Hi there all. I have been enjoying getting ready for my new semester at school. There are so many things to do to get ready for a class. Here are some of the things that have been floating around my mind...
1. Class lists: Whenever I start a new class, I try to get my list of students as soon as possible. I want to know who will be in the class, how old they are, and any other pieces of information I can get. I might ask previous teachers about my students, check the office for student files, and most importantly, find out if there are any challenging students. The more information I can get about my students BEFORE I start my class, the better. All this is just to help me; I will meet them and form my own relationships in due time. I just try to eliminate any surprises ahead of time.
2. Classroom organization: Before I begin classes next week I need to get into my class and see how it is organized. So yesterday I went to school early to visit all my rooms (I will teach in 4 different rooms this semester...sigh...) and see the desk set up, if there are windows, where the white boards are, what media resources are available. Knowing all this helps me prepare for how I will need to arrange the class to help my students learn. Don't forget to move desks/tables around to help your students. I feel very strongly that as teachers we need to control the three main environments in the class: the physical, educational, and emotional environments.
3. Daybook: This weekend I have been working hard to organize my syllabus (syllabi) for each of my classes, and with those a daybook. I believe it is very important for teachers to keep a daybook of their lessons. This book helps you remain organized. So get a 2 or 3 inch binder and keep your daily lessons plans organized in a single book. You can also put calendars in there so you can see whole weeks at a glance and know where your class is now, and where you are going in the future. In the beginning, this might be just a copy of your sponsor teacher's outlines. But in the future, this book will be very useful.
So these are some thoughts have been occupying my mind about my classes, and I hope they are helpful for you.
Now it's your turn! How's it going in the classrooms? Share!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Practicum Start?
Hi all. I hope you are all well.
I wanted to ask everyone to report on the first contact with your practicum sponsor teacher. Has everyone called yet? Have you set up your first observation? Have some of you started (or planned to start) yet?
Let us know how things are going! And don't forget that I'm an email/call away.
And remember to have fun!
I wanted to ask everyone to report on the first contact with your practicum sponsor teacher. Has everyone called yet? Have you set up your first observation? Have some of you started (or planned to start) yet?
Let us know how things are going! And don't forget that I'm an email/call away.
And remember to have fun!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
time log
Hi all,
Please check your emails as I have sent you all a couple files, one of which is a time log sheet. You can create your own, but here is a simple version that we have used before. It is important that you track your hours carefully and have your sponsor teacher initial each time you visit.
Marc
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Letters Complete!
Good morning all!
What amazing weather we're having. I do love the snow as long as it doesn't stay on the roads. For those of you driving, please be careful. The roads sure are slippery out there.
As for your placement letters for the practicum, I have finalized all but two of the practicum placements. Those 4 letters will go out later today. The remaining two will hopefully also go out, but I need to confirm once more with the instructor (Barbora) the start dates.
In addition, when I email you the letter, please notice a couple attachments. I will send you an observation checklist (things to watch while you initially observe your sponsor teacher), and a time log to keep track of when and for how long you participate in the practicum (please have your sponsor teacher initial each day.
Have a great day everyone!
Marc
What amazing weather we're having. I do love the snow as long as it doesn't stay on the roads. For those of you driving, please be careful. The roads sure are slippery out there.
As for your placement letters for the practicum, I have finalized all but two of the practicum placements. Those 4 letters will go out later today. The remaining two will hopefully also go out, but I need to confirm once more with the instructor (Barbora) the start dates.
In addition, when I email you the letter, please notice a couple attachments. I will send you an observation checklist (things to watch while you initially observe your sponsor teacher), and a time log to keep track of when and for how long you participate in the practicum (please have your sponsor teacher initial each day.
Have a great day everyone!
Marc
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Practicum Orientation
Good to see everyone tonight. I look forward to hearing about your practicum experiences and I hope you all will take some time to share your experiences on this blog during the practicum.
To summarize:
1. Marc has invited everyone to join the blog, so please check your emails and follow the link to join this blog!
2. Marc will confirm the practicum times/locations and send practicum invitation letters on Tuesday (first to Emily, Hafiza, Christina, Michael).
3. Students to contact their practicum teachers to arrange a meeting and a start to the practicum.
4. Students to begin the practicum and start with up to 10 hours of observation, and gradual integration into the class. Feel free to start participating in activities, and ask the teacher what the lessons are about and how you can help. In addition, as soon as possible, try to help in the class by taking attendance, organizing and doing anything proactive to help.
5. Don't forget to track your hours using the sample form I will attach with your practicum letter.
6. During the first part of the practicum, write the first reflective journal. Think about what has gone well, what you have learned, what has surprised you, and what you would like to do differently.
7. Continue the practicum in the second half (10 hours) and write the second reflective journal. Students should work with their sponsor teacher to plan lessons and activities. Students should be teaching more and more in the second part of the practicum, but they also work with the sponsor teacher. Remember you are not alone; ask for help, but remember to have fun!
8. When students are close to being finished, they must send me an email and let me know so we can plan the final meeting. Then we will meet and discuss your experiences and I will collect all the paper work (evaluation forms, observation forms, and 2 reflective journals).
9. Marc will file the paper work and notify Burnaby to issue certificates and a letter indicating your have successfully finished the program!
So this is the process that we will follow. If any of this doesn't make sense, remember that you can send me a note or call and I can explain it. Most importantly, have fun! Teaching is about working with people, and helping them. Relax and enjoy!
To summarize:
1. Marc has invited everyone to join the blog, so please check your emails and follow the link to join this blog!
2. Marc will confirm the practicum times/locations and send practicum invitation letters on Tuesday (first to Emily, Hafiza, Christina, Michael).
3. Students to contact their practicum teachers to arrange a meeting and a start to the practicum.
4. Students to begin the practicum and start with up to 10 hours of observation, and gradual integration into the class. Feel free to start participating in activities, and ask the teacher what the lessons are about and how you can help. In addition, as soon as possible, try to help in the class by taking attendance, organizing and doing anything proactive to help.
5. Don't forget to track your hours using the sample form I will attach with your practicum letter.
6. During the first part of the practicum, write the first reflective journal. Think about what has gone well, what you have learned, what has surprised you, and what you would like to do differently.
7. Continue the practicum in the second half (10 hours) and write the second reflective journal. Students should work with their sponsor teacher to plan lessons and activities. Students should be teaching more and more in the second part of the practicum, but they also work with the sponsor teacher. Remember you are not alone; ask for help, but remember to have fun!
8. When students are close to being finished, they must send me an email and let me know so we can plan the final meeting. Then we will meet and discuss your experiences and I will collect all the paper work (evaluation forms, observation forms, and 2 reflective journals).
9. Marc will file the paper work and notify Burnaby to issue certificates and a letter indicating your have successfully finished the program!
So this is the process that we will follow. If any of this doesn't make sense, remember that you can send me a note or call and I can explain it. Most importantly, have fun! Teaching is about working with people, and helping them. Relax and enjoy!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Practicum Orientation!
Hi there all. Some of you may read this...and the rest of you will see this tomorrow.
As you all know, tomorrow night is the orientation session for the upcoming practicum. I hope to keep the meeting brief (about 30 minutes). We will cover the following topics:
1. Practicum requirements
2. Practicum etiquette and professionalism
3. Practicum reporting and records keeping
4. Problems, Concerns, and Challenges during the practicum
5. A successful conclusion
6. What's next?
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at 8pm at Moscrop Secondary School. I will be holding the information session for the next TESOL class at 7pm, so feel free to drop by a few minutes early to give some sagacious advice to the next class!
Marc
As you all know, tomorrow night is the orientation session for the upcoming practicum. I hope to keep the meeting brief (about 30 minutes). We will cover the following topics:
1. Practicum requirements
2. Practicum etiquette and professionalism
3. Practicum reporting and records keeping
4. Problems, Concerns, and Challenges during the practicum
5. A successful conclusion
6. What's next?
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at 8pm at Moscrop Secondary School. I will be holding the information session for the next TESOL class at 7pm, so feel free to drop by a few minutes early to give some sagacious advice to the next class!
Marc
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