ECS 100 Reflection
Throughout ECS 100 I have developed a better understanding of the concepts of becoming a teacher. This semester has given me a different perspective on fundamentals elements of education towards a teaching perspective. Being recently graduated from High School transitioning angles from ‘thinking like a student’ to ‘thinking like a teacher’ was a mental adjustment for me. Observing this grade 3 classroom has given me the chance to understand important factors in classroom management, teaching methods and connecting with students.Throughout this process being able to post my experience each week to share with my classmates gave me the opportunity to reflect back on my experiences each week.
Going into the field I didn’t really know what to expect from my cooperative teacher and the students. After being welcomed into St. Bernadette school by the principal and many teachers it gave me the confidence of feeling appreciated into this humble school. After being introduced into the grade 3 classroom I felt so honoured because the students wanted to get to know me. When the students first started calling me Miss Carlson was something that I needed to get used to. Over the weeks I was able to experience reading, assessing, helping and influencing students in the classroom. Given this opportunity it made me more familiar with talking and helping students from a teachers perspective.
In the classroom, the environment is a very comfortable learning space. The physical appearance of the class is simple and not overwhelming. Personally, I like when things are simple because students do not get distracted and avoid feeling unorganized. Mrs. Cupper keeps her class very organized by having weekly classroom cleanups and having all the students' belongings such as duotangs, books, backpacks, and jackets in a specific spot in the classroom. Creating a comfortable learning environment for all students is something that is important. Whether that is creating a functionable seating plan, letting students wear ear muffs when reading or even the colour of the white board marker; changing little things like that can change the learning environment. For example, in Mrs. Cupper’s class she has a student who has a learning disability. This student cannot stay focused for more than two minutes and is constantly fidgeting around. To help create a better learning environment for this student, she gets resources that help him stay focused during class. On my last day, when the students were writing their math test this student started to fidget around in his desk, distracting others from their work. So, Ms. Cupper got him to sit at the back table, a ‘wiggle’ chair. At her back table she has this chair that is almost like a chair, but is a ball. The chair lets students sit on it and are able to move in any direction they want, almost like they’re ‘wiggling’. Getting familiar with these concepts are important to me because understanding these different ways of creating a positive learning environment and keeping things organised is important for every teacher.
Throughout the several weeks of being in the school, I was introduced to new concepts. Being a role model in the school was something significant to me because I found myself needing to adapt to new languages and behaviours when talking to students. The expectations within the classroom are factors that I noticed within the teachers, students and the function of the classroom. Everyday Ms. Cupper has a certain expectation for herself. Whether it is engaging with her students or meeting the outcome in her day plan. The expectation with herself as a teacher is something that is important, as well as the students have expectation of the teacher. Listening attentively or doing work in class are all expectations that are important within a teacher's mindset. Recognizing some of these factors in the classroom gave me a better perspective.
Throughout each week focusing on the ‘core’ questions was good to reflect on these concepts. Knowing about the learning environment, community, teacher/knowledge, diversity, curriculum and technology. Identifying one of these concepts each week gave me the chance to deeply reflect and understand these words within the class/school. Looking at the big picture I was fortunate to be able to go to ‘wealthier’ school. In reality, many schools face difficulties and challenges with students in and around a school environment. As a future educator, realizing these issues are important and knowing how to handle situations as a teacher. Every school faces difficulties with students, but being able to understand the student and build relationships is important and to understand what the student is going through. When being in Ms. Cupper’s class told me that building relationships with students with their personal life gives her a better understanding of what her students are going through. Being open towards students is something that is important because it builds trust between students and teachers.
My closing remarks with my first field experience was something that made my semester a bit more exciting! Each week, I gained things about the physical aspect of teaching, seeing the preparation, knowledge and management that happens within a classroom is something that is underestimated. Something that I will miss from this journey is the students. For only being there for a short time I made some good memories with many students. Being in Ms. Cuppers class was such an honor and I am very grateful she allowed me to be part of her class for the past seven week. Although I am sad that it is over, I am excited to continue my Education journey!!
Going into the field I didn’t really know what to expect from my cooperative teacher and the students. After being welcomed into St. Bernadette school by the principal and many teachers it gave me the confidence of feeling appreciated into this humble school. After being introduced into the grade 3 classroom I felt so honoured because the students wanted to get to know me. When the students first started calling me Miss Carlson was something that I needed to get used to. Over the weeks I was able to experience reading, assessing, helping and influencing students in the classroom. Given this opportunity it made me more familiar with talking and helping students from a teachers perspective.
In the classroom, the environment is a very comfortable learning space. The physical appearance of the class is simple and not overwhelming. Personally, I like when things are simple because students do not get distracted and avoid feeling unorganized. Mrs. Cupper keeps her class very organized by having weekly classroom cleanups and having all the students' belongings such as duotangs, books, backpacks, and jackets in a specific spot in the classroom. Creating a comfortable learning environment for all students is something that is important. Whether that is creating a functionable seating plan, letting students wear ear muffs when reading or even the colour of the white board marker; changing little things like that can change the learning environment. For example, in Mrs. Cupper’s class she has a student who has a learning disability. This student cannot stay focused for more than two minutes and is constantly fidgeting around. To help create a better learning environment for this student, she gets resources that help him stay focused during class. On my last day, when the students were writing their math test this student started to fidget around in his desk, distracting others from their work. So, Ms. Cupper got him to sit at the back table, a ‘wiggle’ chair. At her back table she has this chair that is almost like a chair, but is a ball. The chair lets students sit on it and are able to move in any direction they want, almost like they’re ‘wiggling’. Getting familiar with these concepts are important to me because understanding these different ways of creating a positive learning environment and keeping things organised is important for every teacher.
Throughout the several weeks of being in the school, I was introduced to new concepts. Being a role model in the school was something significant to me because I found myself needing to adapt to new languages and behaviours when talking to students. The expectations within the classroom are factors that I noticed within the teachers, students and the function of the classroom. Everyday Ms. Cupper has a certain expectation for herself. Whether it is engaging with her students or meeting the outcome in her day plan. The expectation with herself as a teacher is something that is important, as well as the students have expectation of the teacher. Listening attentively or doing work in class are all expectations that are important within a teacher's mindset. Recognizing some of these factors in the classroom gave me a better perspective.
Throughout each week focusing on the ‘core’ questions was good to reflect on these concepts. Knowing about the learning environment, community, teacher/knowledge, diversity, curriculum and technology. Identifying one of these concepts each week gave me the chance to deeply reflect and understand these words within the class/school. Looking at the big picture I was fortunate to be able to go to ‘wealthier’ school. In reality, many schools face difficulties and challenges with students in and around a school environment. As a future educator, realizing these issues are important and knowing how to handle situations as a teacher. Every school faces difficulties with students, but being able to understand the student and build relationships is important and to understand what the student is going through. When being in Ms. Cupper’s class told me that building relationships with students with their personal life gives her a better understanding of what her students are going through. Being open towards students is something that is important because it builds trust between students and teachers.
My closing remarks with my first field experience was something that made my semester a bit more exciting! Each week, I gained things about the physical aspect of teaching, seeing the preparation, knowledge and management that happens within a classroom is something that is underestimated. Something that I will miss from this journey is the students. For only being there for a short time I made some good memories with many students. Being in Ms. Cuppers class was such an honor and I am very grateful she allowed me to be part of her class for the past seven week. Although I am sad that it is over, I am excited to continue my Education journey!!