Each day when I walk into class I expect several "teachable moments" to prepare me and also several "Now let's get real moments." None of these moments were quite as real as what we discussed this Monday. This past class we discussed student teaching we talked about what we may experience such as late hours and lots of papers to fill out and lots of plans to make. Everything we learn from now until then will then be on us. We will not have Dr. Parker and Dr. Clark there to remind us of everything we should be doing. The classroom will be in our hands and it will be time to apply everything we have learned. Our jobs will begin before we graduate and that is not true for many other majors. Discussing all of this is one thing but then realizing that in 2 years that will be me is slightly overwhelming and exciting!
Another thing we discussed on Monday is our Learning Plans. I love this rename of Lesson Plans because it fits more into the role of what a teacher should be doing. To me this fits in with the acronym that our professors gave us at the beginning of the year. TEACHERS. Transformative educators who are engaging, adaptable, content-driven experts that are holistic, evidence-based and reflective practitioners prepared for a successful career. Having a learning plan rather than a lesson plan means I plan what I want my students to learn and that is my goal rather than exactly how I will teach it to them. For example, having the goal be for students to add fractions together and understand this with relevance to the whole. In a lesson plan, I am focused on planning how I do this and stick to it. In a Learning Plan, I have an idea of how to accomplish this but I am adaptable to how many students respond that day to a given activity and I am prepared to make changes so learning happens. The difference is the focus. Learning is the goal.
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteGood points here! Changing a lesson plan to a learning plan can help you to fully realize the whole reason we plan...to help students learn. The teacher's focus should continually be on the students...not just thinking about what the teacher will be doing.
Even though things can get crazy at times, we want to be transparent with you so you are fully aware of what is coming down the pike.
What connections were you able to make to the NCTCS?
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting for me how you describe the learning plan, actually I understand more the possibilities with that after reading your post. You know for me it's not easy to find the sense in all the things we do because of the language. Sometimes while in class and trying to understand almost all the conversations (never all of them), I can't understand the projects neither the parts or what exactly Dr Clarker expect from us. So, sometimes reading your posts I can understand a little more. Your description about "learning plan" is great! "The difference is the focus, learning is the goal" this quote is amazing, good job!
I am exited about student teaching too. Everything will be so real then, sad to know that Clarker will not be there to help. It's up to us, so true. I agree with your idea of the learning plan. That sounds so much better than a lesson plan. I'd rather my students learn than have a structured lesson. It still is a lesson but you want them to learn from it.
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