Reflection on Micro-teaching

 

This was an interesting experience. Some positives that I see from the comments are that there were engaging parts that stood out to the learners, they enjoyed doing the examples and connecting it to real life. Some things that were unexpected for me were some of the questions or "incorrect" examples which we needed to respond to quickly and concisely. I look forward to practicing responding better in practicum. It is also interesting working with group members who have different teaching styles - something I am sure I will be doing a lot of in my practicum. I was reminded that I need to ensure I am using gender-neutral language. It will be interesting to see how the students in my classes respond to worksheets, group discussions or lecturing time - I think different classes/schools have varying cultures and I want to be aware that I may need to adapt what is my default method. 

Curricular Micro-teaching Lesson Plan

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nZMVZvE5WVOXvap1N3-f0Sg0UT-RTuiuIyoSF_9QLO0/edit?usp=sharing

Micro-teaching reflection

 

I thought it worked well to have participants try out pegging and counting the cards because they picked up on the concept quite quickly. I wanted the lesson to be as interactive as possible. What did not work well was the timing. I think I tried to cover too much in the allotted time. If I had made it more clear that I was just going over phases of the game and counting it wouldn't have felt like I was running out of time to teach the whole game (which I knew wouldn't be possible). I think more clarity about the goal of the lesson would have been beneficial. It surprised me how quickly the time went and how differently things went compared to when I practiced at home. It reminded me of the importance of being able to adapt quickly to my students and the environment.

Micro-teaching Lesson Plan

 

Lesson Plan

Teaching Perspectives Inventory

One area that I am very motivated to improve on is Apprenticeship. I think it is an important skill to be able to assess where students are at and help them develop their ability to learn independently and self-evaluate. 

I was surprised that Developmental was so high for me because I think that is an area I need more practice with. It makes sense that my intent is highest in the category because I  do think it is very important but my "action" is lower, likely because I don't feel confident in my implementation of this strength.

I was not surprised that Nurturing was my highest as I think that is probably my most central motivation for going into the profession.

I am curious how Social Reform can be a central part of Math education. I know we discussed implementing conversations about climate change in our Inquiry course but I am curious about other opportunities.

Another thing that stood out to me was how low my intention ranking was in the Transmission category. I think it could be because I want to have a very interactive classroom where lecturing time is minimal and perhaps that is how I interpreted the questions related to transmission of information. 

My last reflection question is: what might be some blindspots for me as a teacher who clearly values Nurturing the most and what other areas would be valuable for me to strengthen knowing that Nurturing is my central strength. 

Battleground Schools reflection

 My first stop was how the article noted that "polarization... has served to obscure some of the actual commonalities between the two camps. (p. 395). I think this is important to realize that both sides have value and even shared goals. Polarization inhibits collaboration and great discussion and I think it is healthy to have respect for both sides.

I thought it was interesting how these movements were influenced by the political and social climate of the day. The values of the culture influence education significantly and that will continue to happen because education is political. Right now it seems there is a push for a more progressive, inquiry-based method of education and I wonder what social or political factors are influencing that. Perhaps an effort to indigenize education has influenced how teacher candidates are being taught today and how Math education is approached.

This article also made me curious about how people's childhood experiences of Math education influence what they advocate for as adults. Whether policymakers, parents or teachers - there are lots of strong opinions on both sides and it would be interesting to see what their Math education was like and how much of their opinions are formed by their positive or negative experiences. 

Micro-teaching Topic

 I would like to do my lesson on playing the game Cribbage!