Week 12 Reflection (November 8-12)

This week was just another week. Nothing too drastic took place, nor did I go home wanting to quit teaching. Ultimately, it was not a bad week.

With my big project for my U.S. class coming next week, a lot of student were asking questions and sharing concerns. There were even a few that had never turned in their group list; so, I had to catch those students up since they did not have a topic or anything. In the end, I ended up changing the due date because so many students weren’t sure when they were presenting. Despite having a website with their topic, group members, and due dates and constant updates/reminders in class, my students still did not know their dates. I was a little upset because everything was already given to them in a concrete form that they cannot lose. However, if it lets them create a better project I am all about it. I am starting to wonder what I am going to get as a final product from a lot of my students. Next time I do something like this, I am going to give a sheet of due dates out and instructions and the web site. Also, I am going to list things around the room to remind them what is going on.

I am really starting to see the effect that assemblies and other activities have on a class. Lately, we have been having constant interruptions and assemblies due to the football team being in the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud of the team, but it does mess up your plans. I can now see why teachers get irritated by these things. Next week, due to my schedule to get this chapter covered before Thanksgiving and the assembly, I have to combine two sections into a day, if not three, for my one U.S. History section. This will be one thing that I can never get used to, but it is just another thing thrown on a teacher’s plate that must be overcome.

Lastly, I am at a loss at what to do the two days before break. I know that they should be used to educational purposes but how much will the students retain. Many of my students will be out at least one of those days to go hunting. So, do I start into a new chapter, show instructional videos (intro into Rome and the colonists struggles before the Revolution), or give some worksheets/fun facts to them? On a plus, and sad, note, my internship is almost over. Three week left!