First year reflection
Reflection on First Year of Tlite
My journey through the halls (virtual halls) of Tlite has been filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, tears and hallelujahs. I have learnewd a lot from other group members, mentors, “the internet”, and most surprisingly, from myself. The way things have gone is a portal through which I can reflect and improve my teaching practice. I feel like my teaching has already improved and the future is so bright I gotta wear shades!
So what did I do during my year in Tlite? I facilitated several exciting topic areas for exploration with my students. We looked at using a publishing program to better present the Scientific method. We looked at assessment software that better enabled them to keep track of their own learning and take a leading role in what is happening in the classroom and how they fit into that experience. We looked at using video software to “relearn” a concept after a hands-on experience and solidify student learned concepts. We also used a personal response system to assess in the classroom learning as it is happening!
The particulars of what we did could fill volumes. The real important part of the experience is how it changed me as a teacher and how it has helped my students to be part of a richer, more competent learning journey.
My own learning styles come into play whenever I reflect on teaching methodologies and how they change. I am interested in providing a richer experience for my students while I am delivering content. I have some talents that I think make me good at my job as a teacher. I have a good sense of humour; at least I can make my students laugh a lot. This makes them like me. Does that mean I am a good teacher? I can diffuse many tricky situations with humour. I can also lighten the day of a colleague with humour. I can also make light of the times I forget to holepunch or hand back a test.
I believe that I am very competent in teaching Sciences and I have a very solid understanding of the topic areas. However, I would like to provide a more rich experience To my students when delivering the curriculum. I am a teacher who is at heart a performer. I ove to be at the front of the classroom. I have genuine, heartfelt relationships with students. For the most part, studnets like my teaching style and I get along with almost all of them famously. However, I wonder at times if my teaching is the best way for students to learn. This is reqally the main basis for all my inquiries in Tlite. How can I help my studetns to learn better?
I do explain things well, at least things about Science or Math. Many students have told me this. Once a student said to me, “Mr. Espenhain, you are the only teacher who actually teaches us.” I took this comment with a grain of salt because I know there are many competent teachers in our building. It did, however, really make me think about teaching and what it means to teach.
To finish, I am constantly reflecting. I learn from feedback. The students in high school can be very vocal. They often tell me outright what I’m doing well and what I need to improve on. They don’t hesitate! However, one must filter this barrage of criticism, both positive and negative. I have had a student tell me I am the greatest teacher right after I said their homework was no longer due. Motivation tells a story. Much of what the students tell me during and after class is very useful feedback and supplies me with an opportunity to change and improve my teaching. And that is the whole point!
