Week of Reflection: 9/23

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 4
• Seven questions to end your week:

• • Observe: This week I got to see many groups of students begin to excel: the drum line improved a lot this week from last week, the 6th grade W.W. class improved drastically on note recognition, and many students who I've been working with either individually or in small group setting are really beginning to improve.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? I learned that middle schoolers really need meticulous instructions for them to give you what you expect from them.
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? This hasn't changed a whole lot from last week, but my percussion teaching skills are improving because I'm working with percussion on a regular basis.
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I really, really need to get started working on EdTPA and the classroom management project. I made some crucial planning decision last week, but I really got to get in the groove with them. I need to spend less time on Netflix this week, it was a real interference last week.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I was warming up Band Elective one day this week, and I wanted to hear a particular part of a lip slur again. I said "5th position" and then held up "23" for the baritones and tubas, but one senior baritone player said, "13," and I trusted him. There was confusion around the room when it sounded terrible. We quickly figured it out, but it wouldn't have been a problem if I had just gone with my gut, and not been apprehensive. However, I think this interaction may have helped me bond with the class more, maybe.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? This week I need to start working a little more hands on with the band elective or 9th grade full-class and not just sectionals. I also NEED to get going on EdTPA, or it's gonna sneak up on me.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? I analyzed a 6th grade note names test. I referenced it in my last blog that the students did poorly, and at least 30% of the class completely failed the test. I used that data to do several reviews, and teach ledger lines. I gave another test to the students, and they did soooooo much better. Everyone got at least 50%, and most students got between 8-12 of the 12 notes that needed to be identified. I was so happy that the students improved so much just in one week. I can now use the data to help teach ledger lines further in depth, and which students still need a bit of help.
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
• Reflect, Reflect, Reflect. I've been using my voice recording software on my phone to just talk into my phone as I drive home. I do this particularly, when I had a great day or a really rough day. I want to figure out what I did, and how to either do it again, or steer clear of that again. Anyway, It's a great way to reflect on your teaching, give yourself reminders, and clear your head after a tough day.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    1C- Over the past several weeks I've met the band directors at all of the away football games. It's been a good experience, to hear their band and get to talk to them, and develop professional relationships. This week I got to meet the director at Shelby High School. I would say he was cool, but then I'd be lying... JK
  • Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    2B-This week, during a percussion sectional, culturally relevant material was brought up about the riots in Charlotte. While I did not give my opinion, I was able to ask a few questions, and make a few comments to keep and open mind, and get a better idea of where my students where at on the issues of "black lives matter." I was merely a moderator to a stimulating, yet short conversation. I did not want to dwell on it during class, however, I thought it wise for me to not completely shut down the topic.
  • Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    3B- I was able to prompt student curiosity this week. I posted some fliers about the upcoming Charlotte Civic Concert that I am playing in. One 7th grade clarinet player said, " good luck, and can you record it and let me hear it." I told her thanks, and that I would try my best. However, in the meantime I suggested that she listen to Scheherazade on Youtube. She asked me to write it down for her, which I did. I hope this student got to listen to at least some of the piece, and get an idea of what a professional orchestra sounds like.
  • Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some 
    activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    4E- I've been working with a beginner horn player for a few weeks now. He's struggling to hit the right notes (it's horn), but the fingerings are kinda there. One of his issues is that he isn't super proactive when it comes to learning parts he doesn't know yet. He has a fingering chart in front of him, but he historically doesn't use it very well, UNTIL this week, I sit beside him a good bit during class, and I consistently make him look up fingerings he doesn't know rather than spoon feeding him. It's finally getting though, and we are really beginning to make headway. Teaching "problem solving" for the win.
  • Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    5B- I've began watching videos on beginning brass technique, and incorporating these skills into 6th grade brass. It really seems to help some students not develop horrible habits. I like this new "professional knowledge," and it's helping my own playing as well.
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete? EE6 (SIP)
  • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
    I think we're good.  Most of the time, he doesn't remember that I have student teaching requirements, so I just have to stay on his case about it.
  • What support do you need from your university supervisor?
  • Just let me know when you are planning to come out and observe me, other than tomorrow

Week of Reflection: 9/16

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 3
• Seven questions to end your week:

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
    I got to teach a lot of beginner flutes this week, and it was humbling yet very satisfying after a few days. A surprise of my was when we gave the 6th graders a test of note names, it was almost 50/50, great/terrible haha. I also think that the format of the test was a little bit too confusing for the 6th graders, so we aren't grading this one.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? I learned that I tend to teach at a slightly slower pace than my CTs. I often am not sure what I want to do next, and I just don't say anything for a few seconds, and then move on. I want to try and keep the pace up, but not just talk immediately after cut off. Anyway, I also found out, as I alluded to in the previous question, that explaining the format of a pop quiz that involves music notation is very important. I got a myriad of responses on the note test where all I wanted was their name and a simple list of note names based on what I had written on the board. One student even went as far as writing down the example name (Jimy w.) I had written on the board on their test LOL
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
    Two of the my goals are: improve my percussion skills and pedagogy, and to work on my teacher-student communication skills in the classroom. I'm getting experience teaching, recording/reflecting on myself teach, working with percussion etc... I'd say it's going pretty well.
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I really need to spend more time sleeping, working on EdTPA, and my portfolio video. I need to spend a little bit less time reading for fun, and driving.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? This past Thursday was just really challenging. When we got to the High School, we were informed that our rehearsal space for the 9th grade band was unavailable. It really threw a wrench into our plans for the afternoon. After that, I just felt like i was caught between a lot of miscommunication. We had to change plans on the fly constantly, and the rehearsal I was supposed to do with the drum line went from 30 mins to, 12 mins. It was a frustrating day. Thankfully none of us directors were mad at each other, and we were able to talk about how stressful it had been.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? Next week I need to begin video taping or voice recording as many lessons as possible. I also need to start planning EdTPA more intentionally, it's gonna creep up on me real quick.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? I analyzed some student learning on note names, and found out that at least 1/3 of the 6th graders have no idea what their note names are. Wow! I also recorded some good data on a 7th grade playing test, and we're trying to best help them out based on their results.
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? Being willing to do whatever is thrown your way has become a way of life for me. Just embrace it.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 1A- Safe and orderly classroom: This past Monday, I began class for the 6th graders. They were walking in like a herd of elephants talking and causing general hullabaloo and ruckus. I asked them to quiet down twice, and nothing really changed. So, once things settled down a bit and most student had began to unpack, I had every student collect their things and head back out into the hallway, and show me that they can come into class quietly. It worked!
  • Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 2C- I've been able to work with a 7th grade trumpet player who has been having some confidence issues while playing. After a few notes, and a mess up, the student would stop playing and try to figure out the fingerings. I made some flashcards for the student to help with note names this past weekend, and sure enough the student is doing much better this week. I've been able to encourage them, and have seen a lot of immediate improvement. On a side note, apparently this student almost quit band, but apparently my help and some encouragement from the other directors is just what the student needed, and they are now thriving.
  • Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 3A- I've briefly mentioned this before but I've been reflecting on what my CT said about the effectiveness of literacy instruction in the classroom, that new words taught in the band room need to be used multiple days, not just once. I taught the word "Autonomous" to the 8th grade brass, and I've been using it every couple days. I've been asking the students if they remember it, and most of them didn't after the first day. They are beginning to remember, and I hope they can become autonomous band members.
  • Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 4H- During 6th grade band, I got to work with the flutes. I gave them opportunities to assess themselves, and each other. This was really good for them. It gave them an opportunity to figure out their own issues, and also help each other.
  • Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 5C- I had my first Charlotte Civic Orchestra rehearsal this past week. It's a great way to meet other music professional and educators, and also hone my skills as a musician. Playing in this group is part of seeking out my professional goals.
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
    Resume, Professional development
  • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
     I think he's good. I'm just struggling to get the SIP from him, mostly because the access is restricted, sorta. I'm not really sure. I just have to keep reminding him.
  • What support do you need from your university supervisor?
  •  As I begin to plan for my student teaching video, do you have any suggestions on things to make sure I include.

Week of Reflection: 9/9

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 4
• Seven questions to end your week:

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
    It's just been a good week! having a day off was nice, but it felt like it put me behind, having the student teaching meeting on Wednesday, and then having the trumpet guest artist from Baylor (Fri-Sat off and on) was just taxing on my time. It was good, but I feel like I couldn't get much done. However, I've started working on some general lesson plans, rebuffing my resume, and the beginnings of Task 1.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
    I learned through a few teaching opportunities, that while students usually respond well, middle schoolers don't really like to sing in band, haha. However, once they did, it really helped them.
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
    One of my long term goals has been to learn how to better teach percussion, I would eventually like to know how to do most of the rudiments, and create a schedule on what is the best order to teach percussion. Anyway, I've had lots of opportunities, particularly this past week, to work with percussion, and it definitely feels foreign. I know rhythm well, and all, but technique and how to improve it is way beyond me.
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? 
    Driving... enough said.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
    I got to teach a multiple times this week, often very spur of the moment, and while I was apprehensive about what I needed to teach or how to teach it, it always went fairly well.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
    Take some time tomorrow evening, and do some better planning (easier said than done). My video release forms are soon close to being all turned in, and I really need to start planning when I'm going to video tape.
    
    

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
  The 8th grade low brass really struggle with confidence and it really affects their playing and sight reading. I'm beginning to teach them how to be "autonomous," I began by teaching them that work in class. Lets see what they glean from it. #literacy
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
• My CT does a great job of teaching literacy in the classroom, Teaching standard 3C, by often using a "big word" in instruction, and then asking the students what it means, and then expanding on it or defining it if the students don't know. He is also a firm believer in using that word again in a couple days, and does this fairly regularly. It's a pretty simple and easy idea to incorporate. I've already tried it, and I like it.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

    1A- I'm constantly working with groups of students, and working on their team chemistry. This week I worked with the bass line, and talk about trying to get them to collaborate. Wow!

  • Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

    2A- It's clear to me that students are becoming more comfortable with my presence in their classroom. I'm trying to be friendly, and they are constantly asking me questions or for help between class.

  • Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

    3A-I'm starting to write lesson plans that clearly align with NC Standards

  • Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

    4A- Percussionists often get bored, and this week I gave the percussionists a challenging alternate assignment to get their minds working while I taught the rest of the class. Talk about some differentiation.

  • Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some 
    activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

    5C- I looked up some research verified strategies this week, I couldn't find any that I wanted to use yet, but it's a start.

• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

    Resume, Task 1, & EE6, Professional Goals

  • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
    hmmm
  • What support do you need from your university supervisor?
  • I just have a crazy amount of questions, and they are all blanking on me, RIGHT NOW. It's late, I'm going to bed