Week of Reflection: 10/28

◦   Rate your overall experience of the week: 5Great week

◦   Seven questions to end your week:

•                     Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

                        I taught a lot of classes this week.  Outside of my normal classes, I got to teach a lot of classes at the middle school.  I connect extremely well with the 6^th grade woodwinds class.  I finished teaching my EdTPA lessons finally!

•                     Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

                        I learned that in order to teach global awareness in the music classroom, it has to take one of two forms.  Directly incorporated into a lesson, usually through a piece from another country.  The other option is by being totally random, and teaching it briefly as an intro to or exit from class (I chose option 2 this week).

•                     Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

                        Long term goal: Graduate with a good grade

                        Short Term goals: do the things, as soon as possible (not SMART)

•                     Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

                        -More time on Portfolio stuff

•                     Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

                        There were several times this week that I got to the end of a rep, and I didn’t know what I wanted to say to the students.  This added for extra discomfort.  However, this only happened a few times. 

•                     Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

                        Goal for this week is to finish Task 2, and start Task 3!

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?

      Wow I analyzed so much data this week.  I used a rubric for every class, some better than others.  I used this data of how the students were doing to help inform how I taught, and who I focused on each day.

•   What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

      Stand in the hallway as the students leave, and give basic/informal feedback to some students.  This can be encouraging to them, and remind them what you want them to work on this week.

•   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- We have classroom rules.  I took a picture of them, and posted them in my notebook.

•                     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- I mentioned this in my advice to other teachers, but a way in which I foster an inviting environment is at the end of 6^th grade band when we give “stamps” to all of the students.  I use this time for feedback, and to connect with all of the students on a human/personal level.

•                     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 demonstrated extensive knowledge in my content area this week by teaching my EdTPA lessons on phrasing.  I was able to model on my instrument the different concepts of phrasing that I wanted the students to emulate.

•                     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- I was able to differentiate appropriately in 6^th grade W.W. class. I know how each of my students responds to instruction, and I differentiate my instruction for each of them.  When they play as individuals, I know how each student learns and give them feedback as appropriate.  I am aware if they need more proximity, or if I can ask a leading question to have them think critically.

•                     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 sought out professional knowledge this week.  Normally I practice during lunch break.  However, we started to have a really great intellectual discussion as directors.  We talked about a variety of topics, but mainly we discussed the role of classical music in today’s world.  It was a great discussion.

•   Other:

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

                        Technology evidences (screencasts are done), philosophy is almost done

•                     What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

                        Nada                        

What support do you need from your university supervisor?

         When are you planning on coming with the COTC?