Evaluation #1
Date: November 13, 2018
My department chair, Dr. Lisa Lewis, evaluated my EXS 101 class on November 13, 2018.
On the day of Dr. Lisa Lewis's evaluation, I planned a lesson on behavior change that included a power point presentation, guided notes, collaborative learning activity, and movement-based check for understanding. When I arrived early to prepare the classroom, none of the media would work. I called media and for the first 20 minutes of class, I taught while several media professionals were trouble shooting in my classroom. Other than that, the lesson went well, but we ended up running out of time. I completed all of the new material and the check for understanding with movement, and postponed the assignment for the following class period.
I was really pleased with the positive feedback I received from Dr. Lewis. I strive to engage my students in meaningful learning activities, be a positive role model, and demonstrate that I truly care about my students and their success. Dr. Lewis's comments acknowledged my efforts and exemplified the wonderful support that I have received from the department since day 1. I am truly grateful for Dr. Lewis and everybody in the department.
During our follow up meeting, Dr. Lewis went through my syllabus with me. While my syllabus met all of the requirements, there were many areas for improvement. She shared sections of her syllabus and examples of why she worded things the way she did. With her guidance, I modified my Spring syllabus. She taught the value of establishing clear expectations with a strong syllabus.
Evaluation #2
Date: January 24th, 2019
My department chair, Dr. Lisa Lewis, evaluated my EXS 101 class on January 24th, 2019.
On the day of Dr. Lisa Lewis's evaluation, I planned a lesson on research that included a power point presentation, guided notes, collaborative learning activity, and movement-based check for understanding. Once again, the media did not work on the day of my evaluation with Dr. Lewis. After laughing about the irony, I completed the lesson without the projector.
I was really nervous for my evaluation because this lesson was the first full lesson I taught this semester (we spent time during the first week going over the syllabus and learning about the databases in the library). I was still getting to know my students, establishing classroom procedures, and determining which instructional strategies and examples would be the most effective. While the lesson and activity went really well, my nerves got the best of me. A student asked a question and I feel as though I fumbled in my response. The answer to the student's question required a high level of understanding that students in EXS101 are not yet expected to achieve. When put on the spot, I struggled to articulate a response that answered his question at an appropriate level that would not lead to additional confusion. I am very pleased that my student was able to apply the content at a high level and felt comfortable asking questions. I want to be prepared to answer high level questions in a way that celebrates and encourages thinking without incorporating terminology or concepts that my students do not yet understand. Following the lesson, I reflected on my response and spoke to my colleagues who also teach EXS101. I have developed a better answer to his question that I will use in the future and I will continue to work on strategies for addressing other high level questions. The more I teach this content and get to know my students, the better equipped I will be to anticipate and answer their questions effectively.
In the evaluation, Dr. Lewis provided positive comments regarding my rapport, planning, smile, energy, examples, organization, and student interactions. I strive to create a positive learning environment and engage my students in meaningful learning activities, so I am happy that she recognized my efforts. Dr. Lewis also discussed my contributions to our department. One of my IDP goals this year was to get involved with my department's activities, so I am happy that she acknowledged my involvement and believes that my contributions are valuable.
Again, I am really pleased with the positive feedback I received from Dr. Lewis and extremely grateful for all of the support I have received from Dr. Lewis and my department. I am very happy to be part of the team and I could not ask for better colleagues.