Video Tape Critique 2

The following link will take you to my first student teaching video:
Student Teaching Video 2

The following link will take you to a copy of the lesson plan that I taught in the video:
Video 2 Lesson Plan

Student Teaching Video 2 Reflection

1.  Demonstrates knowledge of the disciplines and subject matter related to curriculum.

            A.  Presents content in a way students can understand.  By reading and reviewing the stories in class and having the students re-tell the stories, I can make sure that the students understand the information.

            B.  Answers questions appropriately and correctly, and directs learners to suitable sources.  I answer the questions that the students pose as well as allow the students to answer the questions to answer each other’s questions.

2.  Designs interdisciplinary and discrete subject area instruction.

            A. Establishes clear and useful objectives. I informed the class of their instructions and our goal to re-create the story, but I could have also stated that the objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the story.

            B.  Seeks opportunities to integrate learning from various disciplines.  This was not exhibited in this lesson, but in our other discussions of The Odyssey, we have discussed the Trojan War and aspects of Greek mythology that may be taught in History.

3.  Uses appropriate technologies and resources to enhance instruction and subject performance.

            A.  Has knowledge of current technology and attempts to incorporate it in teaching.  In class, we use Google Chromebooks and Google Drive every day.  Additionally, we use the projector every day.

            B.  Matches appropriate technologies to lesson objectives.  We begin each class with a sentence composing activity, using the Chromebooks and Projector as a means of doing this lesson while simultaneously saving paper.

            C.  Instructs students in appropriate use of technology.  This was not necessary for this class, but have instructed them in the use of Google Calendar.

4.  Selects and designs appropriate, authentic means of assessing student learning and progress.

            A.  Uses preassessments to determine students’ background knowledge.  This was a during-reading activity, but before we began reading the Cyclops story, I could have determined if anyone knew the story already.

            B.  Encourages students to assess and monitor their own progress through self-reflection.  I did not consider this when creating the lesson, however, the next day in class, several students remarked that they wanted to do the activity again because it really helped them understand the story.

            C.  Gives a choice of assignments toward meeting objectives.  All students had to complete the same assignment, but they were given freedom in how to present their aspect of the story.

5.  Implements management strategies to promote a safe and positive learning environment.

     5a        Instructional Management

            A.  Prepares for each lesson.  Before this lesson, I had the reading assignments determined, but we drew the groups in class.

            B.  Provides for a safe physical environment for students.  I could improve this for next time.  Since there were so many groups working, I struggled to monitor all groups.

            C.  Establishes a classroom environment that fosters student achievements.  Students were very comfortable and excited to do this activity, and it became clear that this activity helped them understand this aspect of the story.

            D.  Uses class time effectively.  I can improve this for next time, since our presentations at the end of class were rushed.

            E.  Builds connections to students’ prior knowledge.  At the beginning of class, we reviewed where Odysseus had been so far.

            F.  Incorporates student responses or questions to help direct curricular decisions.  One of the girls expressed confusion earlier in the unit, so I decided we needed a more involved lesson.

            G.  Engages all students equitably in discussions and activities.  All students were given equal opportunity in the activity.

     5b        Behavior Management

            A.  Defines and adheres to clear classroom policies and procedures.  As is evident in the video, the students are comfortable with the sentence composing bell work activity.

            B.  Strives to develop attitudes and work habits that promote responsibility and respect for others.  I had to remind the class to be quiet and respectful for each presentation, but this was only semi-successful. 

            C.  Engages and keeps students on-task.  Watching the video, I realized that, though I thought students were on-task during class, it’s clear that some students were goofing around.  Next time, I need to be more vigilant when observing the classroom.

            D.  Provides appropriate feedback for student behavior.  Watching the video, I realize I spend more time telling students to be quiet or not to goof off, when it would be helpful to praise some students for being quiet or on task, etc.

            E.  Analyzes classroom problems and initiates appropriate solutions.  Next time, it would be valuable to provide more structured instruction to keep students on task.

6.  Engages students in learning activities that promote critical and creative thinking.

            A.  Uses varied question strategies.  For this activity, the majority of questions relied on comprehension-based questions, but I did use leading questions to help them see Odysseus’ relationship with Calypso.

            B.  Uses “think” time for student responses.  This is something I continue to struggle with.  I tend to continue to ask questions in an attempt to get them to happen on the answer more quickly.

            C.  Helps students assess validity and reliability of information.  This was not observed in the video.

            D.  Encourages students to use multiple strategies and techniques for problem-solving.  Re-creating and presenting the story allows the students to present their findings in unique ways.

            E.  Helps students summarize and develop generalizations.  Summarizing information was the focus of this activity.

7.  Designs and organizes learning environments to accommodate learners.

            A.  Helps students to accept responsibility for learning.  In this activity, and many of the activities I have led while student teaching, the students are responsible for comprehending the information and teaching it to the rest of the class.

            B.  Uses a variety of materials, strategies, and activities to accommodate learning styles.  Classroom dramas are a great way to engage the students and allow them to present their information in ways that they understand.

            C.  Establishes clear and useful objectives.  These objectives could be more clear in the future.

            D.  Creatively connects lessons with student experiences to make learning meaningful.  Although I did not connect the lesson to the students’ own life experiences, the lesson in itself was an interactive experience for the students.

            E.  Designs developmentally appropriate lessons.  I have used this reinacting activity with several different classes because it is one that all age groups can perform and get something out of.

8.  Communicates clearly, accurately, and professionally to diverse audiences.

            A.  Communicates enthusiasm for learning and teaching.  I think it is evident in the video that I was enthusiastic about this activity and the performances that the students presented.

            B.  Uses effective listening skills.  I think that I listened to my students’ questions well, but I could do a better job listening to what is going on in my classroom.

            C.  Speaks clearly and with appropriate voice inflection.  Watching the video, I can clearly understand myself, even over the loud classroom.

            D.  Uses Standard English.  For the most part, this is true.

            E.  Gives clear directions and explanations.  It is clear watching the video that the students were aware of what they were supposed to do.

9.  Reflects on professional responsibilities and demonstrates commitment to fairness and the ability of all to learn.

            A.  Maintains a professional appearance.  This was pretty dressed-down for how much I usually dress up for class, but I’m always sure to wear slacks and a button-up shirt.

            B.  Demonstrates fairness by meeting the educational needs of all students in a caring, non-discriminatory, and equitable manner.  I feel that the students and I have a comfortable and caring relationship for each other and that I treat them fairly in class.

            C.  Lesson plans and student interactions demonstrate the belief that all students can learn.  I know that this activity works especially well with these students because they are willing to dive into any lesson.

           

10.  Have you improved or achieved the goals established from your first taping?  If so, document by giving two examples.  If not, explain why.

            I know I have improved my teaching technique since my first observation.  Dividing the students into groups made the lesson more engaging for all students since they all had jobs to do.  This way, some students didn’t do all the work, leaving some students free to do nothing.  Additionally, I feel I moved around the classroom more successfully than my first video, although I think after watching the video that I still have some improvement to make.  Finally, I think my activity was more engaging than previous lessons because the students were actively creating their own lesson.