Weekly Reflection #1

This week I learned a lot about how learning styles differ from student to student, but also from grade to grade. For example, the students in sixth grade required much more explanation to understand a topic than the two eighth grade classes. This was not surprising to me because I think maturity helps a lot when it comes to math because as a person gets older, they begin to get more comfortable with numbers. This week I also realized that as a student I have probably asked hundreds of questions that I would have known the answer to if I looked in the notes or in the textbook. There were times when students could have answered their own questions, but I did not mind helping these students because I know I have asked many questions, especially in math, that I could’ve answered myself. This week, I liked what I did every day. I really like helping the kids not just answer a question, but gain an understanding of a topic. When I was helping a student and they finally truly understood the topic, it felt really good because I have been taking math classes for almost 18 years, but I haven’t had many opportunities to share my knowledge with others. This week did not have many surprises, however, I anticipated that everyday would be the same, and it would eventually get a bit redundant. I quickly found out this was not the case, and everyday present a new challenge for me to overcome. One unexpected challenge was coloring two squares of a collage that the class was making. None of the students wanted to color the squares, so I used my not so great art skills to complete the drawing. I will benefit from this week’s activities because this week I got to know the students in each of the classes. I have found that getting to know the students is important because if the students do not know me, they are less likely to ask for help. This week, I helped out in various different ways in the classroom to help me achieve my goals. Also, I learned a lot from witnessing a few lessons, so when i do my own lesson/activity I will have a better idea of how to communicate my ideas to the students. Next week I hope to do a lesson/activity on factoring, one of my favorite math topics. This week was fun, and I look forward to returning to AEMS on tomorrow.
Hours this week: 16
Total hours: 16

Comments

  1. Sarah McIntyreMay 21, 2019 at 7:02 AM

    This is such a great quote, "This week I also realized that as a student I have probably asked hundreds of questions that I would have known the answer to if I looked in the notes or in the textbook. There were times when students could have answered their own questions, but I did not mind helping these students because I know I have asked many questions, especially in math, that I could’ve answered myself." YES!! How valuable to be on the other end of learning. What a great perspective you are gaining! I love this too - "When I was helping a student and they finally truly understood the topic, it felt really good because I have been taking math classes for almost 18 years, but I haven’t had many opportunities to share my knowledge with others." This is why we all teach!!

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