My experience at my practicum location has been wonderful this semester. I really enjoy working with my cooperating teacher because she is so thorough, engaging, and organized. It is a very different environment from my previous practicum/observing locations.
This is the first time I have worked with eighth graders, and it was slightly intimidating at first. The main focus of this academic year is American History. I was surprised at the number of students that seem interested in American history and know what is happening in the world around them today. During a lesson on the Bill of Rights they asked wonderful questions about the effects this document has on us in modern times. It was exciting to hear the students' questions and thoughts about freedom. On one of the first days of my experience I discussed the concept of state sovereignty and the difficulties the colonists had when there was no strong national government. The students were still slightly uncomfortable answering my questions and responding to the discussion, but I guess this is a part of them trying to get to know a new person in the classroom environment. My pacing in the class was slightly rushed that day because I was so nervous. I didn't know I was going to be addressing the whole class on my way in that day, so I was a little unprepared. I realized how fast I was going through the information and realized I needed to slow down and explain things in more detail for the students. I think this is something I'll get better at with more experience and preparation for lessons.
Transitioning from language arts to social studies this semester has been difficult. I'm not used to discomfort with information, but I am rusty on some of my history facts. I need to get involved with the subject so I can feel more comfortable with the topic. I think jumping in the middle of the year is rough because I'm not quite sure what has already been covered. I've spent time with my practicum teacher discussing the topics that remain for this year so I know what will be coming up. Of course, that feeling of discomfort means that it is an opportune time for learning, as the textbook discussed!
2 comments:
I had the same uncomfortable feeling in my admissions semester with 8th grade students. I did notice that they were a little more organized than most 6th or 7th grade students, so that was nice. In respect to transitioning from one subject to another can be a hard task. Just give it time and everything will fall into place. Way to go on jumping right into a discussion!
I'm really glad you are enjoying your placement! I have yet to actually teach anything to 8th grade students, so I can understand that initial feeling of intimidation! I am also having a little more of a difficult time transitioning from language arts to social studies, and I'm definitely feeling rusty on some things! Hopefully you and I can brush up and give some great lessons! Oh yeah, kudos to you for leading a class discussion!
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