This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
I have learned a lot about teaching so far this semester. Like most everyone else in the class I was pretty much given the keys and some materials from the previous teacher and thrown, so to speak, into the classroom. I have learned that activities that you think maybe really fun and engaging do not work well in the classroom and other activities that you think may not work tend to be great. I am in the process of learning to not be so up tight on perfecting my teaching and trying to relax and be easier on myself and know that I will get better with time. I have also learned that no matter what you are teaching in the classroom at least one student will be there to complain about the assignment. I am working on not getting dragged down by their negative energy and just keep teaching for the ones who are really there to learn.
And you know, to take what you said a step further, things that don't work today, may very well be a success tomorrow or even from class to class. You can even ask trusted students to give you feedback on what you could have done differently to make the lesson more effective. Sometimes they want to just do it and figure it out and other times they want you to guide them.
ReplyDeleteI have also had to learn how to deal with kids with negative energy. Some I handle well, some not. I guess you are always that way. You can't motivate every student and you can't be prepared, I don't think, for every situation a kid can bring into your class. You can just do the best you can do. Like the lessons not working from day to day, what works with one kid in one situation may not with the next.
And yes, you will get better in time. Don't expect too much too soon. Just keep learning, keep trying things, keep making those connections with students because they more than likely won't come back to you in thirty years and say that they appreciated you for teaching them how to take blood pressure readings... they will say they appreciated you guiding them, being a role model for them, or just loving them. The other stuff is just icing on the cake.
I would say keep going for it. Things will get better each day. I agree with Tuck and just keep learning and trying each day. I am doing the same thing. Some days are good and some are bad. You are going to have the students that will appreciate everything you have taught them and that is what matters the most. The others will come around eventually. If not, they will move on to something else. Continue doing a great job!!!
ReplyDeleteSummer is coming and it will be a TREMENDOUS HELP to you!! Hang in there!! :o)
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