Learning Log #1: September 13th, 2016
"Life as a TA has been good to me thus far. I teach alongside Professor Audrey Farley in her blended learning ENGL101 class. Although I've only met my students in person twice so far, I still feel like there's a positive connection between us. They listen to me, respect my advice, and participate in my group activities -- and they aren't afraid to talk to me outside of class. I feel like I built a solid foundation. I also have a great relationship with the professor I'm working under. We seem to have similar styles of teaching and laid-back attitudes. I don't feel pressured to impress her with vast bouts of knowledge and there's a comfortable level of respect and friendliness. I'm genuinely lucky to work under her.
If you know anything about me (or my major), I bet you're smiling to yourself because that first paragraph was so predictable. Yeah, I'm an education major. Of course I like teaching and working with kids -- especially in an English class. How could I not, right?! That's the whole reason I'm here busting my butt at UMD! Anyway. I *kinda* get the feeling that I'm one of the few TA's who isn't scared out of their mind thinking about teaching 25 kids. I'm not sure if it's my personality, my major, my previous experience, or the luck of the draw. Probably a combination of all of the above. I honestly feel on top of the world when I teach. I am thriving. My last lesson was 100% a success (even my professor told me multiple times how excellent it was). I legitimately enjoy planning lessons. I think to myself, "How can I make this lesson interactive, relevant, engaging, and educational?". I love the challenge and, even more, I love that A-HA moment when everything falls into place.
As for what the future holds, I can definitely say that I'm looking forward to my weekly lesson plan in class. I'm also looking forward to meeting with my students 1 on 1 and getting to know them better. I want to help them with their ENGL101 assignments, obviously, but I also want to be someone they can rely on (and someone Professor Farley can rely on, too). This opportunity is one that I will value for the rest of my life. If the rest of the semester goes as well as it is so far with my class, then I know I chose the right profession and field. I am confident not only about the rest of the semester but about the rest of my life. Now that's a good feeling."
Commentary: At this point, I was on a high of anticipation. I had just started getting to know my class and I hadn't delivered my first lesson plan yet. I was a little nervous, I'll admit -- but I was also so, so confident. I was excited for what the future would hold and how this semester would challenge me. I always love a good challenge. Despite the anticipatory and unknowing nature of my post, I did know that this opportunity to TA would be one in a million. I was right.
If you know anything about me (or my major), I bet you're smiling to yourself because that first paragraph was so predictable. Yeah, I'm an education major. Of course I like teaching and working with kids -- especially in an English class. How could I not, right?! That's the whole reason I'm here busting my butt at UMD! Anyway. I *kinda* get the feeling that I'm one of the few TA's who isn't scared out of their mind thinking about teaching 25 kids. I'm not sure if it's my personality, my major, my previous experience, or the luck of the draw. Probably a combination of all of the above. I honestly feel on top of the world when I teach. I am thriving. My last lesson was 100% a success (even my professor told me multiple times how excellent it was). I legitimately enjoy planning lessons. I think to myself, "How can I make this lesson interactive, relevant, engaging, and educational?". I love the challenge and, even more, I love that A-HA moment when everything falls into place.
As for what the future holds, I can definitely say that I'm looking forward to my weekly lesson plan in class. I'm also looking forward to meeting with my students 1 on 1 and getting to know them better. I want to help them with their ENGL101 assignments, obviously, but I also want to be someone they can rely on (and someone Professor Farley can rely on, too). This opportunity is one that I will value for the rest of my life. If the rest of the semester goes as well as it is so far with my class, then I know I chose the right profession and field. I am confident not only about the rest of the semester but about the rest of my life. Now that's a good feeling."
Commentary: At this point, I was on a high of anticipation. I had just started getting to know my class and I hadn't delivered my first lesson plan yet. I was a little nervous, I'll admit -- but I was also so, so confident. I was excited for what the future would hold and how this semester would challenge me. I always love a good challenge. Despite the anticipatory and unknowing nature of my post, I did know that this opportunity to TA would be one in a million. I was right.
Learning Log #2: October 11th, 2016
"After a month with my class, I can honestly say that my experience has only improved. I’ve given 4 lessons (maybe 5? losing track) to my students and all of them were well-received. I know all of my students by name and they were very impressed (and surprised) when I called on them. As for my relationship with my professor, I’ve grown extremely fond of her. We have nice little chats before, during, and after class about academics, class, and more personal things. I feel that she is a wonderful role-model for me as an educator. I’m grateful I was paired with her and given this experience. Working in a classroom for 6 weeks now has definitely solidified my future. I knew I wanted to be a teacher for years now; but after having so much hands-on experience, I’m so much more excited for what the future holds. I truly love what I’m doing.
However, I can’t say that every week has been smooth sailing. One of my discussions was not so effective, despite my many attempts to spark it. I planned a discussion regarding their assigned reading that clearly none of them had read. It was painfully silent and getting answers was like pulling teeth. I felt a little discouraged after that class, I’ll admit. However, Professor Farley reassured me that I did nothing wrong. She, too, understands the discouragement and the struggles that come with being an educator. It was comforting to hear her say that my disappointment was not uncommon and that all teachers face blank stares, even the best of the best.
Finally, I’d like to comment a bit on the Group Presentation I gave today with Matt. I loved it. I was proud of myself (and him) for creating and delivering our ideas so effectively. I felt that this experience was great practice, even though our audience was full of willing participators. The thrill of teaching still hasn’t left me. I’m eager to continue my journey."
Commentary: Here marks the mid-way point of the semester. I had just delivered my Group Lesson Plan (which was so fun to teach and apparently highly liked by our class). I had begun teaching my students in my class -- more than I thought I would be. It was also at this point that I realized that I had a knack for lesson planning. Ideas flow naturally to me and I tend to steer away from lecture. I like movement, activity, and discussion. My lesson plans reflect such. I also realized, in this post, that I'm not perfect. I admitted that one of my discussions fell flat and didn't play out as I hoped. I felt bummed after this class, I remember. However, the opposite effect happened the week after. My class was thriving from my lesson plan. One bad class doesn't make a bad TA (or a bad professor). I'm human. I make mistakes!
However, I can’t say that every week has been smooth sailing. One of my discussions was not so effective, despite my many attempts to spark it. I planned a discussion regarding their assigned reading that clearly none of them had read. It was painfully silent and getting answers was like pulling teeth. I felt a little discouraged after that class, I’ll admit. However, Professor Farley reassured me that I did nothing wrong. She, too, understands the discouragement and the struggles that come with being an educator. It was comforting to hear her say that my disappointment was not uncommon and that all teachers face blank stares, even the best of the best.
Finally, I’d like to comment a bit on the Group Presentation I gave today with Matt. I loved it. I was proud of myself (and him) for creating and delivering our ideas so effectively. I felt that this experience was great practice, even though our audience was full of willing participators. The thrill of teaching still hasn’t left me. I’m eager to continue my journey."
Commentary: Here marks the mid-way point of the semester. I had just delivered my Group Lesson Plan (which was so fun to teach and apparently highly liked by our class). I had begun teaching my students in my class -- more than I thought I would be. It was also at this point that I realized that I had a knack for lesson planning. Ideas flow naturally to me and I tend to steer away from lecture. I like movement, activity, and discussion. My lesson plans reflect such. I also realized, in this post, that I'm not perfect. I admitted that one of my discussions fell flat and didn't play out as I hoped. I felt bummed after this class, I remember. However, the opposite effect happened the week after. My class was thriving from my lesson plan. One bad class doesn't make a bad TA (or a bad professor). I'm human. I make mistakes!
Learning Log #3: November 8th, 2016
"It doesn't feel like I'm 2 months in. At all. Where has the semester gone?! My class is a pleasure to attend each week. I truly like the kids and I feel like I'm starting to get to know them. I always love when I get an email from one of them asking to meet in person and discuss an assignment -- and it's even more rewarding when I can help!
As for the group projects, I'm still really pleased with mine and Matt's project. I think I'll use the material in every lesson plan from here on out. Discussion is so crucial. From other presentations, I'm learning more and more each week. Some presentations have hard topics with difficult themes to communicate out loud -- but I totally commend each group for doing their very best. Funny that today's group presentation was about "real world writing" because one of my students asked me in class tonight what the purpose of our assignment was and how it was going to help them in the future (in a sassy tone, I might add). I almost laughed out loud when they said that but I was able to give them an answer about how their work now (and the research they're practicing) will be so astronomically beneficial in their future academic and professional careers. Real world writing isn't totally separate from academic writing!
I think my expected experience as a UTA was a little different than it turned out to be. I haven't done any grading this semester. I've taught more than I ever thought I would. I don't mind this -- I'd rather have hands on experience. I also didn't imagine being so close to the professor I work under. I feel like I've gained a valuable mentor and friend (and I wish she was staying so I could work with her in the spring!).
Since the last learning log, I gave one lesson which went pretty well. I have a lesson to prepare for this Thursday's class and I'm excited to implement some of the new techniques and strategies we've seen in group presentations. Overall, my experience as a UTA has been amazing. Can't wait to do it again next spring/next fall! This experience is so valuable to my future."
Commentary: Here I am, closing up my semester of blogging. Though I still had about 4 more weeks of teaching left, I knew the semester was practically over. After this blog post, my class met only twice again. I was sad to say goodbye and I thanked them for a wonderful semester (and my Professor, too). At this point in my blog post, I realized that my duty as TA wasn't as mechanical as I thought. I didn't grade. I didn't create online discussions on ELMS. I was more of a human resource -- in class, I taught. I read papers in office hours every week. I helped my students instead of assessing them. All of this is good and well, of course, but it was definitely different than my initial expectations. All the more, my semester TA'ing was one for the books. I'll never forget my class and my experiences. My confidence in myself is so high because of my semester of success. I am eagerly anticipating my future career. Things are looking up.
As for the group projects, I'm still really pleased with mine and Matt's project. I think I'll use the material in every lesson plan from here on out. Discussion is so crucial. From other presentations, I'm learning more and more each week. Some presentations have hard topics with difficult themes to communicate out loud -- but I totally commend each group for doing their very best. Funny that today's group presentation was about "real world writing" because one of my students asked me in class tonight what the purpose of our assignment was and how it was going to help them in the future (in a sassy tone, I might add). I almost laughed out loud when they said that but I was able to give them an answer about how their work now (and the research they're practicing) will be so astronomically beneficial in their future academic and professional careers. Real world writing isn't totally separate from academic writing!
I think my expected experience as a UTA was a little different than it turned out to be. I haven't done any grading this semester. I've taught more than I ever thought I would. I don't mind this -- I'd rather have hands on experience. I also didn't imagine being so close to the professor I work under. I feel like I've gained a valuable mentor and friend (and I wish she was staying so I could work with her in the spring!).
Since the last learning log, I gave one lesson which went pretty well. I have a lesson to prepare for this Thursday's class and I'm excited to implement some of the new techniques and strategies we've seen in group presentations. Overall, my experience as a UTA has been amazing. Can't wait to do it again next spring/next fall! This experience is so valuable to my future."
Commentary: Here I am, closing up my semester of blogging. Though I still had about 4 more weeks of teaching left, I knew the semester was practically over. After this blog post, my class met only twice again. I was sad to say goodbye and I thanked them for a wonderful semester (and my Professor, too). At this point in my blog post, I realized that my duty as TA wasn't as mechanical as I thought. I didn't grade. I didn't create online discussions on ELMS. I was more of a human resource -- in class, I taught. I read papers in office hours every week. I helped my students instead of assessing them. All of this is good and well, of course, but it was definitely different than my initial expectations. All the more, my semester TA'ing was one for the books. I'll never forget my class and my experiences. My confidence in myself is so high because of my semester of success. I am eagerly anticipating my future career. Things are looking up.