REFLECTION ON THE VIDEO-NEW TEACHER EXPERIENCES

This video gave a reality check on what’s in store for every new teacher. I believe having the right philosophy and training sets you on the right path to your teaching career. I agree with Ms. Felix’s attitude that being in this career is about changing lives of many children and I always wish that I could be one who had made that difference in a student’s life.

Setting High Expectations-It was interesting how Mr. Torres wanted to establish the culture in his classroom from the very first day. His acceptance of all students and getting to know them is a crucial step that has to be established on the first day. I like the fact Mr. Torres introduces himself as a nerd. Which shows that he’s acceptable of all students in class and there’s no one atypical student. According to Marzano “changing the teacher behavior that comes with low expectations will most probably produce the desired effect on student achievement.”(Marzano,2007) This shows the reality of how simple but well reflected actions and change in behavior on the part of the teacher has the ability transform students from low achievers to high achievers. His actions  sets the tone for acceptance across the classroom for all types of students. This is also evident in Mr. Torres providing the way of Inclusion of Support Students. Mr. Torres made the effort to explain the math to the special ed student. I’m not sure if there was a teacher aid for him but he managed it well by including him in the lesson. He did not show any kind of differential treatment to a student with difficulties.

Classroom Rules: Mr. Torres did not set out classroom rules at the start.  Marzano states “Regardless of how well behaved students in a given class might be, they still need rules and procedures” (Marzano, 2007).In his class some students were on their mobile phones at the start of the year. Once again as Marzano states “teacher awareness of potential problems and quick attention to those situations are at the core of effective classroom management. Such behavior defines withitness.”(Marzano, 2007)Since all rules and expectations were not stated on the first day Mr. Torres did not appear to students as a teacher who thought that rules were important, hence it left  room for class management issues later on. I would like to implement Ms. Felix’s strategy which gave clear expectations to the students. Posting the agenda on the board and expectations for students to be on task is very important. Her method of motivating them in the classroom the “super star” activity is something I would follow. The fact it’s going to be on the wall for students to recall their abilities is a great motivation strategy when things get tough down the year. Her collaborative stance on building classroom rules and procedures is another great strategy for building accountability in students because “evidence shows that the utility and procedures is enhanced if students have input their design”(Marzano,2007).

Classroom management: Ms. Felix pleading with students at times asking them to be mature, I would say is not something I would do. She could have periodically reviewed the classroom rules as Marzano suggests “even when rules and procedures are well designed initially they must be reviewed and adapted as time goes by.”(Marzano,2007). Similarly with Torres talking students personally is great but I think it would work better if he established rules with the whole class, which would be easier class management than individually reminding them. Something I saw consistently was that Mr. Torres would talk over the student chatter. Personally I would first work on getting their attention first before giving out instructions.

Student Motivation-Ms. Felix had high expectations for her students. “ If a teacher believes that students can succeed she tends to behave in ways that help them succeed”(Marzano,2007).Therefore I agree with her pushing students to be better is important and giving some students to retake the tests that are formative will encourage them further. Mr. Torres using the timer is useful to keep students on track and motivate them to work faster.I would definitely take the tip from the mentor that giving appropriate work that is challenging and hands on enables the teacher to maintain respect.

Planning and Preparation: Planning your work time and prep is of utmost importance. The school meetings are scheduled hence it is important to plan ahead.

 Mentor Relationship: The mentor’s insight into the teacher’s teaching strategy is useful as she feels relieved it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Hence I believe I’ll need that encouragement as well time to time that I do not burn out!

Works Cited: 

Channel, T. T. (n.d.). The New Teacher Experience .

 Marzano, R. J. (2007). Art and Science of Teaching. Alexandria, Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.