs that extra little “push” to help her through the problems. If I wouldn’t have looked at her as an individual and saw her needs, she would have never gotten the help she needed. Some students didn’t need that, but I see where their strong suits and weaknesses are as well. Every student is different, just like every teacher is different.
I have learned so many wonderful things in my experiences that I will utilize in my future classroom. The saying is true when it says “you learn by doing.” This absolutely true! I want to take that saying into my future classroom as well. Students will learn so much more when they can actually do things instead of just learning about them. I will differentiate for all my students in every way that I can. I want all of my students to have those moments where they can say, “I get it now!” I am excited for my future career!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI loved also doing the learning experiences of TTOTW. I think this is something that has been extremely beneficial. I think it is something that we can continue learning about when we get even to our own classroom. I also really agree that you learn by doing, and I think that is something that is SO true. I loved being able to actually teach lessons as well as really get a glimpse of the classroom and what our future classroom will look like.
Amber, I love how you are so excited about being in the classroom and how you have enjoyed your clinical experiences this semester. There is so much we can take away from these experiences. I think it is great how you connected to one of your students and how you have been able to help her!
ReplyDeleteAmber, I loved reading about how this semester has been so meaningful for you and has made you realize that you are right where you need to be! I also really loved doing TTotW this semester. I wish this was something that we had to do for every education class. I also love Teacher Goals on twitter-- they have some great tweets! Good luck teaching in 2nd this week- you'll do great!
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteThis semester for me as well really showed that this is the career for me! I too enjoyed tweeting this semester and finding my professional learning network on Twitter. I could not agree with you more that the best way to learn is by doing and getting hands on experience. That is exactly what this semester was all about with our Washington classrooms and our clinical schools.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteYour post is very similar to mine. I am so happy that your semester has ended on a happy note. You never fail to amaze me what you can do in any situation. On to next semester!
Also, thank you for the twitter account, I am now following!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI also feel like this semester has been very impactful and that it has shown me that teaching is definitely where I want to be. Since this was the first semester we had truly been teaching in the classroom, it completely solidified my decision to become a teacher.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about your clinical experience this semester. That is awesome that you were able to assist the teacher so much this semester. I hope for more time in the classroom next semester. My clinical instructor was not in the classroom as much as I had hoped because of a honeymoon, professional development classes, and field trips. This prevented me from being able to go to the classroom as much as I had planned. When I was in the classroom I enjoyed working with the students and teaching my lessons. I have definitely feel like I am exactly where God has intended for me to be! I love seeing the light in the students eyes when they understand a concept or skill and see that they can be successful with the concept or skill at hand. I also enjoyed the top tweets of the week learning experience. I have been able to learn a lot of helpful information from this experience and from edchats on twitter. I wish you the best of luck as you continue your journey as an educator!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteYES! Clinical experiecnes are the glue of our program! I am thrilled to see how you value their importance!
I love how you genuinely appreciate the experiences we get to have with clinicals! I feel the same way. It has been the biggest blessing and the relationships formed have been a huge gift!
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