In the beginning of the semester we designed a practicum plan. It allowed us to map out personal goals and assignments. This allowed us to link everything together and organize assignments. Doing this allowed me to see everything that was needed of me this semester. Acheiving these goals were difficult, but they allowed me to grow as a teacher. One goal I had was to communicate better with my mentor teacher. I wanted to do this through weekly e-mails, but unfortunately my teacher did not check his e-mail very often, so this goal was not achievable. However I adjusted, and we discussed my progress weekly. This gave me a better understanding of how my teacher saw me as a teacher which eventually gave me confidence. Discussing my progress allowed me to create better lessons, as I was not afraid to "mess up." Although not my goals were not achieved 100%, I adjusted them, so that I could achieve them. When we created the plan, I felt as though I was simply combining list. I only referred to my practicum plan a couple of times, as I knew what my personal goals were throughout the semester. When I was curious to see when an assignment was due, I looked at the syllabus. The plan was useful in the beginning of the semester, as it allowed to see what I wanted to do and what was due, but I rarely used it after creating it.
Dave, I like that you had to adapt your goals. I think that we, as teachers, always have a "plan" whether it be for a lesson or unit, but many times they do not work out. One of the most important characteristics a teacher must have is the ability to be flexible. You weren't able to accomplish the goal you set forth in the way you had planned, yet you adjusted and still accomplished the goal. That is great! I 100% agree with your comments regarding the use of the practicum plan. It was great for setting learning goals and seeing the progress we made, but it wasn't too helpful with assignments. As you said, that is what the syllabus is for. I think that blogging about the learning goals was a good idea, though. It made me frequently look through my goals and assess the progress I had made. It is evident to me that you did the same, for you knew how to make slight changes as the semester went on.
In the beginning of the semester we designed a practicum plan. It allowed us to map out personal goals and assignments. This allowed us to link everything together and organize assignments. Doing this allowed me to see everything that was needed of me this semester. Acheiving these goals were difficult, but they allowed me to grow as a teacher. One goal I had was to communicate better with my mentor teacher. I wanted to do this through weekly e-mails, but unfortunately my teacher did not check his e-mail very often, so this goal was not achievable. However I adjusted, and we discussed my progress weekly. This gave me a better understanding of how my teacher saw me as a teacher which eventually gave me confidence. Discussing my progress allowed me to create better lessons, as I was not afraid to "mess up." Although not my goals were not achieved 100%, I adjusted them, so that I could achieve them. When we created the plan, I felt as though I was simply combining list. I only referred to my practicum plan a couple of times, as I knew what my personal goals were throughout the semester. When I was curious to see when an assignment was due, I looked at the syllabus. The plan was useful in the beginning of the semester, as it allowed to see what I wanted to do and what was due, but I rarely used it after creating it.
ReplyDeleteDave,
ReplyDeleteI like that you had to adapt your goals. I think that we, as teachers, always have a "plan" whether it be for a lesson or unit, but many times they do not work out. One of the most important characteristics a teacher must have is the ability to be flexible. You weren't able to accomplish the goal you set forth in the way you had planned, yet you adjusted and still accomplished the goal. That is great!
I 100% agree with your comments regarding the use of the practicum plan. It was great for setting learning goals and seeing the progress we made, but it wasn't too helpful with assignments. As you said, that is what the syllabus is for.
I think that blogging about the learning goals was a good idea, though. It made me frequently look through my goals and assess the progress I had made. It is evident to me that you did the same, for you knew how to make slight changes as the semester went on.