Junior Achievement

I started Junior Achievement on Friday Oct. 17th. I am working with 7th graders at Parkway Middle School in La Mesa. I have to admit that I was really nervous at first, eventually the nerves went away. I was also a bit intimidated, the kids were as big if not bigger than I was. I got there a little early so I could set everything up and introduce myself to the kids. After about 10 min I began the lesson. I went over it at home a couple of times so I could be prepared and look like I knew what I was doing. Being prepared helped me a lot, the lesson flowed really well and I did not get stuck in too many places.

The kids at first were at times hard to keep on track, but once we got into the lesson they paid more attention. I realize how difficult it is now to teach an entire class, and try to manage the entire class at the same time. I was happy to see that a few of the students really took an interest in the lesson. At the end of the lesson, I wrote down a couple of things to work on next time. I want to improve with each lesson I give.

I am working really hard on trying to remember the all the students names. I think knowing their name is really important, not just reading it off of a sign. I also need to work on being able to focus on individual students or groups but still keeping an eye on the rest. Overall, I think I did a pretty goodjob on the first lesson. My goal is to improve with each lesson.

First Lesson Plan

I did my first Lesson Plan on the Role of Incentives. The grade I chose was 3-4; I feel I would have an easier time doing the multiple day lesson plan on older grades. I did not have a major problems when it came to the lesson plan assignment. At first I kinda wanted to just get it out of the way, but as I went along I really got into it. Especially the procedure part. I would come up with different things to do and add them in as I thought of them. I just had to remind myself that it was only one class lesson so I cant add too much. The only thing I had trouble with was presenting it. Whenever I do presentations I get nervous and forget everything I want to say. It is weird because I don't have a problem speaking in front of children, only my peers.

I thought the presentations by my peers were good in their own ways. I enjoyed the presentations because it allowed me to see how creative others were. Maybe I could use their ideas in the future. I think the best thing about all the presentations was they all incorporated active learning. The only thing I will do differently is my the style of my presentation. I will do a PowerPoint, and add more examples. I don't want to just have my lesson plan for everyone to look at next time.

Well done everyone, cant wait to see what everyone comes up with next time.
Danielle

Active Learning

I think Active Learning is a great way to get student involved. The thing that I don not understand is why teachers stick to a more traditional style of teaching instead of being more innovative with their teachings. I feel active learning will catch and keep the attention of the students longer. I also feel, speaking from experience is that I do understand and remember more with active learning. So the big question is, why don't so many teachers use Active Learning in their classes?

So think about my question a little! Also think about the great possibilities Active Learning can do for you and your future students.

Bye for Now