Last week I had the opportunity to explore the rest of the Ag department at my cooperating center by sitting in on classes and observing how other teachers teach. There is one other teacher in my school's Ag department and I am frequently talking and interacting with her; however, I have never seen her teach a class. Therefore I decided to take this opportunity to observe her teaching style and technique in her Animal Science class.
This Ag teacher primarily focuses on production agriculture including plant and animal science, where as my cooperating teacher's focus is on agricultural mechanics. There are many different teaching techniques that can be utilized for each specialty area. After observing the other Ag teacher I was able to better make these comparisons and effectively observe different teaching styles.
I observed Ms. D's Animal Science class for this assignment. In the lesson the students were learning about Beef Quality Assurance (BQA). They had just finished a major project in which they had to create a pamphlet about one subject in beef production. Students had the opportunity to share their presentations with the class. As students presented their presentations the other students were expected to listen with respect. I really liked that the teacher allowed time for students to share their creations. Often times teachers collect student projects without allowing students to "show what they know." It also allowed the other students to gather information from their peer's presentations. As a result I also believe this technique builds students presentational and listening skills. It appeared that students were interested in this portion of the lesson. During presentations, the teacher roamed around the room to ensure all students were listening and taking notes on the presentation as well. I think this classroom management technique is also important in order to keep students on task.
The other aspect that I liked in this lesson is that the teacher only had two students present their projects and then moved on to other informational activities. Often times during presentations students share one after another and by the end of class students are tired of hearing the same format of information being said. By dividing presentations into chunks, students were more engaged because they had more varied instruction. After the two presentations, the teacher had a mini lecture and then a collaborative group assignment. These techniques engaged the students more in the lesson.
I also observed that the teacher's clarity helped students engage more in the content of the lesson. The teacher seemed knowledgeable in the content and was therefore able to provide good content knowledge. I thought she did a great job in providing clarity when informing the class on a topic. She also gave good and clear directions. Towards the end of the lesson the teacher divided the students into 4 groups. Each group was responsible to answer a specific question by researching the topic. I felt the teacher gave adequate instructions that allowed students understand their specific task and complete it with ease. These aspects are important for students to be able to complete a task successfully.
Overall, I enjoyed observing this lesson. It allowed me to observe teacher efficacy from a different point of view. During previous observations, my primary focus has often been on students. This gave me the opportunity to primarily focus on the teacher and lesson and then observe the response of the students. I also appreciated being able to observe the other Ag teacher in the same department. It gave an opportunity to compare different teaching styles and techniques utilized in different agricultural subjects. For example, in Ag mechanics courses there are many demonstrations utilized to teach a specific task. In this animal science lesson, there was research and projects utilized. Both of these techniques could be used in either class; however, it was interesting to realize how they can be used in different ways. I appreciated the time I had to observe this lesson and feel that it has helped me realize teaching strategies that I might also be able to implement into my own classroom,
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
Transitioning Phases (STB#9)
This week of student teaching seemed to be a week of many things new. I got to start a new unit on sheep and goats in my Animal Science class and I started a new unit on Parli Pro in my Intro to Agriculture class. It feels almost refreshing being able to start what feels like a "new chapter" with the students. I take it as an opportunity to again reignite the spark of agricultural interest on a new topic. Although I have new units, I still have the same students, and everyday continues to be a learning process as a student teacher.
It often feels that some sort of transition is always occurring during student teaching. At first it had been a transition into the classes and building the needed rapport with students. Now that I have those established I have been struggling in dealing with the openness of students. Students feel comfortable sharing in class and openly talk to me, which I extremely value; however, I am seeing how this openness can also cause problems if not well managed.
My Animal Science class is a great class in which I have built an open and friendly classroom environment. We often joke with each other and can sometimes as the students say get "sassy" with one another. I am beginning to realize however that there is a fine line with this behavior until it is taken too far. This past week, what I thought was a joking around session in a group of my students quickly turned into a bullying session that resulted in one of my students leaving my classroom. We spent a good chunk of the rest of the period talking about bullying and it not being accepted in the classroom. Although I felt that we had a good class discussion, I couldn't help but feeling absolutely terrible after class. How could I have left such bullying happen in my classroom? How could I have prevented this? It was an extremely good eye opener for me in seeing how I need to handle these situations when they arise and even limiting the "joking around" in class. Students often times do not know when they have crossed the line and as a teacher it is important that I manage it in such a way that it does not cross any lines and end up hurting students feelings.
After talking to my cooperating teachers about such matters in the classroom, I am more confident in how to control or limit such behavior. One way is simply reminding students of my classroom expectations and consequences. If behavior A is being acted out in my classroom then consequence A will applied. I then need to stick with these consequences and act upon them, otherwise students know that I won't punish the behavior and they can do it again. I realize now the importance of installing these classroom expectation and consequences at the beginning because I can now refer back to those posters that we covered at the beginning of the course. So far it seems to be working even though those consequences need to be applied more frequently.
Overall, this week went well and I am finding that I am busy writing sub plans for two days while I am away at SLLC next week. I seems very hard writing lessons plans for subs for two days. These are two days that my students still need content even though I am not there. It makes for very strategic planning to ensure students meet such objectives. However, I am very excited for SLLC and exposing my students more FFA learning and fun!
It often feels that some sort of transition is always occurring during student teaching. At first it had been a transition into the classes and building the needed rapport with students. Now that I have those established I have been struggling in dealing with the openness of students. Students feel comfortable sharing in class and openly talk to me, which I extremely value; however, I am seeing how this openness can also cause problems if not well managed.
My Animal Science class is a great class in which I have built an open and friendly classroom environment. We often joke with each other and can sometimes as the students say get "sassy" with one another. I am beginning to realize however that there is a fine line with this behavior until it is taken too far. This past week, what I thought was a joking around session in a group of my students quickly turned into a bullying session that resulted in one of my students leaving my classroom. We spent a good chunk of the rest of the period talking about bullying and it not being accepted in the classroom. Although I felt that we had a good class discussion, I couldn't help but feeling absolutely terrible after class. How could I have left such bullying happen in my classroom? How could I have prevented this? It was an extremely good eye opener for me in seeing how I need to handle these situations when they arise and even limiting the "joking around" in class. Students often times do not know when they have crossed the line and as a teacher it is important that I manage it in such a way that it does not cross any lines and end up hurting students feelings.
After talking to my cooperating teachers about such matters in the classroom, I am more confident in how to control or limit such behavior. One way is simply reminding students of my classroom expectations and consequences. If behavior A is being acted out in my classroom then consequence A will applied. I then need to stick with these consequences and act upon them, otherwise students know that I won't punish the behavior and they can do it again. I realize now the importance of installing these classroom expectation and consequences at the beginning because I can now refer back to those posters that we covered at the beginning of the course. So far it seems to be working even though those consequences need to be applied more frequently.
Overall, this week went well and I am finding that I am busy writing sub plans for two days while I am away at SLLC next week. I seems very hard writing lessons plans for subs for two days. These are two days that my students still need content even though I am not there. It makes for very strategic planning to ensure students meet such objectives. However, I am very excited for SLLC and exposing my students more FFA learning and fun!
Friday, March 6, 2015
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.... (STB#8)
Some might disagree that it is the most wonderful time of the year with 11 inches snow that is sitting at my front door right now; however, I have found that if we choose to dwell on the negatives then it will blind us to all the positive things around us. Sweeping snow off cars, shoveling driveways, frozen cars are just a few of the struggles this time of year, but these snowed in days also give us the opportunity to relax, bond with our families and most importantly get caught up on lesson planning!
I had one full day in school this week. The rest were snow days and 2 hour delays. Yes, I would have loved to have been at school carrying out lessons this week, and as a matter of fact I got anxious not being able to be at school, but I learned to relax a bit, refresh for next week, and use my time wisely by getting assignments done. Although I was not at school, I spent that last two days getting moodle modules done and writing lesson plans. These seemed like a lot of work but I feel much better now to have gotten work done. It makes me feel confident in facing another week. But if I had sat at my desk and wrote papers and lessons all day I think I would be crazy by now, so I don't want to give the impression that this is all I did! Rather my days off were mixed with both lesson planning and snow playing! I often took breaks and rewarded myself by taking a walk in the neighborhood and talking to my neighbors. In fact I met new people that I never met before and helped others get out of their driveways. These past two days have been a huge help in allowing me to take a bit of pressure off of myself as well as getting ahead in my work.
Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. I have always been encouraged to see the good in people and things. This time off of school has not only allowed me to see the beauty of my snowy environment at home but I have also had the time to reflect on my classroom and students at school. In reflecting I have thought about my students and how I might be able to raise the bar a little higher in my classroom with the rest of my time of Octorara. A few days last week were difficult with some behavioral issues and they make you wonder why as a teacher you try so hard. When you begin thinking about the positive difference you can make in their lives it reminds you why you started this journey as an educator. Often times I need to remind myself to just enjoy your situation rather then get worked up about the little things. The classroom is a beautiful place to be, so enjoy the journey one step at a time.
Friday, February 27, 2015
FFA Makes a Difference (STB#7)
The Chapter Officers planned an FFA Truck Show this week During National FFA Week!
This week was National FFA week and I couldn't have been more proud of my students' accomplishments. The officers did a tremendous job pulling in their resources and planning a great week of events. However, it is Friday and I am definitely feeling the tiredness of a long week.
Although tired I am reflecting back and realizing how important of a week this was our FFA chapter. During my first week of observations, I was thinking that this chapter was not going to make it the rest of the year. I heard kids complaining that the chapter never does anything. I saw them walk out and watched as officers even dropped out. Within a matter of a few weeks, I helped establish new officers, put together a week worth of activities for National FFA week, and recruited students. Yes, it has been tiring but this week has shown me just how much that hard work pays off.
Thursday the FFA officers planned a truck show and brunch for teachers and students. They washed and shined their prized vehicles up and put them on display for the entire school. They then invited teachers to come vote for their favorite truck and enjoy a yummy brunch in the morning. I wasn't sure how many teachers would actually show up but I was surprised when one of the students came running to me saying, "Ms. Graybill, Ms. Graybill we need more cups and bacon!" We had such a great turn out that we started running out of materials. I emailed the morning announcement committee to see if they could announce the winners of the truck show which gave the event some recognition. It was a truly a great day that encouraged the entire school population to get involved.
Today was another big day that I am very proud of. The officers planned a social for my Intro to Agriculture class consisting of 21 freshmen. We started off the period by conducting a mock FFA meeting. They got to say their pledge for the first time as freshmen and see what a meeting is really like. They were then assigned to a chapter officer, where they got to know their chapter officers. We played minute to win it games that involved teaming up with their chapter officers and cheering each other on. The last round of minute to win it involved only the chapter officers. In pairs one officer sat on a chair while his/ her partner stood behind them with a bowl of ice cream. With their eyes shut they had to feed their partner as much ice cream as they could in one minute. At the end of the round the chapter officers invited them all to join in on their fun in an ice cream social. The rest of the period was spent eating ice cream sundaes and getting the chance to meet the officers.
All sounds like fun and games right? But the true gems from the week were not playing really fun games or eating ice cream. What I saw happening was so much more. I saw officers taking on leadership roles. They were proud to be a good role model for the freshmen class. They handed out ice cream to them all and intermingled with them.... (here comes the best part) .... without being told! It sounds silly but I feel like I am constantly telling students that their behavior is unacceptable or that they need to think about how their actions are not school appropriate. It was extremely rewarding for me to walk into the classroom and see my officers already scooping out bowls of ice cream, handing them out to the freshmen, and encouraging to come get seconds. During our Minute to Win It games I saw officers encouraging freshmen and congratulating them on their wins. Although it was an event planned for the freshman, I realize now just how much it helped bond the officer team and how they grew as leaders themselves.
On the flip side, I saw the spark in my freshmans' eyes. Since the beginning of the quarter they have been hearing me talk about FFA, learning the creed and discovering all the opportunities in FFA. Today, however, I feel that a more in depth connection was made. They got to experience an official meeting, they got say the FFA pledge and they got to see one of their own recite the creed. Previously they had looked at the creed and said that there is no way they could memorize the whole thing; however, one freshman girl took the challenge and got to say it in front of her peers today and she rocked it! It was real life to these students and confirmed that FFA is a legitimate organization that cares about them individually. For me it wasn't about the games that we played or that activities we did but rather seeing the connections and memories made from just this one day.
It wasn't just the students that grew this week, Oh no, probably the person that had the most to grow was me! I don't know exactly why tears well up in my eyes when I think about how much bonding and growth occurred this week. There are just certain glimpses of kids having fun, taking on leadership roles and being positive role models that really make me proud because I know that they are growing as individuals in positive ways. Most of these kids need a positive role model or group of good friends to be associated with. This week I got to to see them be that positive role model for each other and bond relationships with both new and old friends. I also learned that I don't always need to run the show, rather students will gain so much more by taking the lead. I can't wait to reflect with the officer team next week and gather their input. As for me, I thought many positives resulted in both my students and I.
Projecting into next week I can't help but to think, "how can I keep this magic alive?" What can I do keep this sense of unity and support for each other that seemed to shine through this week. Will next week go back to being frustrated with negative attitudes in the classroom and disruptive behavior? The answer is most likely yes. One week is not going to magically change every single one of your students into perfect angels. However, I do believe that this week was a week of progress in a positive direction. As a result I just might see some better behavior in my classes. We must stay focused making progress rather than getting strung up not walking into a perfect classroom. As a student teacher I realize that I only met these students a few weeks ago and in the next few weeks I may never see them again. I have a short amount of time here at my cooperating school, but while I am here I want to make progress. It's unrealistic to think that I will wake up one day and have prefect students every single period. But if I am making progress in my work, in my classroom and in the lives of my students then I will feel accomplished.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
The Hard Work Comes First! (STB#6)
This past week was the week before National FFA week and that means lots of planning! We have been having a rough start getting students involved in FFA and having the motivation to participate in events outside of school. However, with National FFA week just around the bend it gives us the perfect opportunity to ignite that spark for FFA during school.
I have been working closely with the chapter officers to plan and prepare for a week of events. Although I have been working hard to organize meetings with them and spark interest in planning, it's the students that have brought creativity to the forefront. The most rewarding part is seeing them engaged and recognizing that they will be proud of what they have accomplished. The schedule for the upcoming week of events is as follows:
Monday -
Apparel: Pink Day (breast cancer awareness)
Activity: FFA and Ag Trivia Competition
Tuesday-
Apparel: Plaid/ Flannel day Day
Activity: Meet your state officers at Hoss's
Wednesday-
Apparel: Chevy vs. Ford Day
Activity: Handball Competition in the Gym: Chevy vs Ford
Thursday-
Apparel: Camo Day
Activity: Truck Show! (teachers and students judge FFA members vehicles)
Brunch: Those who participate are welcome to join us in our FFA brunch
Friday-
Apparel: FFA Apparel Day
Activity: Freshman Friday! Ice cream social for the freshman
I am so very excited to see how this week turns out. I am hoping that this week makes FFA members more appreciative and proud to be part of their FFA chapter!
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Collecting our supplies for National FFA Week!
As far as teaching this week I only had 1 and 1/2 days. It was not a full week but probably one of my most stressful weeks. I had applications to fill out and submit, a school tour to prepare for, letters to write and paperwork to complete. It was more than exciting because I am preparing for a potential job; however, it was a reality for me in realizing all the additional work that still needs to be managed while teaching. It's a lot of work but the results yielded make it worth it.
This week was a good learning experience for both me and my students. I think together we are learning that how much you put into something is how much you will get out of it. Yes, the hard and stressful work comes first but seeing the lives that are positively affected by your work influences you to continue doing what you're doing. Along the way we build our own professional and organizational skills. This week has been busy but I am excited to see that hard work pay off next week!
I have been working closely with the chapter officers to plan and prepare for a week of events. Although I have been working hard to organize meetings with them and spark interest in planning, it's the students that have brought creativity to the forefront. The most rewarding part is seeing them engaged and recognizing that they will be proud of what they have accomplished. The schedule for the upcoming week of events is as follows:
Monday -
Apparel: Pink Day (breast cancer awareness)
Activity: FFA and Ag Trivia Competition
Tuesday-
Apparel: Plaid/ Flannel day Day
Activity: Meet your state officers at Hoss's
Wednesday-
Apparel: Chevy vs. Ford Day
Activity: Handball Competition in the Gym: Chevy vs Ford
Thursday-
Apparel: Camo Day
Activity: Truck Show! (teachers and students judge FFA members vehicles)
Brunch: Those who participate are welcome to join us in our FFA brunch
Friday-
Apparel: FFA Apparel Day
Activity: Freshman Friday! Ice cream social for the freshman
I am so very excited to see how this week turns out. I am hoping that this week makes FFA members more appreciative and proud to be part of their FFA chapter!
As far as teaching this week I only had 1 and 1/2 days. It was not a full week but probably one of my most stressful weeks. I had applications to fill out and submit, a school tour to prepare for, letters to write and paperwork to complete. It was more than exciting because I am preparing for a potential job; however, it was a reality for me in realizing all the additional work that still needs to be managed while teaching. It's a lot of work but the results yielded make it worth it.
This week was a good learning experience for both me and my students. I think together we are learning that how much you put into something is how much you will get out of it. Yes, the hard and stressful work comes first but seeing the lives that are positively affected by your work influences you to continue doing what you're doing. Along the way we build our own professional and organizational skills. This week has been busy but I am excited to see that hard work pay off next week!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Teaching is... real, motivational, hard, tiring, fun, what we do! (STB#5)
This past week of student teaching was both empowering and exhausting. The other cooperating teacher in the Ag program was off for three days out of the week and had asked if I would like to teach her classes while she was gone. I figured this would be a great opportunity for me to experience a loaded day of classes as I taught her classes in addition to mine. I learned very quickly that a loaded day also equals an exhausting day. I returned home and realized how physically tired I was and that I still had papers to grade and materials to gather.
It was a very realistic scenario and a good glimpse into the everyday life of an Ag teacher. Why might this be empowering? Well because I made it through and survived! I realized that I can do it and that has inspired me to keep going. On top of this week's situation, the sub that I had at first complained about, actually became my advocate for the week. He was bragging about me to other teachers in the hallways and to students, and proud of what I was doing. I honestly don't know why, I was just doing my job, but the support definitely encouraged me throughout the week.
I also had a huge breaking point in my Animal Science class this week that has positively changed the dynamics of the classroom. I had graded their lab reports from a lab the week before and found that many of them didn't fill them out or meet the standards that I was expecting. This had greatly disappointed me because many of their grades and dropped significantly because of it. So Monday I came to class with a serious speech about setting higher standards. I told them I want each and every one of them to be successful not just in my class but in their lives and that I am going to push them to reach their true potential. I wasn't so sure my speech about life would make a difference; however, the rest of the week went great! The students were focused and they turned in completed work in complete sentences. I was shocked but I think that they took what I had to say to heart. One student told me after class one day, "I feel like you are ticked with us." I responded, "I'm not upset with you, I'm upset for you. You guys don't realize just how great you are and can be. Your decisions to not put the time or effort in my class effects your success in the future." I think that my message reached many of them and I hope that is carries with them to their other classes.
It was a very realistic scenario and a good glimpse into the everyday life of an Ag teacher. Why might this be empowering? Well because I made it through and survived! I realized that I can do it and that has inspired me to keep going. On top of this week's situation, the sub that I had at first complained about, actually became my advocate for the week. He was bragging about me to other teachers in the hallways and to students, and proud of what I was doing. I honestly don't know why, I was just doing my job, but the support definitely encouraged me throughout the week.
I also had a huge breaking point in my Animal Science class this week that has positively changed the dynamics of the classroom. I had graded their lab reports from a lab the week before and found that many of them didn't fill them out or meet the standards that I was expecting. This had greatly disappointed me because many of their grades and dropped significantly because of it. So Monday I came to class with a serious speech about setting higher standards. I told them I want each and every one of them to be successful not just in my class but in their lives and that I am going to push them to reach their true potential. I wasn't so sure my speech about life would make a difference; however, the rest of the week went great! The students were focused and they turned in completed work in complete sentences. I was shocked but I think that they took what I had to say to heart. One student told me after class one day, "I feel like you are ticked with us." I responded, "I'm not upset with you, I'm upset for you. You guys don't realize just how great you are and can be. Your decisions to not put the time or effort in my class effects your success in the future." I think that my message reached many of them and I hope that is carries with them to their other classes.
Just like students depended on one another to hold each other up, so do organisms in the soil rely on each other for composting purposes.
Friday, February 6, 2015
The Week of Realizations (STB#4)
This week was an interesting week of student teaching. I feel that I made progress with my students in moving them forward with the content and diving into the inquiry lessons that were engaging. I very much so enjoyed bringing in hands on materials that helped engage students in the lessons. Although I enjoyed teaching my lessons, my students put up a bit of a challenge.
I heard many complaints from my students about having to complete a lab. In lab they had to create the digestive system of a pig from the given materials in their groups. I was super excited for this lab and students were super interested in the materials that I brought to class; however, once I gave them materials and told them the task for the day, the complaining began. The complaints at first were hurtful because I took them as I am failing as a teacher. This week, however, I came to a realization. I am not a teacher to make my students happy. I am a teacher to help my students learn and achieve higher levels of educational success. It seems that as soon as any sort of work is assigned the complaining begins. So perhaps the complaining is a sign of students being pushed to think which should be encouraged because that is how our students achieve such success.
This is still the beginning of my student teaching experience and I am learning that my students are taking a bit longer to be conditioned into a new teaching style. My teaching style just so happens to push students to think through the activities that are asked of them. I'm not ready to lower that standard due to the complaining. I believe my classroom is not a study hall, nor is it a time socialize. It is a time to engage, learn and build cognitive thinking skills. That standard I must keep high and with engaging and enthusiastic materials I believe my students can achieve success.
This week was also a week of realization for me. I often times find myself reflecting on my day on my car ride home. One particular day I began crying on my way home. It wasn't because it was a rough day or because I didn't feel successful but rather my heart ached for my students. I started thinking about each of them and the situations that many of them go through. Some of them deal with extremely difficult situations and I see their lack of respect for their education. Some seem to have given up and don't care if they fail. Some don't take school seriously and others choose to engage in unwise activities. These things make me sad because I care about my students. I see them making bad choices rather then dedicating their time to things that will help them rise above their difficult situations and become successful. Their poor choices only encourage a pattern of low standards. My tears came because these students don't realize their potential to be successful. They don't realize just how great they can be. If they could just make this realization for themselves I think it would change their whole attitude about life and school. Their situations in life tell them that they can't but I hope as their teacher I can help them realize that they can.
I heard many complaints from my students about having to complete a lab. In lab they had to create the digestive system of a pig from the given materials in their groups. I was super excited for this lab and students were super interested in the materials that I brought to class; however, once I gave them materials and told them the task for the day, the complaining began. The complaints at first were hurtful because I took them as I am failing as a teacher. This week, however, I came to a realization. I am not a teacher to make my students happy. I am a teacher to help my students learn and achieve higher levels of educational success. It seems that as soon as any sort of work is assigned the complaining begins. So perhaps the complaining is a sign of students being pushed to think which should be encouraged because that is how our students achieve such success.
This is still the beginning of my student teaching experience and I am learning that my students are taking a bit longer to be conditioned into a new teaching style. My teaching style just so happens to push students to think through the activities that are asked of them. I'm not ready to lower that standard due to the complaining. I believe my classroom is not a study hall, nor is it a time socialize. It is a time to engage, learn and build cognitive thinking skills. That standard I must keep high and with engaging and enthusiastic materials I believe my students can achieve success.
This week was also a week of realization for me. I often times find myself reflecting on my day on my car ride home. One particular day I began crying on my way home. It wasn't because it was a rough day or because I didn't feel successful but rather my heart ached for my students. I started thinking about each of them and the situations that many of them go through. Some of them deal with extremely difficult situations and I see their lack of respect for their education. Some seem to have given up and don't care if they fail. Some don't take school seriously and others choose to engage in unwise activities. These things make me sad because I care about my students. I see them making bad choices rather then dedicating their time to things that will help them rise above their difficult situations and become successful. Their poor choices only encourage a pattern of low standards. My tears came because these students don't realize their potential to be successful. They don't realize just how great they can be. If they could just make this realization for themselves I think it would change their whole attitude about life and school. Their situations in life tell them that they can't but I hope as their teacher I can help them realize that they can.
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