On March 26th, I was able to observe Mrs. Anderson's 8th grade physical education class. During my visit, the class was being instructed by the student teacher, Mr. Hertz. This allowed Mrs. Anderson to visit with me while the class was in session.
One of the topics that Mrs. Anderson and I discussed was assessment. We mainly discussed Mrs. Anderson's choices regarding assessment. Her students are not graded on their physical abilities but rather their preparedness and participation. She does administer physical fitness tests; however, these results are not the basis for her student's grades. Mrs. Anderson shared with me that she feels when it comes to athleticism some students "have it or they don't" and that she doesn't want to punish the students who don't even if they try their hardest.
Mrs. Anderson also told me that she makes a point to have positive interactions and create relationships with students who struggle with PE or have a poor attitude about the class. She expressed to me that these students usually have a negative mindset about physical activity so her hope is, through being a positive entity, she can create a positive association with her class for the students.
I felt that what Mrs. Anderson and I discussed could all be applied to a primary classroom, especially her ideas regarding student relationships. School can be challenging for some students, but if the teacher remains a positive aspect of their time at school, they have something to look forward to and enjoy about school.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
3/25/14
Today I had the chance to observe two of Mrs. Anderson's 8th grade physical education classes that were being taught by Mr. Hertz, a DSU student teacher. The first class engaged in soccer drills and the game pom-pom-pull away. The second class participated in weight lifting activities.
During my visit, I was able to assist with setting up the cones for a soccer drill, with classroom management during weight training, and after class outside the locker room. During weight training, I assisted some of the students with form and after class I kept the students in their designated area until the bell rang. During this time, I was able to see the impact positive reinforcement can have on a student. I thanked a quiet boy for being so well behaved and he had a smile from ear to ear until the bell rang.
During my visit, I was able to assist with setting up the cones for a soccer drill, with classroom management during weight training, and after class outside the locker room. During weight training, I assisted some of the students with form and after class I kept the students in their designated area until the bell rang. During this time, I was able to see the impact positive reinforcement can have on a student. I thanked a quiet boy for being so well behaved and he had a smile from ear to ear until the bell rang.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
3/19/14
I had the chance to observe Mrs. Anderson's physical education class on March 19th. On this day, the regular classroom teacher and student teacher were both absent so I was able to watch the substitute teacher and the student teacher's university supervisor. The children were playing a game of big base when I got to the school.
The class was a different class than I have observed in the past and brought with them some different characteristics. For example, this group of students was much more competitive than the other classes I have seen. There were also a couple of students who liked to "show off" despite what that meant for their team. One of the rules of big base is that if the ball hits the ceiling, it is an automatic. Two boys would wind up and kick the ball, seemingly as hard as they could, every time it was their turn. Each time they were up, it was an automatic out for their team. Their teammates would comment in disapproval but it had no effect on the boys. Other than that minor behavior, the students were very respectful of the substitute and enjoyed having the university supervisor participating with them.
The class was a different class than I have observed in the past and brought with them some different characteristics. For example, this group of students was much more competitive than the other classes I have seen. There were also a couple of students who liked to "show off" despite what that meant for their team. One of the rules of big base is that if the ball hits the ceiling, it is an automatic. Two boys would wind up and kick the ball, seemingly as hard as they could, every time it was their turn. Each time they were up, it was an automatic out for their team. Their teammates would comment in disapproval but it had no effect on the boys. Other than that minor behavior, the students were very respectful of the substitute and enjoyed having the university supervisor participating with them.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
3/18/14
Today during my visit to the Middle School, I had the opportunity to observe the students during an atypical school day and school week. Firstly, the regular classroom teacher was absent, secondly, the students had pictures during class time, and thirdly, this week is a short week for the students due to conferences and the state basketball tournament. These changes to the regular routine were reflected in the behavior of the students. I tried to observe as many of the management strategies that I could as this will be a situation I will likely encounter as a future educator.I was also anxious to see how the teacher would handle some of the off the wall behaviors that I encountered.
The class began with a poll to determine what activity would be done for the day and the students decided they would play "Capture the Flag." After the class got the activity set up, the instructor blew his whistle and the game began. However, the game did not begin with much energy or enthusiasm. In fact, few students even attempted to capture the flag. This was remedied with teacher motivation (Come on guys, let's go! Pick up the pace! etc.). After the energy level of the students increased, so did the behavioral mishaps. In fact, one of the students ran to the other side of the gym to capture the flag screaming as a means of distracting the other team. He then dropped to the floor and rolled across the gym. In this instance, even the teacher had to laugh.
Overall, I found that when the students are feeling particularly distracted, it is important for the instructor to remain focused, keep the class focused, and roll with the punches.
The class began with a poll to determine what activity would be done for the day and the students decided they would play "Capture the Flag." After the class got the activity set up, the instructor blew his whistle and the game began. However, the game did not begin with much energy or enthusiasm. In fact, few students even attempted to capture the flag. This was remedied with teacher motivation (Come on guys, let's go! Pick up the pace! etc.). After the energy level of the students increased, so did the behavioral mishaps. In fact, one of the students ran to the other side of the gym to capture the flag screaming as a means of distracting the other team. He then dropped to the floor and rolled across the gym. In this instance, even the teacher had to laugh.
Overall, I found that when the students are feeling particularly distracted, it is important for the instructor to remain focused, keep the class focused, and roll with the punches.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
3/4/14
Today when I arrived at the middle school, the student teacher, Mr. Hertz, informed me that Mrs. Anderson was gone for the day and that he would be not only the primary, but the only classroom instructor. He began class with some warm up laps and stretching and then the group moved to the weight room.
I was anxious to see how the students behaved without the watchful eye of their regular classroom teacher, especially considering they were in the weight room where their activities are individual and self paced. Things began well, however, after only a few minutes, students started claiming that they were done with their exercises for the day. It became clear to the instructor that the students were not completing the work that was assigned to them or were not performing their best. So, at the end of class, Mr. Hertz had the students do conditioning that consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, etc. Some of the students were "cheating" during the exercises so Mr. Hertz had me stand strategically in an area of the room that had multiple students struggling to stay on task. This proved to be an effective method.
It was interesting seeing how students behave when their classroom teacher is absent and it was educational to see how Mr. Hertz managed the class under those circumstances. Some of the methods he used can definitely be taken into classrooms when I student teach and substitute teach.
I was anxious to see how the students behaved without the watchful eye of their regular classroom teacher, especially considering they were in the weight room where their activities are individual and self paced. Things began well, however, after only a few minutes, students started claiming that they were done with their exercises for the day. It became clear to the instructor that the students were not completing the work that was assigned to them or were not performing their best. So, at the end of class, Mr. Hertz had the students do conditioning that consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, etc. Some of the students were "cheating" during the exercises so Mr. Hertz had me stand strategically in an area of the room that had multiple students struggling to stay on task. This proved to be an effective method.
It was interesting seeing how students behave when their classroom teacher is absent and it was educational to see how Mr. Hertz managed the class under those circumstances. Some of the methods he used can definitely be taken into classrooms when I student teach and substitute teach.
2/25/14
I enjoyed the opportunity to observe the student teacher teaching Mrs. Anderson's physical education class on Tuesday, February 25th. It was fun for me to see the student teacher employing classroom management strategies that I have been learning about in my classes. I enjoyed seeing this because I have always wondered how effective these methods would be in a real classroom setting. Two of the methods that were used that I have learned about in classroom management that seemed especially effective were the use of a student's name if they were off task or misbehaving in any way and proximity to a student. It was impressive to me that just by getting closer to a student their behavior changed.
Also, during my visit, I had the chance to talk to the student teacher, Mr. Hertz. I was able to ask him questions about the expectations of student teachers, what it is like teaching cooperatively with his coordinating teacher, and stepping into the role of the primary instructor of the class. I appreciated his insights and it eased some of my anxieties about my upcoming role as a student teacher.
I also observed some of the groups of friends in this new class and how these groups affected the overall climate of the classroom. There is a group of about five boys that frequently get off task and become a little problematic. At times, this derails the focus of the rest of the students. However, it is clear that the student teacher and regular classroom teacher are aware of this issue and minimize any issues quickly.
Also, during my visit, I had the chance to talk to the student teacher, Mr. Hertz. I was able to ask him questions about the expectations of student teachers, what it is like teaching cooperatively with his coordinating teacher, and stepping into the role of the primary instructor of the class. I appreciated his insights and it eased some of my anxieties about my upcoming role as a student teacher.
I also observed some of the groups of friends in this new class and how these groups affected the overall climate of the classroom. There is a group of about five boys that frequently get off task and become a little problematic. At times, this derails the focus of the rest of the students. However, it is clear that the student teacher and regular classroom teacher are aware of this issue and minimize any issues quickly.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
2/18/14
Again as I entered Mrs. Anderson's physical education class, I noticed a change. Mrs. Anderson was no longer the teacher in charge. In her place was a student teacher leading the class. This provided me with the opportunity to see what the next semester holds for me as a student teacher, as well as allowed me to converse with Mrs. Anderson to better understand her teaching philosophy and her class.
As Mr. Hertz led stretches and warm-ups, Mrs. Anderson visited with me about this new group of students. It was during this conversation that I learned that 8 of the students in that particular class were students with some form of special needs. Suddenly, the issues from last week became more understandable. Knowing this about the class allowed me to view the happenings of the class through a different lens. I became interested in seeing first hand how the instructor met the unique needs of each student in the group.
Some of the methods I found Mr. Hertz employing were modeling some of the exercises he wanted the students to do. I found that this method could easily be transferred to my own future classroom; modeling can be a powerful tool in determining behavior and in showing students your expectations. He also took time to talk with students who seemed to be struggling. This was another method I felt could easily be used in a primary classroom. Lastly, Mr. Hertz was very patient with his students. He maintained high expectations of them but these expectations were reasonable and attainable for the students to meet. I felt that this was an especially important aspect of the morning to take away with me. If my expectations for my future students are too high, they will become frustrated and I will, as well. If my expectations are too low, all involved parties may become bored. However, when expectations are high, yet attainable, results are visible.
As Mr. Hertz led stretches and warm-ups, Mrs. Anderson visited with me about this new group of students. It was during this conversation that I learned that 8 of the students in that particular class were students with some form of special needs. Suddenly, the issues from last week became more understandable. Knowing this about the class allowed me to view the happenings of the class through a different lens. I became interested in seeing first hand how the instructor met the unique needs of each student in the group.
Some of the methods I found Mr. Hertz employing were modeling some of the exercises he wanted the students to do. I found that this method could easily be transferred to my own future classroom; modeling can be a powerful tool in determining behavior and in showing students your expectations. He also took time to talk with students who seemed to be struggling. This was another method I felt could easily be used in a primary classroom. Lastly, Mr. Hertz was very patient with his students. He maintained high expectations of them but these expectations were reasonable and attainable for the students to meet. I felt that this was an especially important aspect of the morning to take away with me. If my expectations for my future students are too high, they will become frustrated and I will, as well. If my expectations are too low, all involved parties may become bored. However, when expectations are high, yet attainable, results are visible.
2/11/14
I was able to revisit Mrs. Anderson's physical education class on February 18th. However, when I arrived, I immediately noticed that it was a new group of students. This turn of events had me excited to see how the dynamic of the class would change, what different personalities I would encounter, and whether or not this would change the teaching and management styles of Mrs. Anderson.
It was clear to me from the minute the class started that this class was much different than the previous class I observed. This group of students seemed a bit more challenging as many of them tended to push their boundaries by not exercising their hardest, waiting until the last second to follow instructions, and chatting just a bit too much. This change in the class culture also had an impact on the overall environment of the class. Mrs. Anderson had to do more reminding of what the expectations were and the students had to complete more conditioning for not meeting those expectations. The overall attitude of the teacher, however, did not change. Mrs. Anderson was still encouraging and motivating despite the fact that these students were a little less receptive.
One thing I took away from this visit that I plan to implement in my future classroom is that even if the attitude of my student's is poor, I should not let it negatively affect my own attitude. By the end of the class, it was clear that Mrs. Anderson's positive attitude had rubbed off on her students as the vast majority of them left her class with a smile.
It was clear to me from the minute the class started that this class was much different than the previous class I observed. This group of students seemed a bit more challenging as many of them tended to push their boundaries by not exercising their hardest, waiting until the last second to follow instructions, and chatting just a bit too much. This change in the class culture also had an impact on the overall environment of the class. Mrs. Anderson had to do more reminding of what the expectations were and the students had to complete more conditioning for not meeting those expectations. The overall attitude of the teacher, however, did not change. Mrs. Anderson was still encouraging and motivating despite the fact that these students were a little less receptive.
One thing I took away from this visit that I plan to implement in my future classroom is that even if the attitude of my student's is poor, I should not let it negatively affect my own attitude. By the end of the class, it was clear that Mrs. Anderson's positive attitude had rubbed off on her students as the vast majority of them left her class with a smile.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)