APHA+Journal+6


 * Theme #6: Reflect on your overall experience **

I had a great time in my field experience with Ms. Palmer and learned a lot! Ninth grade physical education first through third period was the class I was in. The first two periods were ninth graders that were in the Ninth Grade Academy, a program that groups the bottom one-third academically speaking into classes together. It was proven that students who are active early in the day perform better and are able to focus in classes later. I think it’s great that these students are able to be active in the morning. However, I feel that the Physical Education setting is a great place for students play and be active together regardless of academic performance. Also, combining the students may make it easier to manage the students. It was apparent throughout the day that first period was more difficult to get motivated and stay on task. Teaching three different times in one day is helpful because you discover what works and what doesn’t. Something might work for one class and not for another, it work for some students and not for others. It also helps to see all the different ways to deliver the lesson, Ms. Palmer, Mr. Monson, and myself all have our own teaching styles. Ms. Palmer always had something to add that would enhance the lesson. I wish I had the chance to be in the middle school and elementary setting. Also, be in a Health class because that is another part of major. I am going to spend a couple class periods with Ms. Hinz in her Health classroom next Monday. I am really looking for to spending time in her class because it will be my first experience in a Health class. Being in a different teacher’s classroom was awesome because I saw how she ran her classroom. A great addition to things I had learned from Ms. Palmer. I had not been in an actual classroom because we were always in the gym for PE. Overall, I learned a lot about teaching strategies, differentiating for students, putting in grades, adjusting when sporting events or school activities come up, and being able to relax and just have fun with the students. All the preparation in the world with no enthusiasm is just a wasted lesson. When teaching one of my lessons the first two periods went well and then the last one was great. I couldn’t understand why the last period was so great. Then Ms. Palmer said you were involved and having fun with the students and that was it! I was really enjoying it, letting loose and enjoying it with the students. A quote I heard is by Gail Godwin and states “good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths pure theatre.”