Weekly Reflection 3

This week was extremely productive. I was given many more teaching opportunities at the middle school, and was able to connect with the students individually as well. It was the final week of my project, and above all had some of the best work days. 

I made activities for the students to do, and realized during execution that they do not always go as planned. Sometimes I would run out of time, or realize that one of my jeopardy questions was unclear or confusing for the students. Quick adjustment is often involved. Looking back on my schooling, I realize how flexible teachers must be with class time. Sometimes plans are postponed because a student (or group of students) is absent, or an activity you made for them is too challenging, and sometimes too easy. Much patience is required. I learned that even though everything does not always fall into place, with the right attitude and ability to think quickly, a class can still be productive. 

I also learned that although it seems like a difficult task to get students interested in a subject that may not be their strongest, it is possible! The culture-based project that I created for them to do did not grab everyone’s interest, but I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of students who really took to it. While some students appeared to be bored and uninvolved, some of them seemed to really enjoy finding out about something they had never heard of. One flaw in the rubric that I made was that I was not very specific with what I wanted. The reason I was not was because I wanted them to have the freedom to be creative and discover new ways to share information. However, this intent sparked many questions about specific project details. When asked on the spot how many slides they needed to create, or whether their visual element had to be cohesive with those of the rest of their group, I was not immediately sure of my response. I had to think it through in order to give them an answer, and also make sure that I was consistent in my expectations and requirements with all the groups and with both classes. 

One thing that I was not expecting was how wonderful their presentations were. Some of them put in much more effort to yield a result that exceeded what I had asked for. They also looked proud of their work. The idea behind their presentations was for them to teach the rest of the class about their topic. Many of them glowed as they shared their knowledge of things that no one else in their class had ever even heard of. I hope that they will be able to take what they’ve learned and use it someday, perhaps during a conversation, a future class, or simply everyday life. That was the reason that I chose this specific project. When I thought of the things that helped me gain more knowledge about the language I was learning, I thought of the more random subjects that many are not familiar with, that I have been able to incorporate into intelligent conversations with teachers and fellow students. There’s a great feeling that comes when someone mentions a specific topic, and you know enough about it to contribute to the conversation. 

This project has really helped me to understand what it takes to be a teacher. It was not easy to say goodbye to the students or to Ms. Greenly, but I am that I was able to make a difference and prove myself as a capable future educator. 

Week 3-Friday

Today I reported to the middle school for the last time at 9 am. Upon arrival, Ms. Greenly and I prepared for class as usual. The students gave their presentations today. Coming into this, I was not sure what they would do. I made the project pretty flexible so that the students could choose what they wanted to do (within a few certain guidelines), so it was really up to them how much effort they put into it. I was blown away. They really went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations. They included facts about their topics that were very interesting, and it seemed like they were enjoying learning about stuff that is so different. One girl even made the dessert that she had to research-and it is a very difficult dish to make! (Perhaps I should have told her that before she made it) But she did a fantastic job and the whole class thought it was delicious. It was nice to have them be able to try something truly French and homemade. I don't think there was one person who didn't love it. Also, other groups created elaborate power points with great visuals and many facts (which is what I had asked for). Another student even included pictures of his topic "Les Champs-Élysées" from his own travels to France. He was able to give a firsthand account to really illustrate his topic. Overall, everyone did a marvelous job. I had to score them, and it was not difficult at all. They put in a lot of effort, and that really made me happy. Overall, it was a great last day. Some of the kids seemed sad to see me go, while others showed indifference. But I didn't mind. I had fun with them and I learned a whole lot. My parting from Gail Greenly was sad, but I assured her I would keep in touch to tell her how I was doing. This was a great project, but now I'm looking forward to graduation!!

Week 3-Thursday

Today I helped Mikaela with her E and A block classes. As both classes are working on their final projects, I was there simply to answer questions and help in any way that I could. The French 3ers seemed to have most things together (their aptitude of the language is awesome!) but the French 1 class needed a bit more help. It was nice to answer their questions because it brought me back to things that I had learned a long time ago. Also, it was important that I explain things to them instead of simply giving them the answer because they have to understand it too! That part was difficult for me because sometimes when they ask why a certain phrase is written that way I just want to say, "because that's the way it's supposed to be!" but I know that that does NOT help with their understanding at all. Gradually my explaining got a little more clear. Between the two classes I used the time to work on getting all of my final materials together. Tomorrow is my last day! Then next Wednesday I have a little exhibit of my project that I will be showing in the Wise Center. As I was printing out all of my work throughout this project, I realized just how much there was. Every detail of my plans had to be mapped out in advance. I was able to see how one of my ideas could evolve into a learning experience for someone else. That's pretty cool. Tomorrow the middle schoolers present their projects! Because of time constraints this week, I'm not sure if everyone will be done, but my hope is that the majority have finished. I'm excited to see what they have come up with and then grade them! (Don't worry-I won't be too tough!)

Week 3-Wednesday

This morning I left for the middle school around 9 am. After I arrived, I helped Ms. Greenly sort out some graded tests that were to be handed out. I spent the rest of our "morning meeting time" before class started organizing and making sure that everyone was all set for their project. After the students got there, they continued their research. There was not a whole lot for me to do (since they are the ones creating the presentation) other than answer the occasional question. However, the biggest challenge was when I was asked questions about the grading and requirements of the project, such as, "will these kinds of facts be good enough?" and "how would you like us to combine our individual topics within our groups?". Ms. Greenly left answering these questions completely up to me, and it was a bit difficult because I had not quite thought that far ahead. However, I was able to quickly think of what I would like to see and then let them know that. I'm glad they are putting in enough effort to be specific. That they actually care enough to want to do the project according to what I would like to see. It was great. I was also able to help some of them with their research (some of the topics are more difficult to find a lot of information about, such as the desserts), which was a nice way for me to individually connect with some of the students. I do not know all of their names by heart yet, but I'm working on it! I was actually surprised at how many I did know as I was handing back their tests today. I only have one day left with them on Friday, because tomorrow I will be back with Mikaela's classes for the day. I hope that they get their projects done, and I can't wait to see what they've come up with! Although I'll miss this project, it will be a relief when I am done because I have been so busy with the spring musical whenever I am not working with the students. This last week is the most rigorous, but also the most fun because I get to really challenge myself and see how much I can handle.

Week 3-Tuesday

I reported to the middle school at 9 am this morning. The first thing I had to do when I got there was go and pick up the computers for the students to use for their research in class today. Then, I made sure I had printed out enough rubrics for the project (I made this rubric last week) and I also made sure that each student had a topic. When they arrived for class, I explained in much more detail the project that they were being assigned. After waiting what seemed like years for the computers to log in, they began googling and researching. I went around to each student individually to ask them their topic, and to see if they had found out anything surprising yet. Some of them had, and some of them seemed uninterested. If they were struggling to find out what it was, I gave them an example of my encounter with it (each topic is a person, place, or food that I came in contact with or read about at some point during my time in France). I tried to pick topics that I had some knowledge about already so that it would be easier to help them research and understand their presentations. When they found out that they would be presenting on Friday (because it is my last day), they looked a little nervous. But I don't think I made the project too complicated, and I think that they will get it finished without any problems. Some of them seemed really excited about their topics, and really wanted to know more. Others even offered to make their food dish and bring it in for the class to try! I really loved seeing that kind of enthusiasm. Tomorrow we will continue with the research, and then the students will get into their groups and come up with their ideas for their group presentation. This will be the equivalent of a quiz grade for them, so I hope they take the time to do a really good job.
Humorous (yet embarrassing) side note: I think that when I walk through the hallways I am sometimes regarded as a student-and it takes teachers a couple minutes to realize that I am not. I don't think it's because I look young (although I am short), but that some of these kids look so much older than middle school. Many of them don't even look like kids. Even so, I try to carry myself as an adult so that hopefully the other adults will be able to tell. There's an interesting fact about evolving generations.

Week 3-Monday

Today was an extremely productive day. I reported to the middle school as usual at around 9 am. Today was especially great because for the first time I was allowed to lead the whole class for both blocks. I started each class by introducing the project topics for the presentation they will be doing on Friday. I think this will be successful considering no one seemed to know what any of the topics were. I was tempted to tell some of them when they asked what their person (who was actually a dessert) was famous for. I think they will be quite surprised when they research their topic and find out what it actually is. After that we played jeopardy in the first class (which they loved) and my "O ù est Pierre" game that I created. They even took it to the next level, asking if they could do it with their eyes closed. When I said that if they did that they would have to learn more new vocab, they jumped at the chance. It was nice to get them up and moving around a little bit. They looked like they had a lot of fun. They also really love the jeopardy game. They asked if I could create more games for them to do! The best part is that I don't think they even realize that they are learning as they do this. I really hope they keep up the enthusiasm and really apply it to their projects. I can't wait to see what they come up with! Tomorrow they start their research, and I hope that their topics interest them. Overall, I feel like I was able to connect with the students the most today. When I told them that this was my last week, they even sounded sad! It's nice to know that even though middle schoolers can seem completely uninterested, some of them actually care. What a relief!

Weekly Reflection 2

        This week was very different from last week in that my schedule completely changed. While last week was spent mostly planning and creating activities, this week I was able to try them out. I had the opportunity to teach a full class on my own and create and execute activities for the middle schoolers. Overall, this week had a very important part in my project, and I learned a lot.

One thing that is very important when teaching is time management. It is important to be able to fill a class block with activities that the class will really benefit from, while at the same time prioritizing certain things when class time runs short. While teaching Mikaela’s French One class, there were a few things that we did not get to, but everything tuned out just fine. We reached all of my biggest goals during the class, and they all seemed to really enjoy what I had planned. I also learned that when you show a substantial amount of enthusiasm about the subject you are teaching, it can raise the level of enthusiasm of the students as well. They want a reason to get excited about what they are learning, and sometimes simply standing there and talking to them will not work. I tried to make things more fun and share my own passion for the language with them, to show them that learning a foreign language can be really beneficial in life. This included telling them about my own experience living and studying in France, which was a new and exciting idea for many of them, especially the younger ones. 

I really enjoyed having the chance to teach an entire class entirely by myself. It was a large responsibility, but I loved every second of it. The classes were attentive and respectful, and put in a lot of effort to do their best and stay engaged.  When you get a positive response to your hard work, it makes planning for the next class even more fun. It’s a great feeling when really take to what you’re saying, and when you know that they are learning. I realized that I really enjoy helping others understand, and that even though it can be a challenge, the moment that they do reach a level of understanding is really awesome.

I was asked to create a project for the students at the middle school to do that is centered around French culture. I took the time to create a task sheet, rubric, and list of project topics for the students to choose from. This was a good task for me to do because it showed me how much work and attention to detail is needed to create an effective project for students. Ms. Greenly was very excited about my project, and the students are set to do it next week. I am also anxious to see how they like the project, and whether or not each part will work out. 

The most surprising element for me this week was seeing how quickly class time can go by, and how valuable each second is. While I sometimes wished that I had more to do with the classes, I valued each time that I did get to lead an activity or spend individual time helping the students. I think that is the part that I enjoy the most. Individual help is very important in the learning process, and being able to help just one student better understand something is a real accomplishment for me. I can definitely take what I’ve learned and apply it to the last week of my project, which I hope will be the most successful and beneficial.