DASH+Journal+6

My overall experience during my time at Dakota Meadows Middle School impacted my perception of teaching, as well as my future implementation of the strategies that coincide with teaching. I will undoubtedly use what I learned over this month to increase the impact I will have on my future students.
 * __Field Experience Journal #6 __**

Learning the student’s names was the first major obstacle I had to overcome. I would teach 2nd and 3rd hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At times I would teach throughout the day which resulted in many more names to remember. During my last lesson I was able to include a student during the discussion that resulted in the entire class becoming more involved. I believe that by knowing the student’s name it made him more eager to participate.

When it came to classroom management it was rather simple. This would have most likely not been the case if Mr. Broze was not present. With this said, I was given the opportunity to observe a classroom that was extremely respectful of their teacher. I was able to see Mr. Broze’s management techniques in action and view how they affected the classroom. Some of the strategies that Mr. Broze used were at times inefficient, such as stopping the class till a few students who were not attentive refocused their attention, but they were effective. I learned that at times a teacher needs to stop the class to assure that all students are paying attention and understanding the material.

When it came to teaching the class on my own, I leaned that your lesson plan does not always go “as planned.” Aspects of the lesson that you thought the students would understand relatively easily may turn out to be quite difficult. On the flip side, students may understand the material at a fast rate which can leave you with time left over that needs to be filled with some kind of structure.

One of the most beneficial experiences during my time at the middle school was when I attended Mr. Broze’s team management meeting. During the meeting I came to realize that there is so much more involved in being a teacher than instructing your students during class. The team would focus on the 5 to 10 percent of the students on their “trail” that needed extra attention. Then, one by one, they would work together to come up with solutions, or possible solution, so solve each student’s problem spots such as turning in homework or behavioral issues.

The knowledge and understanding that I gained while at Dakota Meadows can only be explained through the hands on experience I had during it. It allowed me to get the anxiety of teaching a class out of my system and has made me more excited than ever to continue my educational journey.

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