Embedded Files
08/03/2024
Today, I experienced having conversation with students. Most of time, I tried to talk to them by their names. This made me think about the significance of addressing students by their names in the classroom setting. My takeaway from this experience is using a student's name when interacting with them can create a stronger sense of belonging and connection within the learning environment. It fosters a more personalized and respectful approach to teaching, and it's wonderful to see how it positively impacts the classroom dynamic. in the classroom when the teacher talks to them by their name
13/03/2024
Today, I taught a reading lesson for a group of students in the resource room. The preparation for this session was meticulous, as I gathered a wide array of resources to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. This included selecting appropriate reading materials. This made me think about it; throughout this process, I became even more convinced of the critical role that intentional and thoughtful resource design plays in effective teaching. It highlighted the need for a deep understanding of the curriculum content, diverse teaching techniques, developmental progressions in learning, and the unique requirements of the students. My takeaway from this experience is reinforcing my belief in the importance of personalized teaching materials that cater to the individual needs of learners, ensuring that the learning process is both meaningful and impactful.
27/03/2024
Today, I noticed the critical role of guided reading practices, teaching strategies, and approaches in successfully executing a guided reading lesson. This made me think about revisiting and contemplating the valuable insights gained from my experiences in TEACH 111—The literacy paper, particularly regarding the significance of guided reading. My takeaway from this experience is that I have come to appreciate the profound impact of employing effective guided reading practices and approaches to enhance students' reading abilities and comprehension skills.
03/04/2024
Today, I observed students while they are doing a Mathes lesson (measuring angles using protractors). I roamed around the class and helped students whenever they need it. There was a student, he didn't want to work on the task, rather he wanted to have a chat with a nearby student. I reached him and sat down nearby him and showed him how to measure angles using protractor. He started to measure few angles then again distracted. I encouraged him saying that I will give him a treat (piece of chocolate) when he finished all questions. He started to work on the task and finished the task. This made me think importance of managing students' behavior positively and effectively. My takeaway from this observation is using effective strategies to manage students' behavior properly and make them all achieved through learning.
10/04/2024
Today, I noticed how the teacher organized the students for a math test. The teacher instructed the students to arrange their desks into test position, and I observed that they followed the directions promptly and efficiently. As the students began working on the test, I noticed that they did so silently and with a high level of engagement. What stood out to me was that the teacher did not need to micromanage the desk arrangement or remind the students to work quietly. This made me think about the teacher's ability to establish clear expectations and effectively train the students to follow instructions independently. It seems that when teachers have a clear vision and the confidence to communicate their expectations effectively, students are more likely to follow suit and remain focused on their tasks. My takeaway from this observation is being teacher that has strong and confident approach in the classroom.
03/05/2024
Today, I observed the entire school assembly process. The principal usually leads the assembly, possibly with the help of other leaders and student representatives. The assembly is typically used to celebrate achievements, acknowledge stars of the term, mark the end of the term, and present award certificates. In the morning, the classroom teacher informed students that there would be a school assembly and that all students must wear proper uniforms. Students who needed appropriate uniforms were instructed to speak with the pastoral leader. The assembly took place during the third block. Before students left the classroom, an announcement was made prompting them to head to the assembly hall. The assembly was designed to welcome all students to a new term and included a speech by the principal, as well as speeches by some students about their sports experiences during the holiday. This made me think about the importance of understanding the procedures and rules of the school assembly and properly managing students' behavior as a teacher. My key takeaway from this experience is the paramount importance of fully understanding the school assembly procedure and rules, as well as the critical role of managing students' behavior to ensure the success of the assembly. Clear communication and consistent enforcement of guidelines are vital components for creating a positive and engaging assembly experience for everyone involved to be successful.
08/05/2024
Today, I observed students preparing for the winter sports event taking place next week. All year 7 and 8 students from each awa gathered in one place and were then grouped according to their chosen winter sport with a teacher. I followed the chess group. The students went to a nearby classroom and were grouped in pairs. The teacher gave them a chessboard, monitored their progress, and provided support throughout the session. This made me think about the importance of encouraging students to participate in winter sports and taking charge of their training as a teacher. My takeaway from this experience is being a teacher actively supporting and promoting student involvement in winter sports, and preparing and coaching a game in advance of the event to ensure that the students are well-prepared and motivated to participate.
17/05/2024
Today, I observed the classroom teacher as she taught a lesson on persuasive writing. She was well-prepared for the lesson, she introduced a topic and asked students to write three main ideas related to the topic, expressing whether they agreed or disagreed. She instructed the students to use essential word lists attached to their books from a previous lesson. After the students finished their writing, she encouraged them to share their ideas. Then, she presented another topic and instructed the students to write three main ideas. After that, she demonstrated how to brainstorm ideas by drawing a bubble on the whiteboard, writing the topic inside, asking a student to share ideas, linking those ideas to the bubble, and explaining how to expand on the ideas, providing a compelling explanation of why she agreed with the topic. Finally, she asked the students to take notes on the mind map and write three paragraphs related to the topic. This made me think about how writing should be introduced and used in meaningful contexts. My takeaway from this observation is that planning well for the session is crucial, and using literacy strategies effectively while teaching helps to keep students actively involved and confident.
24/05/2024
Today, I experienced helping to a student who was struggling with long addition involving three-digit numbers. She was not familiar with the procedure and was having a hard time understanding it. I explained to her how to approach the problem and guided her through the steps. I made sure to support her until she completed the task successfully. This made me think that students have different strengths, abilities, and needs, and providing consistent support and guidance can help them succeed in their learning. My takeaway from this experience is identifying students who require extra support and offering them the necessary guidance to help them thrive in their learning journey.
31/05/2024
Today, I experienced Inter Awa Waita competition that I had been looking forward to. The principal had informed us earlier in the term that there would be a Waita competition in week 5, and practice sessions would begin in week 3. Each Awa (group) was tasked with choosing two songs, one in Te Reo Māori and the other in a non-English, non-Te Reo Māori language, and each song had to be at most 5 minutes. My group, which belonged to Patea Awa, dedicated ourselves to practicing two songs, one in Te Reo Māori and one in a South African language. After several dedicated practice sessions, the big day finally arrived. Our group was honored to sing first, and we performed to the best of our ability. It was amazing to see the performances of the other Awa groups, and it was clear that everyone had put in a lot of effort and dedication. In the end, our Awa achieved 4th place in the competition. This made me think about the value of participation, teamwork, and persistence. It highlighted the importance of giving your best effort, working together with others, and not giving up, which are essential qualities for success in any endeavor. My takeaway from this experience is the significance of serving as a role model in advocating for teamwork and fostering collaboration to accomplish a common objective. It underscored the importance of leading by example and actively engaging with others to create a cohesive and productive team environment and working together to achieve a shared goal.
04/06/2024
Today, I noticed that the classroom teacher utilized the Kahoot game to actively engage students in math questions. The teacher's approach involved using the game as a tool to make learning fun and interactive. The students were tired after the math activity and seemed disinterested in continuing with the task, so the teacher asked students to grab their devices and log into the Kahoot game. Kahoot, a game-based learning platform, is designed to promote active participation and enjoyment in the learning process. This made me think about learning not just through traditional methods like working hard on questions but also through technology to foster engagement and promote positive educational experiences. The insight I gained from this experience is the importance of incorporating technology into my teaching methods. My takeaway from this experience that leveraging technology can greatly enhance the learning experience for my students by making it more enjoyable and engaging. By integrating various digital tools and interactive resources into my lessons, I can create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and fosters active participation.
05/06/2024
Today, I observed that a significant number of students were encountering challenges with long multiplication math tasks. As I moved around the classroom, I took the opportunity to offer assistance to those students who were struggling with the math assignment. This experience prompted me to reflect on the difficulties that some students face in grasping math procedures, even after the teacher has provided instructions. I noticed that there are students who continue to have difficulty with procedural math immediately following the instruction phase. This made me think about the various approaches that can be employed to ensure that all students have a solid understanding of mathematical procedures. My takeaway from this observation is identifying students who are encountering challenges with mathematical procedures. Once identified, it is crucial to provide individual support to these students to ensure that they understand the mathematical procedures thoroughly. This can be achieved by offering clear and detailed explanations tailored to their individual learning needs.
06/06/2024
Today, I noticed how the teacher used positive reinforcement to motivate the students to complete their learning tasks. Most of the students were focused and engaged in their work, but there were a few who seemed distracted and unmotivated. The teacher took a proactive approach and offered those students an incentive by allowing them to use their devices and play games after completing their tasks. This made me think about how this simple incentive immediately captured the attention of the students who were initially slow to start their work, as they quickly became motivated to complete their tasks in order to earn their device time. My takeaway from this observation is incorporating incentives is crucial in managing behavior and effectively motivating individuals to complete tasks. By offering rewards and recognition, it becomes more likely that individuals will stay focused and driven to accomplish their goals.
07/06/2024
Today, I taught to group of students. My plan was a complementing my instruction with an age-appropriate YouTube video. Throughout the video presentation, I observed the students' heightened attention and discerned their clear comprehension of the lesson's objectives. Their active involvement and participation further emphasized their understanding. This made me think about, it has become evident to me the immense value of integrating visual aids into educational strategies. My takeaway from this experience is reinforcing my belief in the effectiveness of incorporating relevant video content to sustain student interest and active engagement. I am motivated to continually employ visual methods to foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that accommodates various learning preferences.
23/07/2024
Today, I noticed that after a two-week holiday, students don't actively focus on their studies, The teacher was flexible with students. She didn't ask students to give so much effort on their learning tasks. " Whenever a person's positioning in the ecological environment is altered as a result of change of role or setting, or both" (Bronfenbrenner (1979) p.26). Yes, students' time to transition from the non-learning environment during the holidays to the learning environment can vary from student to student. Recognizing that some students may need more time than others to adapt to the new learning environment is essential. This adjustment period is crucial for students to acclimate to the academic setting and optimize their learning experience. This made me think about the significance of integrating effective transition strategies into my teaching methodology. Smooth transitions are essential to maintaining engagement and facilitating a conducive learning environment. My takeaway from this experience is that I must tailor my approach to transition times with each student according to their specific requirements and circumstances. Understanding and considering each student's unique needs, whether providing additional support, offering extra time for transitions, or using specific strategies to help them adjust, can significantly improve their overall experience and success during transition periods. I can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students by acknowledging and catering to individual differences.
31/07/2024
Today I taught a student to work on a math activity. He struggled to understand the procedure of long multiplication. I showed him how to do it visually and kept guiding and observing while he worked on each question. He said this is easy and he was able to grasp the procedure." Many barriers to inclusion are attitudinal, it is suggested that a successful inclusive programme depends on an underlying belief in and acceptance of every child as a unique and special with the potential to grow and develop" (Lyons,2013, p239) This made me think about recognizing the significance of employing a wide range of strategies to support students is crucial. Students possess a wide range of comprehension skills, meaning their understanding of the instructions can differ significantly. Some may grasp the material quickly, while others may require additional support or clarification to understand what is being taught entirely. My takeaway from this experience is utilizing diverse methods such as visual aids, hands-on activities, peer tutoring, and technology integration, educators can cater to their students' diverse learning needs and create an inclusive and effective learning environment. These strategies can help students better comprehend complex concepts, stay engaged in learning, and achieve academic success.
08/08/2024
Today I taught a maths lesson to a whole class. This is my very first whole class lesson. I was excited being in front of the class. I was able to build my confidence Infront of the classroom. " Confidence enables teachers to establish clear expectation, maintain discipline, handle disruptions calmly and efficiently" (ITTT TESOL,2024). This made me think about the importance of improving confidence in front of the classroom. My takeaway from this experience is Confident teachers are more likely to use a variety of teaching methods and incorporate interactive activities, making lessons more engaging and enjoyable for students. This enthusiasm can be contagious, encouraging students to participate more actively, and Confidence in front of the classroom helps teachers communicate their expectations and feedback more effectively. Clear communication ensures that students understand what is required of them and how they can improve, leading to better academic outcomes. Moreover, Teachers who demonstrate confidence serve as role models for their students. By showing self-assurance and resilience, they encourage students to develop these qualities in themselves, leading to greater self-confidence and independence.
15/08/2024
Today, I taught a math lesson to the whole class. After the lesson, I assigned two groups of students a problem-solving math question. They worked together, and once they completed the question, one student from each group would present the question and explain their answer to the class. The students enjoyed this activity. This made me think about the importance of integrating the social constructivists Learning Theory into my teaching practice by enabling more group works. " Constructivists Learning encourages students to apply practical methods to gain knowledge, reflect and discuss their work in the classroom" (Saleem.2021, p405). My takeaway from this experience is that teachers should integrate learning theories in to teaching practice. Because, Learning theories provide a framework for understanding how students acquire knowledge. By applying these theories, teachers can design more effective lesson plans that cater to different learning styles and needs, and Different learning theories emphasize various aspects of learning, such as motivation, social interaction, and cognitive development. Integrating these theories helps create a more engaging and dynamic classroom environment where students are more likely to participate and stay motivated.
04/09/2024
Today, I observed a student who has Autism and behavior issues. This student prefers to do something other than literacy work. He hates reading. " Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. These characteristics significantly impact on child's ability to read" (team, N. editorial,2024). This made me think about the importance of learning effective strategies and methods to work with some students with ASD and behavior needs to make them to reading is fun. My takeaway from this observation is that " develop an where the diversity and uniqueness of learners are accepted and valued" (Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching). Working with certain students can present unique challenges; however, as educators, we must ensure that each student gains meaningful knowledge and skills every day, regardless of their circumstances or learning needs. To effectively address these challenges, we can enhance our teaching strategies by partnering with learning assistants and teacher aides. These professionals can provide valuable support in the classroom, helping to create a more inclusive learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles. By collaborating closely with them, we can tailor our approaches to meet the specific needs of each student, fostering a positive educational experience that promotes growth and understanding for all.
11/09/2024
Today, I taught a whole-class maths lesson. I encouraged students' participation and contribution by asking questions to check their prior knowledge and critical thinking." provide opportunities and support for learners to engage with practice and apply learning to different contexts and make connections with prior learning" (Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching). Most students participated actively and confidently in the lesson. This made me think about the importance of facilitating lessons with questioning to keep them on track with the lesson and check on their prior learning. My takeaway from this experience is that facilitating lessons through effective questioning is crucial for keeping students engaged and ensuring they remain aligned with the lesson objectives. Educators can assess students' prior knowledge by incorporating strategic questions, allowing them to identify any misconceptions and build upon existing understanding. This approach fosters a more interactive learning environment and encourages critical thinking and active participation. Additionally, questioning provides valuable feedback for teachers and students, enabling adjustments to instruction that cater to the diverse needs of the classroom. Overall, leveraging questioning as a lesson tool enhances learning outcomes and promotes deeper comprehension of the material.
18/09/2024
Today, I taught a Māori lesson to the whole class as a requirement for one of the paper assignments. There are few Māori students in my classroom, and some are better at pronunciation than me. I asked those students to read the words which I had written on the board. This made me think about the importance of integrating indigenous learning theories like "Tukana-Teina" into my teaching practice. In Māori and Pacific Island cultures, the concept of tuakana and Teina embodies a mentoring relationship where an older or more experienced tuakana (brother, sister, or cousin) takes on the role of a mentor, providing guidance, support, and knowledge to a younger or less experienced teina (originally a younger sibling or cousin of the same gender) My takeaway from this lesson is that Creating an environment that promotes peer-to-peer learning fosters mutual growth and understanding. Encouraging students who have a deeper understanding of a subject to share their knowledge with their peers who may be struggling helps to reinforce their learning and solidify their knowledge. This approach benefits the students receiving the help and allows the students doing the teaching to enhance their grasp of the material further.
26/09/2024
Today, I observed how the classroom teacher gives feedback to a student who got excellent marks on a recent test. She reminded that how this student worked at the start of the year and how she refused to do work. This student agrees with the teacher, nodding her head. This student was happy and proud. " Ensure learners receive ongoing feedback and assessment information and support them to use information to guide further learning" (Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching). This made me think about motivating students by providing feedback them at the right time. My takeaway from this experience is that Feedback offers students specific information on what they are doing well and where they need to improve. It serves as a roadmap, guiding them on how to enhance their performance and achieve their learning goals, and feedback is a powerful tool that supports student growth, enhances learning, and fosters a positive and productive educational experience. When given thoughtfully and constructively, it can make a significant difference in students' academic journeys.
WEEK 1
At the End of the first week, I noticed that I could improve students' positive behaviour by integrating online learning apps into my lessons. “By understanding and applying the principles of behavioural learning theory, educators can create effective teaching strategies, foster positive learning environment and enhance students’ engagement” (National University. (2024). After finishing their worksheets, many students wanted a brain break. To address this, I considered incorporating a quiz game like Blooket or Kahoot to make the transition more enjoyable and interactive. I reached out to my mentor teacher to discuss the pros and cons of each platform and to receive guidance on the best choice for my students' needs. After careful consideration, I decided to use Blooket. This app offers a wider variety of engaging game options, allowing students to explore the material in a fun way while encouraging collaboration and friendly competition. Incorporating Blooket will help reduce their boredom and reinforce the concepts we've covered in class. This made me think about how integrating positive reinforcement in the classroom environment will help boost students' engagement and love for learning. My takeaway from this experience is integrating positive reinforcement in the classroom. Positive reinforcement involves recognizing and acknowledging when students display desirable behaviours, encouraging them to continue those actions through praise, rewards, or privileges. This approach underscores the critical significance of fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment where students feel genuinely valued and appreciated. By creating such an atmosphere, educators can encourage active participation, boost student confidence, and enhance overall engagement in the learning process. This sense of belonging can improve academic outcomes, as students are more likely to take risks and express their ideas when they know their contributions are recognized and respected.
Week 2
During the second week, I taught three literacy lessons, including one math lesson. This math lesson was " divide and multiply by 10,100 and 1000." Most students enjoyed the lesson and successfully achieved the learning outcome. Many students could refresh their knowledge and learn how to work on these math questions procedurally. After assessing students' post-worksheets, I concluded that my next lesson would use the same maths procedure for different maths topics. (Converting different units of measurement). For this lesson, students can use what they have learned this week. This made me think about the significance of linking lessons together meaningfully. Each lesson builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive understanding of the material. When lessons are interconnected, they not only enhance comprehension but also foster a richer learning experience. "Gather, analyze, and use appropriate assessment information, identifying progress and needs of learners to design clear next steps in learning and to identify additional supports or adaptations that may be required" (Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching). My takeaway from this experience is that teachers must carefully consider and design their lesson plans, considering their students' diverse learning styles and needs. This involves setting clear objectives, selecting appropriate materials, and incorporating engaging activities that promote active participation. Additionally, teachers should reflect on the effectiveness of their lessons and be open to making adjustments based on student feedback and assessment outcomes. Teachers can create a more supportive and effective learning environment by planning lessons thoughtfully.
Week 3
This week, I taught one lesson on how to write a haiku poem. I learned about this type of poem from my literacy paper. When I plan my lessons, I incorporate my prior learning and experiences into the lesson-planning process. This involves reflecting on my knowledge about effective teaching strategies, understanding student needs, and aligning my objectives with the curriculum. My students had never learned about Haiku poems before, though they were very interested in the lesson and could also apply their prior knowledge of the syllables. Most of them independently wrote haiku poems and diligently shared them with the class. This made me think integrating new learning into my lesson planning is essential for creating engaging classrooms." Provide opportunities and support for learners to engage with, practice, and apply learning to different contexts and make connections with prior learning" (Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching). My takeaway from this experience is that Students strongly desire to explore various learning contexts, recognizing the value of diverse educational environments. By engaging with these different settings, they can effectively apply their prior knowledge and experiences to achieve meaningful learning outcomes specific to each context. This process enhances their understanding and fosters adaptability, allowing them to connect theoretical concepts to practical applications in real-world situations. Through this exploration, students can develop a more comprehensive view of how knowledge can be utilized in different scenarios, ultimately enriching their educational journey.
Week 4
This week, I observed that students' participation and contribution varied at different times of the year. As the year draws closer, many students often feel tired and worn out from their studies. This feeling is particularly pronounced during this time, as the demands of the school year accumulate. Instead of the usual rigorous academic focus, students desire more engaging and enjoyable learning experiences. This made me think about planning lessons in a fun way while still covering curriculum content. So, I planned one lesson for this week: "Creating 3D shapes using nets and finding their properties". The students were so happy and actively contributed to the lesson. "Use an increasing repertoire of teaching strategies, approaches, learning activities, technologies, and assessment for learning strategies and modify these in response to the needs of individuals and groups of learners" (Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching). My takeaway from this experience revolves around the importance of teachers maintaining high expectations for their students. Educators must believe in their students' potential and encourage them to strive for excellence. However, achieving these ambitious goals requires a thoughtful approach. Teachers should prepare innovative and engaging learning activities tailored to their students' diverse needs. This means considering various learning styles, interests, and individual challenges. By creating a supportive and dynamic classroom environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking, teachers can help students reach their full potential while making the learning process enjoyable and meaningful.
References
Peters,S.(2003).Theoretical approaches to transition. Set: Research Information for Teachers, 3, 15–20. https://doi-org.ezproxy.waikato.ac.nz/10.18296/set.0705
National University. (2024). Behaviourism in Education: What Is Behavioural Learning Theory? National University. https://www.nu.edu/blog/behaviorism-in-education/
Lyons, L. (2013). Transformed understanding or enlightened ableism? The gap between policy and practice for children with disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand. International Journal of Early Childhood, 45(2), 237-249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-013-0086-1
ITTT TESOL. (2024). Understanding the Importance of Confidence in Teaching | ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT. Tesolonline.com; International TEFL and TESOL Training. https://www.tesolonline.com/pillars/tefl-practicum-and-classroom-experience/building-confidence-in-the-classroom/understanding-the-importance-of-confidence-in-teaching/
team, N. editorial. (2024, August 11). Autistic Child Reading: A Guide for Parents and Educators. NeuroLaunch.com. https://neurolaunch.com/how-to-teach-an-autistic-child-to-read/
Our Code Our Standards Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession Ngā Tikanga Matatika Ngā Paerewa Nga -Tikanga Matatika mo -te Haepapa Ngaiotanga me nga -Paerewa mo -te Umanga Whakaakoranga. (n.d.).
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