The aspect that I am improving on is adapting my classroom teaching style and lesson plans to the student's strengths and weaknesses. I have learned that I can't do the smae stuff for every class and this has helped me out with classroom management as well. For example, my third period is very loud in general and very active, so I g ive them alot of activities where they move around alot and can discuss the material or lab activity. They get the work done, but they don't have to stay quiet while completing their tasks. My first period is very quiet and work better with worksheets or small group activities, so I try to keep their activities on a smaller scale. My fourth period is a mix, so I have learned to try to provide a medium level of action in their learning activities. I have found this flexiblilty works better for me and my students.
The one thing I need to improve upon for next semester is time management. I have let a few lessons last a day or more than they should have and have found myself a little pressed for time to cover some of the material here at the end of the semester. I have worked around this so far, but I don't want to be in the same position next semester, so I have looked back over my lesson plans and placed a reasonable, realistic time limit on each activity, based on what was really needed for the lesson this semester. I guess practice does make improvement-certainly not perfect, but better.
I like your changing levels of activities. This sounds like a good resolve for the different mixes you have. I have similar situations in my classes and find myself doing totally different activities for all. This requires a lot of lesson planning and time. Perhaps adjusting a good lesson plan may be an answer.
ReplyDeleteHi, Shellee - very interesting reading your post - sounds like a master teacher to me. Love your common sense solutions and your ability to be adaptive and flexible with your different classes - isn't teaching fun when you can change strategies to meet various needs?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are doing a great job with your students and the challenges that you have faced. I am sure that you will successfully resolve the time management problem you're currently experiencing. I hope that I learn that adapting skill that you have developed. I really need that in my classes. Thank you for sharing.
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