Lesson Relection
I chose to teach a math lesson on perimeter for my fourth final observation. I chose to teach this lesson because I was able to present the material creatively and facilitate more engaging and authentic activities. Many things I wanted to improve for this lesson included staying focused on the objectives, keeping the lesson and directions clear and concise, and as Dr. Rothstien would say, “Less in more.” I feel that am improving in all areas, I clearly have a long way to go, but I feel that I have greatly strengthened in these areas.
I was able to accomplish many of the goals I had set for myself during the instruction portion of this lesson. I effectively related the previous math lesson and used it as a scaffold for this lesson. I was able to use an authentic example, using straws and a ruler, to visually demonstrate the perimeter. I also used measurements they obtained the day before to have them find the perimeter. I feel that I did a better job accommodating all learners. I was sure to call on all students, especially the ESL students to ensure comprehension. I allowed wait time and helped them come to the answers. I called on many different students to keep them engaged and helped them succeed in answering. I was also sure to go over small aspects of the lesson I would often overlook, such as reviewing the difference between length and width, knowing which units to use when, and using the ruler correctly. I felt that all students demonstrated comprehension during instruction, and was able to move to work time smoothly.
I feel that I greatly improved my ability to give directions. I carefully thought out which students will go to each station to avoid too many students trying to measure one object. I wrote the partners’ names on the white board and explained where each pair would start. I explained where each station was and what they would find there. I emphasized the units used at each station. I also explained how to move from one station to the next. The worksheet I created had visuals to help them see each object they would have to measure. There was a space clearly provided for their answers. The students were able to move to each station well. The other aids in the room also assisted in guiding students. They were fairly independent as they worked. Many worked well together, while others had to be reminded how to work with a partner. I was very impressed with their ability to successfully work in pairs, while moving from station to station, and correctly apply what they learned the day before and today to find the perimeter. I was very surprised to find almost unanimous answers. This showed that the students were able to effectively use their rulers to measure and figure out the perimeter.
The students did very well transitioning back to the rug for review. I was able to keep my closure short and concise. I feel I did a great job not re-teaching the whole lesson for the closure, as I have done in the past. We reviewed each object and I was able to end the lesson. I feel that the students had a strong understanding of perimeter.
Overall, I feel that the lesson went very well. I feel that I was able to greatly improve the areas I have been working on strengthening throughout the different parts of the lesson. I feel that I have come a long way, especially since I was able to carry out a lesson with so many different components. I feel that the lesson had many strengths, and there are always way it can be improved. I feel very confident that I will be able to further strengthen my teaching abilities because I am always looking for ways to improve my instruction and looking for new strategies that will work best for the individual students. I am very grateful for the feedback from my cooperating teacher and supervisor, without them, I would not have been able to come such a long way. I feel that with more practice I will be able to find the appropriate balance in timing and knowing when to spend time on something and when to move on. I feel that I will become better at implementing different strategies and think on my feet. I have so much to learn and have many excellent teachers to learn from.
I was able to accomplish many of the goals I had set for myself during the instruction portion of this lesson. I effectively related the previous math lesson and used it as a scaffold for this lesson. I was able to use an authentic example, using straws and a ruler, to visually demonstrate the perimeter. I also used measurements they obtained the day before to have them find the perimeter. I feel that I did a better job accommodating all learners. I was sure to call on all students, especially the ESL students to ensure comprehension. I allowed wait time and helped them come to the answers. I called on many different students to keep them engaged and helped them succeed in answering. I was also sure to go over small aspects of the lesson I would often overlook, such as reviewing the difference between length and width, knowing which units to use when, and using the ruler correctly. I felt that all students demonstrated comprehension during instruction, and was able to move to work time smoothly.
I feel that I greatly improved my ability to give directions. I carefully thought out which students will go to each station to avoid too many students trying to measure one object. I wrote the partners’ names on the white board and explained where each pair would start. I explained where each station was and what they would find there. I emphasized the units used at each station. I also explained how to move from one station to the next. The worksheet I created had visuals to help them see each object they would have to measure. There was a space clearly provided for their answers. The students were able to move to each station well. The other aids in the room also assisted in guiding students. They were fairly independent as they worked. Many worked well together, while others had to be reminded how to work with a partner. I was very impressed with their ability to successfully work in pairs, while moving from station to station, and correctly apply what they learned the day before and today to find the perimeter. I was very surprised to find almost unanimous answers. This showed that the students were able to effectively use their rulers to measure and figure out the perimeter.
The students did very well transitioning back to the rug for review. I was able to keep my closure short and concise. I feel I did a great job not re-teaching the whole lesson for the closure, as I have done in the past. We reviewed each object and I was able to end the lesson. I feel that the students had a strong understanding of perimeter.
Overall, I feel that the lesson went very well. I feel that I was able to greatly improve the areas I have been working on strengthening throughout the different parts of the lesson. I feel that I have come a long way, especially since I was able to carry out a lesson with so many different components. I feel that the lesson had many strengths, and there are always way it can be improved. I feel very confident that I will be able to further strengthen my teaching abilities because I am always looking for ways to improve my instruction and looking for new strategies that will work best for the individual students. I am very grateful for the feedback from my cooperating teacher and supervisor, without them, I would not have been able to come such a long way. I feel that with more practice I will be able to find the appropriate balance in timing and knowing when to spend time on something and when to move on. I feel that I will become better at implementing different strategies and think on my feet. I have so much to learn and have many excellent teachers to learn from.