There's no specific assignment for this week's blog, so I'm using it as an opportunity to try to synthesize some of what we've ben doing this semester. This past week we were able to buy our caps and gowns for graduation, and today (March 9) we're 68 days away from graduation. On Thursday night in class, we were supposed to create short videos to promote the ITS program. My group decided to take an irreverent tone, and we mostly complained about all the work we have to do. And while not every single assignment has appealed to me, working on our wikis on all the topics we've learned about and compiling my portfolio has given me an opportunity to reflect on just how much we've learned over these past two years.
Maybe it's because I didn't initially go to school to become a teacher, and there's a lot about teaching and learning that I should have known coming into the program. And maybe all that stuff has been just a good refresher for my classmates. Regardless, I know I am a better designer of lessons than I was. I am more reflective than I was. And I'm gaining confidence to become more of a leader.
I thought teaching alone was the hardest thing I'd ever done in my life. But teaching AND going to grad school is much harder. But my students are reaping the rewards, and that's really important to me. It has challenged me and stretched my skills in everything from time management to creativity. It has helped me see (and work to improve) my weaknesses and recognize my strengths. It has shown me that there is never just one way to get at accomplishing a goal, whether it be a goal for myself or an objective for my students.
I've also met some really great people. So, all in all, I'm glad I did this.
4 comments:
I remember my winters in high school, when I was on the basketball team. We lifted before school in the mornings, and we had practice until 8:00 at night if not games during the week. I didn't see the light of day from Thanksgiving until the first week of March. However, my grades during this time were the best of my high school career, hands down. When I was pressed to make the most of all of my time, I rose to the occasion. I feel like this anecdote connects with your experience as a teacher over the past two years, as it does with my own experiences. We have been forced to use our time much more effectively and be more aware of ourselves as learners, educators, and thinkers. As a result, we have had step outside of our comfort zones in order to succeed. I think that we have learned a lot about ourselves, both in the context of our course content and in the context of our professional lives. Thanks for sharing, Laura!
Laura I agree completely with Sam. What an opportunity we not only have to reflectively look at how we spend our daily time, how we learn, and how we teach but we also have an opportunity to share this experience with our students. I'm constantly trying to show my basketball players the value of time management, especially in season but what realy got through to them was watching me time manage while coaching, teaching, leading, and going to grad school. Several of them even want to attend our graduation in May because they're inspired to continue on the life-long learning path. You're a fantastic teacher Laura and your students are benefitting greatly from your sacrifices to step out of your comfort zone!
What a positive reflection! As challenging as this course as been, mainly because of what you mentioned (juggling teaching and a masters), I really like how you've discussed the benefits for your students.
Great points about having to better manage our time. I agree the extra challenge pushes me to be more organized and driven.
Laura, I think that you bring a unique perspective to our cohort because of your background. :)
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