Reflections, Implications, And Conclusions

Metacognition is a complex notion that encompasses numerous mental processes in all areas of life. It is often simplistically described as “thinking about thinking.” However, there is no commonly recognized definition of metacognition. In his article “The Power of Reflection”, Stephen Fleming, a well-respected cognitive neuroscientist, agrees with the definition of metacognition given by John Flavell in 1970 as “our ability to evaluate our own thinking” (2). Fleming also accepts Flavell’s proposition that metacognition is “key to educational success”; indeed, the development of metacognitive thinking is vital in learning processes (1). Metacognition is a teachable concept, and has been proven to be crucial in education.

It was truly gratifying serving as a positive role model for the students that needed the extra motivational push. Instilling passion within others to pursue a higher education, serving as a prominent role model for my peers, and intertwining my Hispanic and American mindset has been a true blessing.

I feel like I was able to help my student in the areas he needed the support. I was beyond proud of the progress he made starting from a level 19 and ending at a level 28. Even then knowing he had the potential to go higher was a great feeling. Improving on his comprehension and spelling was a goal we had set and knowing I was able to help him and see the progress during each session was very rewarding.

My new assignment moved me to be with the fifth graders in Ms. Bolds’ room. I had heard of each of these students but hadn’t met them. It took some adjusting, and more adjusting, but I got to know each of these new fifth graders. We also invited some “pull out” students to our room every day for some extra help with Math and Writing. This made our room crazy at times. One of the things I love about this job is that I never have the same day twice.

For the past nine years I have been involved in a program called Jamestown Community Center, an after school enrichment program serving kindergarten through eighth grade students. I started out as a student in the program and became a teacher assistant as a highschool student. What got me into becoming a teacher assistant was seeing other high school teacher assistants be able to be strict with us, but at the same time be our friends. I admired their maturity at such a young age, and noticed how Jamestown was very supportive with each of the teacher assistants. Last year, I was assigned to be the teacher assistant to a first grade class who had just gotten a new teacher. I advised her to give the kids tasks in order to get the students to get

The best thing that came out of this learning experience is my appreciation for the younger grades. I always thought that I wanted to a third grade teacher, but I do not think I need to limit myself. I had so much fun just watching the kids all interact with one another and have so many different thoughts. They truly liked learning and thought of their teacher as almost a mom like figure. I hope to instill this in my future classroom and to be in a school system that is ready to help

I learned things from this class that I would have never learned in a classroom as a student. As a Teacher Cadet, I loved all the adults I worked with at my elementary school and had the uttermost respect for them. However, just as in the real world, not everything was always smooth sailing. There were times I got frustrated and I felt I was doing everything wrong but I had to learn to power through it because I made a commitment to not only the class academically for myself but also to all 19 of my students. By being in the classroom everyday, I gained a different sense of responsibility. The bond I made with each of those kids I cannot put into words. I truly looked at them and loved them as if they

Last year, I joined Relay Tutor Corps not really knowing what to expect. Little did I know, it would change my life forever. Prior to attending Tulane, I had never considered teaching as a future career path. After taking a class with Dean Cross I became enthralled with public education in New Orleans. She was so passionate about education and the need to help change and fix certain components. Just a few short weeks into tutoring, I knew my vision for my future had changed. Every week I was eager to get in the classroom. With my 5th grade students, I immediately built a relationship. They learned to trust me and work with me. Together we were able to turn frustration into positive energy that went into their work. However, my 8th graders were

At the open house, I got a chance to have an engaging conversation with some currently attending seniors [Nilay, Patrick and Celine] at the academy, and as we talked I felt that I could really relate to them, whether it be in terms of interests, hobbies

The insights provided by you and kindergarten team assisted me in growing as an educator. It was terrific to see young faces light up as they got to know and understand me. Thank you for the opportunity to be able to educate your student and help them develop and grow.

The day started off fairly well. Hatfield hadn’t told his students I was going to be observing, and thus they assumed I was his daughter or a substitute teacher. After giving the students their bellwork, he quickly dove into the lesson. Hatfield had taken a day leave the day before, so the classroom was a bit scrambled with what they did with their substitute. It was an interactive day with videos, discussions, and written work. The good thing was that he really seemed to love what he was doing and could keep the students under his reigns fairly well. There were some attitudes from some of the students that he dismissed with ease and it was palpable that he had been doing this for years.

Today, I went to Glenwood Leadership Academy before my scheduled tutoring time because I had got word that it was going to be cancelled. Therefore, I went during school hours to get my scheduled time in. It was interesting to go to the school whenever school was still in session because it was a completely different atmosphere. The second grade classroom I worked with had many students with IEP’s. It was interesting to see how the school day went. The teacher explained to me that she was absolutely drained from the class, but she never gave up. That is the kind of motivation I hope to one day have as a future educator. During the hour I was there, I got to go around the room and help the students with math. I also worked today with

When observing Mrs. Mott, she knows all your student’s needs. Each day she continues to ask each student how they are doing every day. I like how Mrs. Mott has a great class and it’s good to have good control of your classroom and it’s because she makes the students feel comfortable. Each day I see Mrs. Mott work with several students who have diverse needs and I could tell that her goals addressed as much as her students’ needs as possible. When students are working at their desk very diligently, they love the one on one attention Mrs. Mott gives them because after they work with Mrs. Mott they can’t stop smiling , with the look of joy on their face. Mrs. Mott is very motivated to get the students to learn and I could tell by her passion

At Jugheads, we had other students, called assistants, mentor us. These students were high school students, and yet they taught us how to juggle. From them I learned perseverance and overcoming frustration. These student leaders left a lasting impact on me. They took significant chunks of time out of their lives to teach children years younger than them. As soon as I was able, I asked to become one as well. I started volunteering teaching third to fifth

During week one, my initial definition of learning was listening to an instruction, studying and then rehearsing that information in my mind, or categorizing it in a way so I could remember most of what was taught in the course. The class has opened a new dimension for me in the learning process; from understanding how I process information to deciphering which learning processes I use in intentional learning or metacognition. Understanding my learning patterns form dynamic learning relationship is a key element to my view of how and why I process the learning experience, even relating it to every day life.