Saturday, April 28, 2012
Week 5 CEDO 565
This week we culminated our simulated attempt to create a systemic change. Thankfully my group found much more success (even with me still having random disconnections from Blackboard). This not to say that we did not find frustration, but we did find a better insight into what some of our administrators might have faced in the past and how those who continually have to find a way to improve student achievement over the resistance of some of the staff. We also found that a sense of comaraderie while attempting to deal with the frustrations of attempting to get the buy in to be successful in implementing change.
In the reading, I was reminded that I am not the only one who has high expectations of challenging students. I know that I need to start with the basics of what I want my students to do later on and then build them to the level where they should be or beyond. I am reminded that most of my students want to learn. In some instances, it only takes minimal success to get them to be highly motivated students. But I need to be able to provide them with a education that allows them to find that success while still challenging them. The line might be fine, but the majority of students are able to meet my expectations. I actively invite others to observe my teaching in order to get constructive criticism as well as thoughts about what I do well. I often attempt to see how other teachers run their classes for ideas that I would be able to use in my own class. Most of my colleagues are open to people observing their classes, but usually are less resistant since I am looking to use ideas that would help my teaching. If I am asked for ideas for the teacher I visited, I attempt to first stress the positive before suggesting any changes. I also make sure that I know the outcomes I would expect from any changes I would suggest. So far, this has been the most illuminating chapter of the book for me since it has been showing me that even though I am not perfect, I am doing the right things in my goal to improve myself as an educator.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I share your struggles with getting teachers to observe me and to have me observe them. Most teachers in my building are really open to having me in their rooms and coming down into mine, but I worry that this will change next year as I become department head. Any suggestions about how to make a smooth transition with respect to observations? Any advice is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I would have to offer this is that you should keep an open door policy. This means that you should make sure that your teachers are willing to come in and take a look at your class and give you suggestions that might help your own teaching. This might give them a level of trust that lets them know you value their opinions. Otherwise, if you end up visiting other classes, keep positive, make sure that every teacher you visit hears more good about their class than bad. Keep the conversation positive. At worst, with some of the most resistant teachers, let them know that you would like to watch their class and then let them pick the class you visit.
ReplyDelete