Week 5

Marzano

Chapter 5 discussed a few ways that teachers can receive focused feedback. He talked about reflection logs, video data, student surveys, student achievement data, and data analysis. In order to obtain my masters through the MU Fellowship program, I am required to do an action research paper this year. I have had to study and utilize all of these strategies and more. One of my favorite methods is video data. It allows me to reflect on my teaching in a very honest way. It forces me to see the reality and not just my own perceptions and memories. At the beginning of the year, I noticed that I talked too much. Now, my recordings show me student understanding, because contain much more student voice and conversation. Surveys have helped me get feedback from students on their thoughts, wants, and understanding. They tell me what was confusing, what areas I need to improve on or clarify, and what they want to learn.

Reflective Teaching

Chapters 5 & 6 discussed four teaching traditions, and the teaching self. When I first began reading chapter 5, traditions, I thought "easy, I'm progressive"; however, I now realize that I am a bit of a mixed mutt. There are many issues that concern my personal views.

1) I am progressive, because I strongly feel that education should focus on the students. We need to teach them in ways that relate to them personally and pique their interests. The best way to help a student really learn is by making it enjoyable and meaningful for them. This will encourage them to become life-long learners and give them confidence.

2) I am spiritual-contemplative, because teaching is becoming a major part of my life "journey" and overall outlook. I realize that everything, not just school, affects children's learning. My belief is that tolerance and understanding help me stay positive and reflective. Everyone has something to contribute.  

3) I am social justice, because I believe that education has so much more potential than is currently displayed. I became a teacher, because I see how discouraged many others are and I think that we need more people willing to fight for what education should and CAN be. We need to advocate for ourselves and all of our students.

How does this show up in my teaching?

I love and respect my students, and they know it. They've expressed their enjoyment of art and of me. I make sure that they are connected and heard. I allow them to express themselves freely by offering a great deal of choice. I persuade them to problem-solve and answer their own queries. My classroom is typically a safe zone. The students and I have worked hard to build a community of respect and honesty. I am up front with them when something outside of school is affecting me and they respond compassionately. I am not afraid to admit my mistakes and apologize to my students, and they seem to respect that. I try to help each and every student do and be the best they can. I constantly differentiate all areas of education. Also, I give up my free time by allowing my students to come in during their lunch recess to catch up or add their own contributions. Lastly, I try to encourage my peer teachers any way I can.

My Teacher Self:

For me, teaching is a vocation, but it must also be a profession. I desire to serve students and their needs. In order to provide this service, I have to grow professionally and educate myself on the linguistics of successful teaching strategies, practices, and more. My example for this is actually based on an event that happened outside of teaching. I was at a bonfire with some close friends and new acquaintances. I was asked why I chose a career in teaching when there is no money, little respect, and there is a overall downward spiral/constraints in education. They thought that I was too smart to be wasting my time in education. My response was that schools need more people who are willing to fight for improvement. Children are our future and teaching is a way to attempt to improve the future. I want to help advocate for positive change by learning, researching, and campaigning for schools. Teaching was my calling, and now it is my profession. I love the kids, and I am going to fight for them in ways they can't.