So, after viewing my video for my RTL reflection, I see some areas for improvement and I see some things that worked for me.
First, what needs improved:
I need to be more confident. I find myself stuttering and adding so many filler words, and I know that if I was more confident in what I was teaching, I wouldn't be as concerned. This also can be related to enthusiasm. I have been lacking on enthusiasm, and I think that connects with my confidence level, I just need to start being more confident in what I'm teaching, and I think the rest will come along.
I also need to work on my interaction level. Whether that's me working with students while their doing projects, or making my actual lesson plans more interactive. I think I am slowly heading in that direction, but it takes time.
What I'm improving on:
Besides making things more interactive, I believe I am getting more comfortable with the students. By that, I mean that I am getting comfortable with the idea that I am no longer a workshop presenter, but am instead a teacher, and that is making me more comfortable with leading a classroom.
While I am still in the learning stages, I see myself improving and will continue to try and improve myself.
Hello Howie,
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to you with frequently using "filler words" and I understand that, yes this is a problem. I think the first step to fixing this problem is to be consciously aware of the fact that you use them and then you can slowly work them out of your vocabulary. Additionally in terms of becoming more confident in subject matters I would constantly rely on the feedback from our peers as well as ask people who are experts in their field so they can help enhance your comprehension. Great Reflection!
Filler words have definitely been a problem for me, too! "Um" and "so" were my two favorite words this week :( I do agree that as you become more comfortable and confident in front of the classroom, you will see yourself using less filler words and interacting more with the students. I, too, struggle with interaction. I find that my lessons are either too teacher-focused, or that I fail to interact with students while they are doing 'assignments' in the lab. This is something that I need to work on, too, but I am sure that with practice, we will both improve! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Howie,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are "pooling" out both your strengths and weaknesses. I think it's important the we recognize both. I can definitely relate to the filler word issue. I do the exact same so don't feel that you are alone in this. I think that that as we get to know our students more and feel comfortable in front of them the flow of our lesson with come more easily and hopefully those filler words wont feel necessary. Also I think we will find a much different experience when we are actually in front of 20 high school students! I think we will find it more easy to be confident and ourselves (and we aren't being videotaped)! Keep up the good work!
Hey Howie,
ReplyDeleteI think we are all dealing with our confidence issues in front of our "class" and it's affecting our wording (I also use "um" and "so" too often), our interactions with students, and our enthusiasm. Anyone who knows you knows that you have a lot of enthusiasm but it's hard to show that when we know we're being video-taped an judged. But I think you are on the right track because you know what you have to improve on and with practice I think we'll all get better at this teaching thing! :)
" Enthusiasm is Excitement with Inspiration, Motivation, and a Pinch of Creativity" I think one way to improve enthusiasm is to just take a quick read on what you are teaching about, not only will it improve your confidence but you may find a few fun little facts to add in! Another way I like to improve my enthusiasm is to listen to a little "shake it off" before class on the bus. It gets me in a good mind set for class and even if its a bad day in class there is always tomorrow. I think its great what you are improving on being more interactive with students is a great thing! I really know I need to work on that.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Howie!