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