The five chapters in Unit A are primarily concerned with how to become an effective teacher. "Effective teachers affect lives," say the Wongs.
How do you see their advice impacting you as a teacher? Respond and comment on at least two other classmate responses.
Wong, reminds us that the effectiveness of the teacher is the most important variable in determining student achivement and I agree with that. As a teacher I have to be sure that my students in the classroom are learning according to my spectations and their spectations and if it doesn't I have to look for clues to try to reach them and keep them on track and accomplish our goals.
ReplyDeleteUnit A details some qualities of an effective teacher and shows research demonstrating that effective teachers see better learning results in their classrooms. Of course, this advice impacts me for many reasons. I am a future teacher and the research applies to me. I am a teacher because I want students to succeed and achieve, not because I want to get stuck in the mumbo-jumbo acronyms of new and current trends or because I want to show off my knowledge. Chapter five explains that research exists in order to share our successes for the sake of the students, not for the school district, or superintendent or scores. Unfortunately this is less often the case, but I am continually hopeful that future teachers understand their true purpose, and that lawmakers pass the decision-making to those in the field. That being said, I believe the latter is going to take a serious revolution on our part to do what works for each student and accept that not every student will be at an average rate of demonstrating certain skills. This tactic is so detrimental for those who are on both ends of the spectrum and who do not fall in the center of the bell curve.
ReplyDeleteTangent aside, I think Unit A does well to push the traits of an effective teacher: positive expectations—SO important, and a GREAT challenge to maintain on a daily basis, especially with those students we’ve already stamped as “trouble”, or “troubled”—classroom management, and designing lessons for student mastery. I am not a classroom teacher yet, so it is difficult to comment on the management and designing lessons characteristics, however I do understand the value of these traits. The “greatest asset of a school is it’s people” and its people should be innovative planners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. The days of “survivor” teachers are fading into the past. It is time teachers use skills they acquire through lifelong learning so they can help their students achieve each and every day, each and every year. One needs only to glance at the statistics on page twenty-three to realize what one ineffective teacher does for a child’s ability and willingness to learn.
I think that we all need to tear out page twenty-seven and keep it close. “Teacher” is a noble title, although it is not respected in this culture. Regardless of content, every teacher is a poet, physicist, maestro, gymnast, diplomat, and philosopher. That’s why it truly is the coolest (used on purpose) and most rewarding job.
The most pertinent piece of advice I found in the Wong book was how to conduct the first day of school. I was surprised that beginning with a fun activity is a hallmark of an ineffective instructor. Instead, a teacher should spend the first day establishing the rules and guidelines for the way that the class will be managed for the year. In fact, that is exactly what my cooperating teacher did on the first day of school this semester. In fact, he is an excellent classroom manager. He has a tendency to give his students a lot of freedom to share their opinions and participate in discussions. I am often in awe of his ability to maintain so much control over such an unstructured environment. The Wong book emphasizes the importance of those first few days. The tone that you set from the beginning affects how things will play out for the entire year.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the Wongs that good teachers are lifelong learners. They are constantly trying to improve on their methods and learn new tricks to add to their toolbox. I am always on the lookout for new demonstrations and strategies that I can use with the psychology curriculum. One of the reasons that I got into the teaching profession in the first place is the creativity and methodological freedom that it offers. I hope that I am always striving to learn more and do not get lazy or caught in a rut like some veteran teachers I have observed.
I certainly hope that everyone is having a good semester and getting as much as I am out of their student teaching experience!
The one thing that stands out after reading Unit A is that so much of the advice is common sense. Upon reflection, I could not think of a single “a – ha” moment, or a that is an amazing strategy or thought. Instead, the Wongs demonstrate an understanding of a how an effective teacher and an effective classroom work. Additionally what separates the effective teacher from the ineffective teacher is what he or she does. If a teacher is just going through the motion and assigning reading, worksheets, and tests, the job may look done but the teacher is still functioning at a low level according to Wong. An effective teacher moves beyond the early stages of development seeks to achieve mastery not just survival.
ReplyDeleteMany of the points that the Wongs discuss in Unit A are directly related and beneficial to learn, especially their focus upon learning being serious business. With several classes discussing making learning engaging and relevant to students life, it would almost follow that learning should be enjoyable or fun. However, Wong and Wong point out that learning does not have to be entertaining or fun. I believe that this can be a helpful approach to begin teaching. Wong and Wong show many points that will just be good to be reminded of, such as the importance of having a positive attitude and keeping the energy level up and reminding new teachers who we work for. And finally, the authors call to continue education and to always be looking for ways to improve your craft is another suggestion that should be common sense. However, once a teacher gets a job and gets into a routine it may be difficult to change old habits. By being aware of your habits and what direction you are heading, Wong and Wong demonstrate the skills that are essential in developing into an effective teacher. Being intentional and setting good habits will help me become and effective teacher.
The ways in which I see the advice from Unit A affecting my career as a teacher is by understanding the Four Stages of Teaching. Coming in student teaching I have realize how much of a fantasy I have in my mind about how responsible seniors really are. I see that I have high expectations for them and they don’t have for themselves. Some of the students have no intention of turning all of their work and fully intent to graduation with 59.5s. I need to be okay with that as I can’t make them turn in their work. I can address it to them in class and have had a few bring me their assignments completed but beyond that it’s out my control. As I am realizing this I am at the same time attempting to survive this semester as I teach a block each day. In do so I’m gaining a better understanding all of the responsibilities of a teacher in regards to taking attendance, meeting the needs of my IEP students, collecting homework, grading, etc.
ReplyDeleteI find myself attempting to juggle all of the duties that I must complete. Along with that I must learn to assert myself with the students in order to let them know that I run this class and that I expect them to respect me as a teacher and to participate in the class. For the most part they do but it’s a continual process learning to become an effective teacher.
Brian, I agree that although the book offered no "ah ha" moments, it contains solid basics for effective teaching. It's interesting that you highlight what the Wongs pointed out about how learning does not necessarily have to be fun, as long as we adhere to the other guiding principles of teaching. I wholeheartedly agree that this IS a good point to remember when starting out as teachers. I'd like for every class period every single day to be awesome, fun, exciting learning. However, every day is not our swan song. We need to follow the Wongs advice and keep a positive attitude and a smile everyday.
ReplyDeleteBelinda,
DEFINITELY a PROCESS! We are very used to learning tasks and jumping into mastery quickly. In this field, it takes time. I try to find a way in my classes for students to receive whatever information as many times as possible. Usually, they do some group activity and present on some part of the chapter/ unit themselves, and their classmates are expected to listen and respect them. Then, I hit some points. In the last few days of the unit, I review. They always read, write, talk, listen, and share. :)
I agree with you guys! I don't think the book contains tons of "ah ha" moments, but there were many facets of which I needed to be reminded, and the book did that for me. In fact, at the beginning of each school year, many teachers say they skim back through the book as a refresher.
ReplyDelete"Teachers universally say they go into teaching to make a difference. You more than make a difference. You ARE the difference." -- Harry Wong
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Unit A, I can honestly say that the majority of the points that Wong makes are points that I have heard before from our teachers at South. While Wong's advice does not appear new to us, I do believe there is much truth and validity to Wong's guidance. Unit A makes some strong statements which describe an effective teacher and provides ways to succeed within our first days of school.
The quote I included above is a direct reflection on how I feel about teaching. Time and time again, I see students fade into all the faces that past through the hallways of schools. There are so many students that could be reached but are not. I believe that the teacher is the main individual responsible for reaching out to ALL students. While I understand the lack of motivation in students, Wong states that if a teacher can touch a student, the student will be willing to learn and do what is asked.
With this being said, another key factor for an effective teacher is to have the ability to produce results. Wong says that "effective means 'to effect,' 'to produce results.'" When a teacher impacts the life of a student, he or she is being an effective teacher and producing results. I have seen low students start succeeding simply because the teacher believed in them and showed them respect and encouragement. I hold the belief that every student has the ability to succeed, and I certainly want to be that teacher who changes the lives of all my students.
As far as all the other responsibilities that are discussed in this unit, I will admit I feel a bit overwhelmed. I know teaching entails a lot of work, especially paper work, but I find it quite unfair that beginner teachers are required to perform like veteran teachers. I believe that Wong's advice is a great stepping stone that will be extremely useful to me when I first begin teaching. While some may say that I am living in a fantasy world, I will always know that I am the difference in my students' lives.
John,
ReplyDeleteI was also a bit shocked to read that the first day of class should be all about the class rules and procedures. Why I was shocked, I do not. I am from MS, and at the beginning of each school year, every teacher was required to go over the handbook, the syllabus, and of course, the classroom procedures. Students knew from the start what was expected from them, even how their uniform should look. It was intense! Anyways, I have also witnessed teachers start off with a fun activity, and students do seem to think that the class will be all fun and games. I have heard from many teachers that it is better to gain control at the beginning and slowly all the students more and more freedom.
Belinda,
I completely understand how easy it is to make assumptions about our students. I am at fault with putting too high of expectations on my students as well. Ever since I have begun school, I have been that "over-achiever" student. I frequently forget that many of the students I am working with DO NOT want to be at school. I assume they want to learn, and time and time again, I realize they are not even listening to me or doing what I have asked. I agree that we must be okay with the students who choose this path, but I also want to find other ways to reach them and give them a desire to succeed. I want my students to be motivated about school and care enough about themselves to do well.
Unit A Response
ReplyDeleteLeah,
Role you've made some excellent points that being a teacher consists of many roles whether we know it or not. Teachers are also actors "performing" in front of the class with all eyes on them. We are role models and the students trust us to teach them the right things in their education and in life. They see everything we do and react to it all in kind.
Brain,
Keeping the energy level up in the classroom has to be a part of how we teach. We know that not everything is going to be exciting or fun [as I feel we are taught to do]. Students need to be intrinsically motivated as well and take an interest in their own education. I try to make it a point to see how the information I am teaching relates to them or affects their lives to avoid them feeling as if they will never this information or that it is useless.
Jamie Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your points that every student has it in them to succeed. Success is heavily weighted on the teacher. Based on teaching styles and positivity, teachers can be the beacon of hope for students inside and outside of the classroom.I too have seen students that are stuggling begin to rise above due to the support of their teachers. I believe that teachers are the focal point for all students in their journey for victory.
Belinda,
I can totally understand your struggles. I am teaching a block of regular ed. juniors. I went into the classroom with high expectations and thought of them as adults. In reality they want to be treated as adults, but they're not; and I have to remind myself of this continually. I do believe it is going to get better. I think the students that are lacking in their academics by the time that they are seniors or juniors have had bad experiences. They are used to doing the minimum and getting away with it. It is important as new teachers we force them to rise above this type of expectation. No matter how many students fall in the classroom, we are to be there as mentors and advisors.
I definitly believe that teachers I can remember teacher from elementary school that have had some sort of an affect on my life. Some have been good others have been bad. The biggest thing teachers need to remember is that every student has a story. Teachers have to know their students. Some of the most memorable teachers go above and beyond their natural duties. I know from experience, expecially lately, students care when you care. Going to their extracurricular activites has made many lessons in the classroom a lot easier due to student acceptablity to me. I only hope that I can be the type of teacher the Wongs describe.
ReplyDeleteBelinda,
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point highlighting how the Wongs discuss the different stages of teaching. Unfortunately it seems that staying in the second stage can get the job, but that the teacher will not flourish if they remain in that stage. I don't know if you meant to say that you were just trying to survive, but I it was interesting that you included it in your response. Also, it is interesting that you discuss how you know that some students will be content to get the 59.5 to graduate. I agree with the thought that you can't get the kids to do what they don't want to do. If anyone finds out how to get the kids to set high expectation for themselves please share it! Finally, you discuss doing all the paperwork and duties in the classroom. I am really trying to get involved with doing that work such as the online grade book because if I can figure that stuff out now it will be one less thing to try to figure out when I am teaching for real.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI understand the feeling that you have with eleventh grade students. I have one block of an elective and there are several seniors in the course. Because the class is not a core class it has students from all classifications and I have to be ready to teach the ninth grader and a twelfth grader at the same time. For example, today we discussed the Articles of Confederation and I am sitting there looking at these 17/18 year olds thinking they have probably heard this three times before. It is a weird feeling because they do seem older and ready for the next step, but as you said we have to remember that they are still students and in some ways more like young adolescents than adults.
After reading this chapter, I do not think that I had any light bulb moments. I feel as if this is what we have heard a thousand times in class. We are never going to fully understand how our classroom will run until w have our own classroom to run. I think that the Wong's make some great points about classroom management and about teachers. Teachers hold endless possibilities in their hands. They can make or break a school year for a student and although we cannot reach all students we must strive to do our best. I am a little scared about my first year of teaching; however, I have a great CT and I am learning so much from her, especially how to run an effective, productive classroom.
ReplyDeleteBrian,
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point that the things pointed out in section A are common sense. I definitely did not have an ah ha moment at all. However, this information is important for us to all be effective teachers.
Belinda,
I am the same way in the classroom and on the court. I want students and players to do well and I think that they all want to do well until I get a much less than satisfactory result. However, the mistakes we make, make us better. When we teach a lesson, it is not always going to work out the way we envisioned it. Therefore, we have to make small revisions. Students and athletes alike learn and achive because we along with them are motivated and determined. I know you are going to be a great teacher because you are a driven individual with great ideas. We just have to motivate and then we will get those results we desire!
After reading Unit A I have come to realize that the qualities of an effective teacher are the result of a continuously growing and ever evolving learning process which teachers and students undertake together. This is not to say that teachers enter the classroom unprepared or allow students to dictate their academic achievement. Rather, it is a process where teachers must learn to not only manage student expectations, but their own as well. The Wongs illustrate the important role educators’ play in modeling expectations, in creating positive and motivating learning environments, and ultimately in student successes as the most important variable in today’s classroom. Although teachers must always be cognizant of State and local district requirements, they should strive independently and collectively to ensure that their primary efforts are focused on benefiting the student’s social and academic endeavors.
ReplyDeleteThe Wongs illustrate how various stages in which effective educators approach improving their teaching skills can help direct, motivate, and engage students in the learning process. They suggest that along with interesting and challenging content and context, effective teachers should also maintain appropriate classroom etiquette, guidelines and procedures that are both manageable by students and instructor alike. Creating an effective learning environment does not always mean making lessons or activities entertaining either. According to the authors teaching is not necessarily synonymous with laughter or fun, but rather serious business which requires careful lesson preparation in order to make learning sensible, relevant, and encouragingly attainable in meeting students’ needs and expectations. Lastly, the Wongs assert that a great way in becoming an effective educator is to never stop learning or improving upon various teaching methodologies. As they put it, effective teachers are lifelong learners.
I agree with the Wongs that continuous self-reflection, collaboration, and lifelong learning can impact how I create, promote, and master effective teaching habits. I have seen my cooperating teacher employ some of the Wongs’ management philosophies from “day one” in my assigned classroom. And they work too! Personally, I feel teaching “processes, procedures, and expectations” are just as important as the content and context of the lesson material. Most importantly, I find the advice found in Unit A a valuable asset for future reference; where I am sure that it will influence my perspective towards student achievement, influence and help improve my teaching skills, and assist me in focusing on becoming a more effective teacher.
After reading Unit A, I find it comforting to know that there is extended techniques/advice that is viable to preservice instruction,the research is powerful enough to transform practicing teachers,and it can even reinvent the veteran teacher. Positive expectations is monumental in building bridges with learners! The Wongs express that ANY learner can perform at a high level,the key is that we are the transmitters that give life to production in the classroom! I believe and practice the fact that it is essential that we exhibit positive expectations to ALL learners in the classroom. We should practice the Three Characteristics of an Effective teacher CONSISTENTLY. We must master the concepts we are teaching, and simplifly them in a way that all learners achieve greatness. We should make learning fun, and at the same time provide a positive atmosphere by exemplifying good classroom management. We must have positive expectations for student success!, because if we aren't excited about learning, the students will not be excited.
ReplyDelete(Leah),
ReplyDeleteIt is dynamic that you are focusing on success/achievement of students in the classroom,I agree with this, and I especially like the way you coined all of the new "Mumbo-Jumbo" of current trends. The Wongs methods are applicable in the classroom, because they are "REAL", and not new "PLASTIC" techniques that are trendy. Many times we get "Outside" information that is full of flaws, but the Wongs are experienced educators who can relate to us. It is important that we obtain authentic information, and value experienced educators.
(FLOR)
ReplyDeleteYou said something really important that we sometimes use as cliche' phrases,but keeping a student "On Track" should always be our mission in the classroom. Students face so much outside of the classroom in today's society, we must make sure that the positive influence learners receive inside the classroom will be powerful enough to be a part of their lives outside of the classroom.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJOSH TEST
ReplyDeletepractice post
ReplyDeleteUnit A had some great advice for me as a future teacher. The main information that I found most helpful was that as a teacher you need to be consistent, have a good classroom management plan, and have positive expectations for all of your students.
ReplyDeleteStudents need to know what to expect that first day of school from the teacher.A good classroom management plan is a must. As a teacher you need to have a safe and secure place for your students to learn. Also as a teacher having positive expectations for all of your students is very important. If you have this then you will see positive learning in the classroom.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you are saying in that as a teacher you have to know your students.Students want to know that they have a teacher that cares and has a positive attitude toward them. This in turn will make you as a teacher have a successful year and a positive learning environment for your students.
Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way you do on running a classroom. We will not truly know until we have our own. I also have a great CT and she has answered alot of my questions. I feel that being a successful teacher involves alot of things we will try and eventually find what works best.
[Jamie Lynn]
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your comments to John concerning how important rules and procedures are, but that a little fun initially in the classroom is not recommended by the Wongs. I would have thought a bit of humor might ease any potential tension that exists between teacher and student the first few days of school. That said, it does as you point out make sense that in MS you are required/encouraged to remain on “administrative task” with students explaining the syllabus, classroom procedures, etc., in an effort to establish “who is in control” while also explaining expectations for student behavior, achievement, etc. I think you clarify the point Wong is trying to make – that the first days of school are critical in establishing direction and purpose. And as you aptly put it – increasing student “freedom” is a reward, a privilege and not a rite of passage.
[Leah]
I really liked your comments about one of the main points illustrated in Unit A of and for maintaining positive expectations. My experience observing and student teaching is that some teachers really do try to do just that. Unfortunately, I feel far too many (veteran) teachers give up as soon as they see the “quit” in their students. True, it can be rationalized that if the student is not going to try harder, making a stronger commitment to their own learning, or displaying a willingness or desire to over-come obstacles form home or in the classroom, then why should an educator break their backs trying either. I agree with you – it’s SO important, must be maintained daily, and for the benefit of ALL students. Like you, I believe this goal or expectation concerning our behavior towards students and teaching is a requirement for all active educators. It’s not always easy, but it’s not an option. I think the serious revolution you speak about can be attained each and every day as newer teachers take “the field” and begin to make our mark. In a way – I see it as taking back our educational system and focusing on the true cause – the students! If we do that effectively AYP & Standardized Test Scores will occupy their proper placement someday – in the trash can.
I apologize that these are a little late. I was looking for a reply button underneath each post and did not know we needed to reply as a separate post. Anyway, here goes!
ReplyDelete@ Amy
I agree with you that students should know what to expect from the outset. Whether we like it or not, we as teachers send a message to our students through our appearance, behavior, and demeanor. A teacher who is perceived as overly lax or strict will likely spend the better part of the semester trying to counteract that image. This is why I feel that the Wongs make such a good point in emphasizing classroom management on day one. That way, the students know you will operate the classroom in a fair, safe, and friendly manner. There will be no guessing on their part or "trying to get one over" on you.
@ Mr. Action Jackson,
I too believe that a teacher's expectations should be high for all students. Many kids fall through the cracks simply because they have been unfairly labeled. Perception is a two way street. Teachers who believe that a student is not capable will treat that student differently whether they intend to or not. I have had teachers who made us use code names just so they would not be biased in their grading. All students should be set up for success but unfortunately that is not always the case.
First of all, I’d like to say that this book is a stress reliever in a well-written, organized format that makes it easy to read for information quickly. Also, I like how the accommodating website has up-to-date materials that make this book a great reference for teachers.
ReplyDeleteLike the Wongs state, I think it is incumbent to have an effective classroom procedure plan laid out for students the first week of school so that they can begin getting into a routine. PowerPoint presentations are an excellent idea because they get information across quickly and effectively. Also, they demonstrate a sense of organization which is very important. The examples on the Wongs’ website are a great guide for neophyte teachers to create their own plans, and I plan to use them when producing my own.
I like how the second chapter gives an overview of how to be an effective teacher. My biggest worry at this point is classroom management (I look forward to reading that unit), and as they state, classroom management is separate from discipline. In the third chapter, the Wongs’ explain that one of your best resources for materials is veteran teachers. Most are open and willing to help you with ideas and materials. I have already had two teachers at my student teaching placement offer materials for lessons I will be teaching. Chapters four and five outline the importance of research and continued learning which I feel will be a major impact on whether or not I am an effective teacher.
The Wongs’ advice will have a tremendous impact on my teaching because every time I think of this book I’ll be reminded that settling is not good enough and that there’s always more to learn and a skill to improve on.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI definitely can see your point because as college students, we often care more when we feel we have an instructor who cares and is passionate about what he/she is doing. Students can sense when you do not show your interest in them, and from my placement, I have learned that they take comments to heart. That is why knowing our students is so important, and part of that is attending their extracurricular activities like you do.
Brooke,
I think what you say is true. We have been told this in classes we have taken, and it’ll only be effective when we put what we’ve learned into practice. However, I think the book is a great reference to new teachers because like you said, they do make many good points.
Much of the advice in Unit A makes a lot of sense. It gives you a little dose of reality of what’s to come and what you can expect. I still think that every teaching situation is unique and everyone must find their own way. However, setting out the ground rules on the first days of school is great advice of which I will keep with me. It supposedly can set the stage of how much productivity your class will have for the year. It was also telling when they discussed how students like to have consistency in the classroom. Setting expectations and a stable environment for students will be important considering students will not feel uneasy about their learning environment and will be more apt to learn something.
ReplyDeleteLeah,
ReplyDeleteTeachers will really make a difference when the focus is truly on the students and not some other interests. It's basically is up to the teachers to make that difference because in the end it’s the people who run the schools. I also agree that the title "teacher" should carry some weight considering teachers can have such a big impact.
John,
It was really telling for me also in just how important those first days of school are and how it sets the stage of what’s to come. It can supposedly make or break you as a teacher. Also, sometimes it may be difficult for some teachers to be willing to implement new ideas or even learn new things but it’s those who put themselves out there as lifelong learners that make the difference. It’s all about learning the best ways to teach in unique circumstances.
The emphasis on a successful first day of school has hit home. I had always heard that if you don’t set the rules and expectations in the beginning, the rest of the school year will be rough. I am fortunate to be working with a very effective veteran teacher. From the very beginning, policies, procedures and work ethic expectations have been stated and reinforced. Very quickly, 3 of 4 blocks began to hum along, with learning occurring each class meeting. The 4th block has several behavior challenges. But over the last 4 days or so, more and more students are engaging, and learning their potential. I can see the evidence in Wong’s comment on page 8 about impact. Teachers make than make a difference. They are the difference. This comment reassures me that policies, procedures and expectations must be clear from the first minute students set foot in my class. Consistency will be key, and has proven effective with the toughest of crowds in the classroom I am in this semester. Students want to succeed and when shown what to do to get there, rise to the challenge. And then there is the teacher who needs to constantly rise. The comment “Inside every great teacher, there is an even better one waiting to get out” is thrilling to me. This is affirmation that teaching will be a profession that can never be fully mastered, and will always be a challenge. That will be true if I strive to be better at all times. To model continuous improvement in my own development for my students will only breed an environment yearning for success. The research pertaining to student achievement and teacher effectiveness is a motivation to be the most effective teacher as possible. This Unit was much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAmong the myriad of essential advice that Unit A gives the reader, the most actionable pieces of information, for me, seem to be the actual nuts and bolts of being a new teacher dealing with the first days of school. I took the advice to be somewhat elementary in that some of it dealt with having a healthy knowledge of common sense. Although some new educators, such as myself, would deem that knowledge critical since we would be experiencing our own classroom for the first time.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the three characteristics of an effective teacher. Again, pretty basic with all things considered but pivotal in order to make your classroom function the way that it needs to. I couldn't think of a better set of principles to start out with.
Brian, I especially like your comments on falling into bad habits and being keenly aware of what your tendencies are. I, as I'm sure most educators are, am guilty of going with what I feel works and sometimes ignoring new things. In keeping a vigilant eye towards trying new things, we don't block out our students from experiencing new ways to learn.
ReplyDeleteBelinda, asserting yourself can seem difficult if you are a bit of an introvert. I've found that in my case it was advantageous for me to make my presence felt in every aspect that I could. Not to be mean, but to let the students know that there was no easy path when I am teaching and that I am to be treated with the utmost respect.
ReplyDeleteEffective teachers do affect lives. One thing that happens when you teach is you become emotionally attached to your students. As a teacher you start to care about them. You want to see them succeed. When your students fail you feel as if you failed also. It is your goal as a teacher to watch each student progress in your classroom. If you are not there to watch your students progress and grow not only as students but also as adults then why are you there? It is my job as a teacher to help my students become better students and better adults.
ReplyDeleteBrooke,
ReplyDeleteI agree we wont know exactly what it is like until we have our own classrooms. However when I teach the students act differently therefore it feels like I have my own classroom. I feel you can never be fully prepared to be a teacher and the only way to get better is to just jump in and do it.
Amy,
I agree 100% that management skills are important. Once you lose control of the classroom you are no longer in charge. As a teacher it is your job to always be in charge. It also helps to be positive and motivate your students to get the best results you can out of them
Kendra Cook
ReplyDeleteUnit A Assignment
Student Teaching Fall 2011
The five chapters in Unit A are primarily concerned with how to become an effective teacher. "Effective teachers affect lives," say the Wongs.
How do you see their advice impacting you as a teacher? Respond and comment on at least two other classmate responses.
Unit A in Wong’s book explains in detail the steps of becoming an effective teacher. The advice in Unit A will impact me my entire professional career because as a teacher it is my goal to be effective in my student’s lives. There are many points in Unit A that I plan on using as a teacher. I feel that if I apply the three characteristics of an effective teacher I will be a successful teacher and will have successful students. I realize that the advice in the book will help me but I also realize that becoming a teacher involves determination and hard work.
This unit also help me to understand that “discipline had very little to do with classroom management.” For the past week I have been trying to be more assertive and discipline the students but, by reading chapter two I see that I was wrong. Now it is my goal to learn the skills of classroom management and becoming an effective teacher.
To John I also agree that a good teacher is a lifelong learner. I feel like it is important to keep up with the improvements in your content area but I also feel that we as teachers can learn from our students. If we take time to observe and listen to the students they can help us help them to learn.
To Flor Flores I have realized that my expectation and the student’s expectations aren’t always the same. Most teachers want their students to be successful but the students must want to be successful too. When you find those clues let me in on them.
Unit A of Harry and Rosemary Wong's book provides some interesting pieces of information for educators new and experienced to consider. The main point of the unit is that successful teachers affect lives. These teachers help foster life long habits that promote positive outcomes for their students years after they have left their class.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the most profound idea from Unit A was the idea that "education is teaching people behaviors they don't currently practice." It can be very easy to become consumed with expounding in-depth content knowledge to our students. Almost becoming a "talking head" with vital information to be imprinted on the brains of our students. Instead, I agree with the Wongs that more effective pedagogy seeks to provide students with a positive atmosphere that encourages them to learn new skills that they can apply in the future and throughout their lives.
I was also quite intrigued by the four stages of the teaching craft. This discussion was actually somewhat disheartening to me as I realized that we, as student teachers, are still helplessly in the "fantasy" stage. However, I do feel that I have been able to exhibit small pieces of all four stages at some point this semester. The "survival" stage somewhat goes hand in hand with the first stage, as any teacher must be able to survive no matter how unrealistic their fantasy may be.
All in all, I have felt the intrinsic imperative that order be established as early as possible in the beginning of a school year. It is always easier to relax one's vigilance on students than to try to wrangle them back in after they have spun out of a teacher's control. It is surprising how well students are able to pick up on teachers who are on top of their game within minutes of starting the first class.
In my short time being around schools, I can say that I have already come into contact with too many educators who are hopelessly lost in the "survival" phase of teaching. Their negativity and cynicism is difficult to be around and can be a great hindrance to the students and teachers around them.
I think it is imperative for me to continue to use research processes to improve my teaching. I know that educational theories are constantly evolving and I plan to use my colleagues, university researchers, seminars, in-services, and online learning communities to keep my practices up to date once I have an official teaching position at a school.
Flor,
ReplyDeleteI agree that keeping students aware of the collective goals that we have as a class is very important for all teachers. I have tried some of this with my students during my student teaching and it worked quite well. As a coach, I treat their ability to perform and apply tasks on assessments as their "game days". The lessons leading up to those are like practices for them. If they understand that they do have goals they need to reach, they can begin to figure out ways to work with us towards those goals.
Brian,
I too thought it was almost refreshing to hear that solid education does not have to be funny or entertaining. I think sometimes teachers, especially those of the neophyte variety, can become overly obsessed with creating lessons and activities that function mostly on their entertainment value rather than their impact on student learning. I think that quality education can certainly be both funny and entertaining at times but it really cannot function if the teacher is more of a stand-up comedian than vigilant instructor that focuses on student achievement.
Unit A:
ReplyDeleteI thought that these first five chapters were very insightful in helping me to understand how to be an effective teacher. We have all have had teachers that have affected our lives, and I think that is why we have chosen to become educators.
In the first five chapters what I agreed with the most was the three characteristics for an effective teacher. These were positive expectations for student success, an extremely good classroom manager, and how to design lessons for student mastery. We have all heard of these characteristics throughout student teaching, and I believe that these characteristics make you an effective teacher.
I also liked the portion where it talked about moving from the fantasy stage into survival. I see that there is a lot of room for me to grow as a teacher, and accepting that is the first step. I hope to move into mastery, and into impact, but I know this will take time and a lot of work. I understand that the teacher is the most important part in student success, and I want to reach the level in which I can impact student’s lives.
I also liked how the author wrote about how important the first day of school is to having a successful year. If a student has structure, and has a clear plan of what to expect from the class the student will know what expectations are expected out of him and more effective learning will take place.
Comments:
John:
I was also shocked about the comment that beginning school with a fun assignment is a hallmark for an ineffective teacher. The teacher I am observing did go the rules and guidelines for the year, and also told the students what exactly what to expect from the class and him. He also had time for the students to do a “semi-fun activity” on the importance of history. I say “semi-fun” because it was not designed to be a fun activity, but it was very interesting and eye opening.
I think we all know that teaching means a commitment to lifelong learning, as well as never settling with how our teaching skills and always trying to improve them. One of my favorite quotes from these chapters was, “inside every great teacher is a better one waiting to come out!” This quote speaks volumes about always trying to get better, and to do a better job because we have made the commitment to be lifelong learners that want to improve.
Brian:
I like that you caught that learning does not have to be fun. I think as beginning teachers we want to make everything we teach to be enjoyable and fun to the students so that will enjoy what they are learning. If teachers teach with energy and passion I think the students will be engaged from the teacher’s energy. I also like that you wrote that about being aware of your habits. It can be hard to break old habits, and I can relate to that.