Situations out of your control . . .
You may come upon a few challenging situations during the Field Experiences. These unfortunate circumstances can make a challenging learning situation even more so. Here are some guidelines that I hope give you a bit of a handbook if you encounter them . . .
Here we go. I anticipate modifying and adding to this as required.
I will just put it out there that I firmly believe the following statements are true, and many of the tips below are tied to these. They would appear to be obvious, but sometimes the obvious needs to be stated. Don't give up on me after perusing them, though! Keep reading below ; )
1) You, as a teacher, are taught to teach. Your students deserve the very best of you; this is their only opportunity to learn the outcomes at this grade level, and you do owe it to them to provide the very best opportunity to learn. Accept the support and insight of those around you
2) From here on out, you are expected to behave as a professional.
3) You need to be accountable for your behaviour, words and attitudes. As a student teacher, you are expected to show initiative, accountability and responsibility. Take it upon yourself to ask for clarification of confusing policy, deadlines for things such as year plans, personal goals, Inividual Education Plans, etc. rather than waiting to be told what to do when. If you are going to lament about your grade assignment, students, report cards etc, expect to have an unethusiastic review. In regards to your Field Experience, you are preparing for a profession that does have a code of conduct; you will be expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with a professional. By all means express concerns, ask for guidance, but always be prepared to explore a solution or alternative with a positive disposition and be prepared for constructive feedback and guidance.
Challenges you may face, and how to address them:
1. You are placed in a school that does not promote the same philosophy of education that you support.
Perhaps you are completely on the inquiry based learning train and you end up in a very traditional learning centre (TLC). Or vice versa - you support traditional learning and firm foundation in the basics and are placed in a very fluid open- ended school or classroom. How do you enthusiastically engage in your practicum? First of all, take it as an opportunity to understand the teaching model and which type of student thrives in this model. You will teach these students, too, and it is valuable to know how to reach them. Secondly, understand how teaching in a class or school that works within this model affirms your personal philosophy. Ask for the opportunity to do small group activities with students who might benefit from using another teaching model and explore whether or not they were successful. The placement might not be ideal, but the learning opportunity is beneficial. When you are reflecting on your practice, you can explore how else you would teach the skills and how the students might respond academically and behaviourly. What challenges might you encounter working with students new to the learning model?
2. You and your partner teacher are not a match made in heaven.
This happens. First of all, understand that you are not there to critique them, it is not your place. You can learn from them, good and bad, and apply it forward. Make sure that you are in frequent communication with your University Consultant in regards to your challenges, but again, the tone of communication needs to be respectful and professional. We can provide you with support, suggestions and guidance if need be. If you find yourself in a situation here you do not feel that important elements of your teaching will be noticed and assessed, again, communicate that concern with your Consultant. Perhaps your Partner Teacher dismisses modification, but knowing that is both valuable and evaluated, you can ask your UC to provide feedback, suggestions and resources. When they visit your classroom, the UC can make a point of looking for evidence of the competency and pointedly remarking on your progress in your evaluation so that your evaluation reflects your strengths and development. Try to get into as many other classes as possible, and ask for written feedback from other teachers so that you have more evidence to include in your portfolio.
3. Know the school policies and expectations, especially regarding parent communication, discipline, homework, etc. You do want to make sure that you are aware of school wide policies regarding all of the above so that you avoid a complicated situation. This is a great first week assignment, when you aren't yet tied up with instructing.
4. There will be resources you need to use in the classroom and for planning. It is common for grade teams to collaborate on activities and lesson plans, and you will need to respect that collaborative work. However, you will most likely be able to add your own ideas and resources. Most partner teachers understand part of your learning is trying out your ideas and reflecting on their success or failure. If this is not embraced during your placement, gather resources and reflect upon how you would have liked to use them in your planning and what you anticipate the group of students you are working with would achieve had you been able to implement your resource. Your University Consultant will note your awareness of resources, and reflection on the benefit/challenges that these resources could present. Make a point of learning what other resources can be applied to the curriculum at the grade level you are working with, and try to discern why they are not being used or how they could be used.
Your greatest resource is your University Consultant if you need guidance outside your placement. They are there to support you and advocate for you if the need arises. Keep in frequent contact, be proactive and focus on your successes.
Do you have tips, comments or questions?
General tips for creating a successful teaching field experience:
http://much2learneducators.blogspot.ca/2012/10/creating-success-during-your-field.html
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