Since I enrolled in the TAC program, we watch videos in class and the teachers in the videos like to use centres as part of their teaching and learning. I am not quite familiar with this idea of centre approach of teaching and learning. In my mind, it could invite chaos in the classroom easily and I never think of using centres in my teaching because I basically very sensitive to noise and I get easily annoyed in a noisy environment. But now I learnt that students learn better by having more interaction among peers, it can be more beneficial to their learning.
Last week, when I re-read my unit plan again and I found that I was running late in my teaching schedule; therefore, I asked one of my partner teacher Mrs. Bailey for adivce and I did not know why I suddenly asked her, "Should I use centres to teach so that I can cover more lessons?" And she told me that it was a good idea. Then I just go ahead and do it! When I had my students moving around different centres in class and learn about using different kinds of non-standard unit of measure I still have some doubt in my mind. Before I started out this lesson by explaining what to do when they were in that centre, and I spent about 20 minutes on the carpet and I explained it all to my students and I got an hour and a half of that day to teach Math. I was still worrying at first, but when students moved around and I saw that they were really engaged in the activities and I was able to relieve myself a bit because I saw them they were so excited with these hands-on activities and I thought I did a good choice on using centres to teach. Even though it created noise, but this was "good noise". They were not as chatty as before because they knew if they spend time chatting, they would miss their class time. I felt that this lesson had been a successful lesson since it created more opportunities for students to share their learning and understanding. Now I feel more confidence to use "Centre Approach" in my teaching. I did not say this lesson was 100% perfect but at least the Principal gave me the feedback was good. She said "It was a good lesson and the students were engaging in learning activities."
I remember I read a statement in this Grade 2 classroom: " You will never know until you try." Just give it a try, you will see the good things are awaiting for you!
Maria
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
New Math Lesson & Direct Communication
I have started my Math Unit Lesson with my Grade 2 students and it is a fun experience for me! The unit I am teaching now is Non-standard unit of measure. At first, when I prepared this unit and I did not know where to start. Once I started to plan this unit and then I found that it was way more easier than I imagined. That was a nice experience to have two units planning for this practicum and I enjoy doing lesson planning. Another thing for a new teacher to remember was that when you did your lesson plan, it supposed to be the final product for your teaching. That's mean you have to follow through all the things that listed out on your lesson plan. If you do have to change anything on the lesson plan, either the materials or teaching steps, then it's good to check with your partner teacher(s) beforehand since you are still under the partner teacher supervision!
I have been teaching both Science and Math for this practicum, and I value all the teaching experience that my partner teachers provided me. When time comes along, everyone of us can gain practical teaching experience and apply to our future teaching. One thing that I found is more important is that when working in Canadian Education System, it is a good idea that try to communicate directly to the colleagues around you. Otherwise, problems and mis-communication can happen and you would never have the chance to say and it is not fair for you to be mis-understood because you are trying to be quiet and have the attitude of "wait & see" The Canadian wants to know what you actually think in your head! It not good to have someone speak on your behalf. It is not a good way to show your assertiveness in this culture. Nothing is better for you to present your ideas and thoughts through direct communication!
I have been teaching both Science and Math for this practicum, and I value all the teaching experience that my partner teachers provided me. When time comes along, everyone of us can gain practical teaching experience and apply to our future teaching. One thing that I found is more important is that when working in Canadian Education System, it is a good idea that try to communicate directly to the colleagues around you. Otherwise, problems and mis-communication can happen and you would never have the chance to say and it is not fair for you to be mis-understood because you are trying to be quiet and have the attitude of "wait & see" The Canadian wants to know what you actually think in your head! It not good to have someone speak on your behalf. It is not a good way to show your assertiveness in this culture. Nothing is better for you to present your ideas and thoughts through direct communication!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Cultural thinking -- Canadian vs. Chinese
It was a busy days for me and I am pretty tired right now! But I still want to write something to share with you all.
Today, first thing that happened in the morning science lesson was Sandi came and video taped my teaching. I just did my teaching as normal, but because of the miscommunication among me, Sandi and partner teachers, when I was told they did not know Sandi would come to observe and videotaped me! Oh, MY LORD! I forgot to confirm with my partner teachers yesterday and I felt bad about it! I started to loose my mind and forgot my lesson plan procedure! Anyway, I would re-teach the concepts that I need to cover today in tomorrow class. It's never been too late to mend what I failed to do today. I believe everyday is a NEW DAY and learning new things day after day. That's the reason why we enrolled in this program to refine our teaching techniques. But one thing I still need to adapt myself a bit more in this Canadian Culture is "To Ask Questions All The Time." Before that, my previous practicum was just a 360 degrees turn around practice. The partner teacher I worked with was very considerate and she would remind me every minor things she could think of! But in Canada, you have to be more assertive to find out and figure out what you want to know! That's a "Culture Shock" to me.
Whenever I finished any lesson, either Math or Science lesson, there are always things that my partner teachers told me were the things that should have told me when they review my unit plan before I started out to teach that Science or Math Unit. In my thinking, I thought I would feel fair and make sense to me if these were their expectations. I probably have to do from now on, I have to take the initiative to ask and be more assertive because the Canadian Culture was not as considerate as Chinese Culture! This is my feeling from heart! (P.S. I did met with some Canadians that were very considerate and thoughtful, thank God for being so nice to make me meet with these people and we became good friends.)
One thing I should remind whoever read my post today, PLEASE REMEMBER if you deal with Division I, don't call them "My babies" because if the kids went back and told their parents about it, the parents would come over and complain about it, because in Canadian Culture this means to belittle the kids and lower their self-esteem even if you don't have this intention!! Just a friendly reminder for you. In my culture, this is mean to be "My love one" or "My sweetie". When I knew this meant something different in Canadian Culture, then I would not use it.
Have a great day in your practicum!
Today, first thing that happened in the morning science lesson was Sandi came and video taped my teaching. I just did my teaching as normal, but because of the miscommunication among me, Sandi and partner teachers, when I was told they did not know Sandi would come to observe and videotaped me! Oh, MY LORD! I forgot to confirm with my partner teachers yesterday and I felt bad about it! I started to loose my mind and forgot my lesson plan procedure! Anyway, I would re-teach the concepts that I need to cover today in tomorrow class. It's never been too late to mend what I failed to do today. I believe everyday is a NEW DAY and learning new things day after day. That's the reason why we enrolled in this program to refine our teaching techniques. But one thing I still need to adapt myself a bit more in this Canadian Culture is "To Ask Questions All The Time." Before that, my previous practicum was just a 360 degrees turn around practice. The partner teacher I worked with was very considerate and she would remind me every minor things she could think of! But in Canada, you have to be more assertive to find out and figure out what you want to know! That's a "Culture Shock" to me.
Whenever I finished any lesson, either Math or Science lesson, there are always things that my partner teachers told me were the things that should have told me when they review my unit plan before I started out to teach that Science or Math Unit. In my thinking, I thought I would feel fair and make sense to me if these were their expectations. I probably have to do from now on, I have to take the initiative to ask and be more assertive because the Canadian Culture was not as considerate as Chinese Culture! This is my feeling from heart! (P.S. I did met with some Canadians that were very considerate and thoughtful, thank God for being so nice to make me meet with these people and we became good friends.)
One thing I should remind whoever read my post today, PLEASE REMEMBER if you deal with Division I, don't call them "My babies" because if the kids went back and told their parents about it, the parents would come over and complain about it, because in Canadian Culture this means to belittle the kids and lower their self-esteem even if you don't have this intention!! Just a friendly reminder for you. In my culture, this is mean to be "My love one" or "My sweetie". When I knew this meant something different in Canadian Culture, then I would not use it.
Have a great day in your practicum!
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