11/21/2013

Today was a very relaxing day because we were all done with our teaching and we were basically just wrapping up time in each of the classes. In the high school we gave our final input to the students and I photographed their workspace and some of their pieces. I was able to help one of the students learn centering and the basics of throwing.

At the middle school we helped the students out a little bit, but continued to grade the students reflection sheets and then hung up our work in the display case. It was very satisfactory to put all of the students work together and to be able to show off what we taught our students and to see that they learned and were able to reflect on the work that they did with us.

All in all I am very happy with my experience throughout this practicum. I was nervous and didn’t know what to think about having the bulk of my experience be in a middle school. Since my experience in middle school wasn’t incredibly positive, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at how I was able to connect with a lot of the students and I was able to understand where they were in life.

I was amazed by the students in the high school class as well. This class showed that if the teachers and faculty in the school district put effort into their classes they can create something truly amazing and incredibly beneficial for their students.

I feel like I learned a lot in general just learning how to deal with students and how to be more successful as a teacher, however I do have some things to work on. I need to work on a stronger teaching voice as one example. Reflecting back on it all I was also very happy I was working with Teri. Mrs. L. gave us a huge compliment on how our teaching styles were completely different, but complimented each other very well. I was incredibly happy to hear that.

One thing I struggled figuring out as well was if I was giving them too much information or not enough to help the students get through the projects, although as I got more experience within my practicum and as I do more in my education career I believe I will continue to become a better teacher. Mrs. L. and her art education colleagues offered to have us back to the school for our student teaching, and I would absolutely love to continue my experience in this school district.