Micro-Teaching Reflection I had the pleasure of completing the Micro-Teaching Project at Morningside Elementary School, alongside my mentor teacher, Ms. Beccy Anderson, in her Kindergarten classroom. In this paper, I will share with you a personal reflection of my experience; the process, the school, the mentor teacher, the students, and the lessons.
The Process
Beginning the Micro-Teaching Project was a simple task, as I was able to plan ahead. Prior to the semester beginning I spoke with Ms. Beccy Anderson about her providing me with some classroom time to complete my requirements for this course, she enthusiastically accepted. I also ensured that my background check with the Twin Falls School District and Certified Profile was up to date. With all of my ducks in a row I was already for the course to begin. Once Spring semester began and the micro-teaching project was assigned I delivered my letter to Ms. Anderson and we arranged a time for me to complete observation. At this time, we planned when I would complete my lessons, we chose Wednesdays at 2:45pm. In order for her to be aware of what was going to be completed in the classroom, we agreed that I would send her a lesson plan or overview of the lesson the night before I would teach. With Micro-Teaching Project Step One and Two complete, I was all set and ready to go.
The School
Morningside Elementary School is where my daughter attends school and is also where I complete my Field Experience for my Education 202
Over the years, I feel I have been guided by God to pursue Elementary Education, which narrows my focus to the kindergarten classroom. I will clearly define the most helpful theories that may be implemented throughout the kindergarten learning environment. Effective teacher characteristics will be identified and why they are imperative for this particular age group. Young children have different learning characteristics and it is important for teachers to recognize and accommodate to the needs of their students. Throughout this course, I have discovered certain characteristics about myself and I will elaborate on my unique learning styles.
During the months of September and October this semester I spent time at two different schools in four different classrooms. Being able to observe different classes and teachers at Westside Junior High and South Live Oak Elementary was a very new and exciting experience for me since I can’t say I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. My experiences at these schools gave me a better insight into the differences between schools, classrooms, and teachers. The purpose of this field experience was to get 10 observation or tutoring hours in an elementary or junior high setting. I chose to observe a
Toddlers and preschoolers are at different developmental stages, and therefore require their teachers to use different approaches and techniques to further learning. I completed my observations at the Bright and Early Children’s Learning Center where I observed a toddler classroom and a preschool classroom. My observations took place from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on the 21st and 28th of September. The first day that I observed I was placed in the toddler classroom which had two teachers, Miss Ashlynn and Miss Miranda, and six students, most of whom were two years old. In the preschool classroom there was one teacher, Miss Stephanie, and eight students, each of whom were 3 years old or 4 years old. While the rooms were physically similar, the teachers used different strategies and activities to appeal to the different age groups.
Lawrence also started a lesson using an active board by having sample problems on it and students were called on random to answer the questions. The students seemed to respond to the lesson very well. There were some students who decided to have their own conversation instead of doing their lesson so Mrs. Lawrence call on the students to get their attention; however , they did not respond so she politely walked over to the group and said something to them and they stop talking completely. For the most part these students looked like they were having fun while learning. Many were helping each other count while some were holding up fingers. After this hour and a half of observation, I wanted to interview Mrs. Lawrence concerning on lesson plan development.
My mother attended grade school at Pleasant Grove Independent School District. Growing up she had a lot of hobbies and she loved
I observed the preschool classroom of Ms. K. Today was a smaller group, as several children are on vacation. This is a new facility and just the host teacher was in there at this time. I came into the classroom at 8:00 and left at 9:00. I spoke with the host teacher before and after the observation for feedback, which I felt was beneficial to both her and me. I observed the children during inside for 20 minutes. I observed the children during outside play for 40 minutes.
I excited that teaching in the DPP is about to become reality. Daniel and I have enjoyed meeting everyone over the past 3 months. I know Ms. Yates preferred Monday or Tuesday evening. I am going to contact Morgan Kirkland today about April’s Class zero or setting up another meeting time. I will send any updates I get from Ms. Kirkland.
Week two of field observation at Crestone Charter School. My Second week of field observations was really fun and interactive. I had the opportunity to work with several students from the k-1 class with special needs. We traveled to several reading stations and did a read along with the fourth and fifth-grade students. At arrival, I met with the main Para, Ammie Morphet and was informed that Lexi whom is one of the charter schools highest priority/needs students was the student I would be working with. Lexi usually has a personal in class Para that works with her throughout the day, but she was out sick. Since I know Lexi and have personal experience working with her we came to the conclusion that it would be best if I assisted with Lexis daily routine and any other classroom needs. This allowed Mrs. Morphet to attend to the other students she had previously scheduled for us to meet with.
iii) Comment on the following areas. Refer to your micro-teaching session and what you have learnt about teaching and learning in general, as appropriate.
learn during the regular school year. My responsibility was to assist the teachers with lesson plans,
Planning- Mrs. Falchek and I discussed my lesson presentations and how I felt the students progressed throughout the notes. We also discussed the activity that I would be doing with the students
My first observation was completed by my school professor. Going into the lesson, I really was not sure what she would be looking for when observing me. I felt this was a good thing because not knowing, I just taught the way I usually do and as nervous as I was, overall I was pleased with my performance and evaluated effectiveness as a teacher.
I observed and analyzed the design and delivery of an instructional unit in a Montessori school setting. I observed a classroom of grades 1-3 two times from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Kennebec Montessori school. I was asked to sit quietly and to not interact with the children so I could get a realistic view of the class day and the children would pursue their chosen work.
This essay will analyse and highlight on the fifteen-minute micro teaching reflection that is vital for the self-evaluation and professional development of my teaching practice. It will further identify my strengths and weaknesses through my peer assessment and reflect on the teaching and learning theories, methods and strategies that are linked and practiced in my micro-teach.
My philosophy of teaching is deeply rooted in nurturing the potential each and every student in my classes. Providing a creative environment that allows self assessment, growth, group interaction and mentorship are at its very core. Having taught in Higher Education for many years, and as an instructor of Media Arts and Animation, and Game Design, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with some of the brightest and creative young professionals. Teaching has not only broadened my love of art and exploration, but my determination to help students that do not have the confidence to persevere through their education, yet have the passion to follow their dreams.