Observation Reflection 4

4a: In what ways do teachers utilize self-reflection and new ideas to demonstrate a personal commitment to continuous improvement?**

The instructor tries different approaches to teaching based on self reflection. There is a self evaluation every 6 months for teachers in the district. I witnessed the cooperative teacher filling out this self reflection form. The teacher originally received lower marks on her evaluations when she began teaching. She has worked to improve upon the suggestions and critiques given to her by colleagues. She edited lesson plans to make it easier for students of all types to understand and absorb information by taking on new visual strategies. The teacher also noticed an issue with homework not being turned in over time. She began to have students give their work to her directly instead of in a tray. This is so that they cannot claim they turned something and in and it got lost when they did not

The teacher also evaluates the results of students. This evaluation is used as a guide for the teacher to alter and change lessons. The teacher is constantly using new ideas as a springboard for new lesson plans. The teacher will look at past lessons and gauge the success and engagement of students as to whether or not to repeat the lesson in the future. This can be a lab that students found fun for example.

4c: How do teachers connect to students' lived experiences to tailor and deepen engagement in learning experiences?

The teacher actively makes an effort to engage in the students’ lives. When the students enter the room she asks about their day and how their other classes are going. She actively attends their events that are held at the school as well. The students show a great deal of excitement if the teacher attends one of their events. The students will also display a sense of trust and a higher sense of dedication to the course.

The teacher will also email students to inquire about events at the school such as football games. This helps create a bond between the student and the teacher as well as between the teacher and the students' families. The students look forward to telling her about details of their lives. I’ve noticed that students that have a good rapport with her and engage with her in these ways also have better grades and act better in class.

The teacher also attempts to engage students by tailoring lessons to be interesting or relevant to their lives. Concepts will sometimes be written to be taught in a way that is fun for teenagers. The teacher also attempts to connect with students that may struggle with learning setbacks. The teacher sometimes misreads or mistypes words on the board or on worksheets and is honest about having dyslexia. This helps students who struggle with learning difficulties feel like they have someone in their corner or someone that relates to them as a mentor figure.

4d: what are some ways that teachers lead in developing and implementing school events , projects, and initiatives for some students?

The teacher regularly has class events that move out of the bounds of the classroom. An example of this is when she had students create a poster board and display certain characteristics as gas laws. The students were to dress up in the most professional clothing that they could and then present their project to school staff in the hallway. Various school administrators came to see and ask them about their projects. The teacher also took part in and led a game about 1984. Multiple classes took part in this event and several different teachers collaborated together. The students were to act like they were under surveillance by a “Big Brother”, some students took on the role of being agents of big brother themselves

The teacher also collaborates with faculty to brainstorm and implement ideas for spirit week or general “fun” themed days. One of these events was “dress as a student” day for teachers which fell on the same day as “dress up as teachers” for students.

4f: In what ways do teachers ensure that the decisions they make are in the best interest of students, family, and colleagues?

One way that teachers improve and build upon themselves is by self assessment. Honesty and communication are also important in teaching. Teachers use open and honest dialogue with students and their families to ensure that they are all in alignment. Anytime the teacher sends an email correspondence to a student, the parent is cc’d. The teacher will listen to peers and students with respect and then make potential changes based on suggestion or student dissatisfaction.

In the teachers IEP and ESL class there were numerous students with failing scores. It was during this time that the teacher had a temporary assistant teacher that was supposed to help these students specifically because of their extra needs. This assistant teacher did not perform the tasks necessary to assist the instructor. The teacher advocated on behalf of the students to receive a new assistant teacher. After the new assistant was placed in the class, the students' grades markedly improved