One of the things that has worked well for me is the deliberateness of presenting my lessons. Using the skills that I learned, and saw in action this summer, I am trying to make sure students understand instructions and that the lessons have closure. In the past I would give lessons and instruction, but at the end of the unit I felt that there was no cohesiveness, much of the content was scattered. If I felt that way, imagine how my students must have felt. It would be like a taste of knowledge here and there, but when all was said and done, there were still a lot of holes left. Looking back, test scores confirmed this lack of learning, but at the time, I wasn't sure how to fix it. I feel that I am now more successful in tying lessons together for better student understanding of the content. Through lesson planning, presentation, and project exploration the students seem to be doing much better.
Something that is not working for me is trying to get set inductions, objectives, transfer-in / out for 3 different classes each day. In addition to having lessons ready, administrative duties, grading, teaching a new curriculum, etc. I feel overwhelmed some days and become frustrated when I cannot get it all done despite spending 9 hours a day at work. I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I'm not a "wing-it" kind of person, I want to be prepared. I realize that much of this is time management on my part as well as getting the hang of it all. When I do get it all pulled together for a class the students seem to appreciate the fact that the class went well, their interest was peaked, and they know what to expect when they come in the next day. I feel really good about it too. I think this will continue to improve over time and I'll get better and quicker, but for now I am quite BUSY!
Teresa,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you feel so much more complete in your instruction. I do have those days when I can see the "holes" all through my instruction, and then I have those days where it just hits. I really prefer those "hit it" days.
As far as trying to come up with set inductions, etc. I know exactly what you mean. It is so difficult to get everything done... even after spending so much time working at work, I come home and spend another few hours there. It is too much work for the money. There has to be a better way.
Hope the year keeps coming together for you!
Your dedication really shows in this post. Give yourself at least another year or two to get it all pulled together. I think (my opinion) it takes at least 3 years. Dr. J.
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