The most transformative lesson I learned this week is that I need to stay who I am, and teach with my heart to become an effective teacher.
Goal # 3: Classroom Management and Goal # 14: School Culture:
Today, I truly learned the power of the PBS program, and how valuable it is for students to feel rewarded for doing something right. I told my students beforehand that I was looking for students who were Responsible by being on task during silent reading, who were Respectful during a transition from desk to circle, and who were Relational with their peers. Then I observed and gave some “Positives” to the students who were doing it right (I kept track of names in order to reward all students at some point, because every student is able to do something right! I was truly amazed at the smoothness of my morning transition. Thanks to the "Positive"!!!
Goal # 6: Clear observable vision and Goal # 10: Effective Teaching Practice:
The most transformative lesson I learned over the last five weeks at Raven Kingdom and mostly this week because I taught all day today (and will tomorrow) is that I need to stay who I am, and stay close to my values and beliefs (while reflecting on successes and mistakes). I am different than my TM or the teacher next door. They are fantastic teachers and I am learning from them all the time. A wide diversity of effective teachers is wonderful for students, and it is OK to do things differently because there is never a perfect right way (there are a few wrong ways). Owning my presence as a teacher and teaching the way that feels right to me is what I take away from my school experience.
Goal #11: Valid and reliable assessment practices:
This week, I wrote and marked a science test to assess the end of my mini-unit, and I marked a math test. It really opened my eyes to the need to have a “philosophy” of assessment. Some students really understood the concept but made silly mistakes and lost marks (or missed questions)… Some students really did not get it and I had to put very discouraging marks on their paper… I need to explore what assessment means and how to optimize its validity to reflect student’s knowledge (good we have a class about that coming up at UFV).
I agree with you about the PBS system. It would be so easy to slip into the habit of only pointing out areas that need improvements in students. (I fear that sometimes I slip into that habit with my own children at home.) The best part about PBS is that it forces you to be intentional in looking for all the things that your students are doing right!
ReplyDeleteI also liked what you had to say about discovering who you are as a teacher and staying true to that. It's called living with integrity. You are right - not all teachers are alike (thank goodness!). You are unique and because of this, there will be students you will be able to reach that no one else has has success with.