“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
by Peter F. Drucker
Reflecting upon our teaching, so necessary and crucial in our careers though at times scary because we may feel that we’ve been doing things the wrong way. Cheer up! It’s never too late, and the good thing is that we will eventually learn in order to improve the way we teach. In Argentina, I have to admit that I reflected a lot about my teaching especially during my practice lessons. In a way, I was forced to as I would deliver a lesson with sometimes 10 of my classmates plus my teacher fixing their eyes on me. Good news is, I’ve survived! And I’ve learnt so much! Even today, I continue learning as, from time to time, I have colleagues of mine coming into my classroom to watch me. It has become such common practice that I don’t mind it at all. On the contrary, I feel they’ll be able to tell me things that I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Sharing is so important! Not only on the Internet through social networks.
At the moment I’m not teaching since I’m on holiday, but if you ask me about my worst lessons, I remember the first year I spent at my new job giving boring lessons, because I was not really familiar with the material, and I didn’t feel confident enough with what I was doing.
To sum up, my worst lessons took place when I was either unprepared (last-minute replacement), didn’t feel confident with the content I had to teach, or technology wasn’t on my side and I lacked a back-up plan.
Why not? It will be a great idea to have one of my lessons recorded and see me in action. Once gain...how scary!! But so productive!
Hi Maria!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the challenge and great reflections. Yes, I do believe lack of preparation can add to the problem. I prepare mentally as well. It isn't only the materials but I think it is important to imagine carrying out the lesson and anticipate some problems. Also, helps me prepare for those problems. It definitely never goes as I envisioned it, which is great in most cases but I feel when the lesson takes place like I already survived it in my mind :-)