Throughout the 2016winter semester, I went to St. Dominic School every Wednesday. I learned and gained new experiences and knowledge every Wednesday; I became better every Wednesday!
Feb. 10 2016
Honestly, I was pretty nervous before I came to my field school. I have always worried about my English. How to communicate with kids? How to make them understand? I'm not a English speaker and I'm not born here either. However, I felt much better after the first afternoon. My cooperating teacher was so nice and pupils are friendly. My worries almost gone when they say hi to me and smile to me.
Im working with a grade 6 class; we have about 30students. Our task that day was like observing the learning environment. The first thing I noticed when I walk into the classroom is the organization. Students put their lunch, clothes, textbooks, assignments, pens, cell phones...together. Their tables are quite clean. I mean, they have more room and less distractions. They almost have nothing to play with. Students have their schedule and daily plan on the wall. I also noticed their "classroom rules" on the back wall:1. Peers, self, stuff, 2. Property,3. Safety,4. Learning. My cooperating teacher explains that less color in the classroom would help students be more focusing on their works.
Moreover, the teacher also told us that children need to move, even during lecture time. some movement could help them "back" to their works. they can ask for going out or have little exercises on their seats. I think that's pretty good! I remember when I was in Chin, our teacher never allow us to move. Even when we need go to washroom, we almost always cannot get the permission. It is because they think some kids would take too long or even never come back.
Almost every students have at least one book or novel on their table. They can read it after finish their assignments even during class time. I was surprised because our teacher in my hometown were never allow us to read any book or novel except textbook. They think other books or novels are distractions and would confiscate our books when they found. But novels and interesting books really help students love reading. I think in the future, I will allow my students to read what they interested and I would not force them to read. I think it would be better to help them like reading first.
I'm so happy that I can work and learn with those students. I don't have any Canadian background and have little knowledge, but I think I'll get more from them. Experiences are wealth. Hope I will have a great time with them!
Feb.24 2016
For my second week I was with another teacher because my teacher was on leave. Children have a French test next day, so the teacher asked them to review and practice. She gave them two options: 1.Study independently (use electronic service to listen music; 2. study with a partner. I think it is much better to give options rather than just one choice. She was training children to make decisions on their own; making decision is an important skill. If we just give a single option or requirement, it is hard for children to learn how to choose and decide. Also, if we decide for children all the time, they would be more likely to rely on us rather than make decision independently. And then, they may become irresolute when they grow older. It's not good for them.
I found that young children are allowed to use phones or pads in classroom here in Canada. I did not have a cell phone till I graduated from high school because we are not allowed to use any electronic stuff in classroom. Our teachers do not think phones and pads would do any good for us. However, teenagers are usually "traitorous", which means that they more like to do what the teachers do not want them to do. Most of us have a cell phone when I was in high school; we wouldn't let parents and teachers know. Now I think it's silly, but I just wondering technology could be a helper if we were allowed to use phones and our instructor could teach us to use them to learn. However, we were truly insisting the so-call "traditional way of teaching" and almost have no technology. We did have lab class, (which teach how to use computer), but we didn't learn how to use computer in an effective way. Our school and teacher just simply avoid technology, but we can get much more information online. Nowadays people almost couldn't leave without technology. In my case, I think I can't learn and do my homework without my Laptop. I'm a English learner, so it is so tough for me to study here in a English-speaking country. However, technology really helps me a lot. I think every student have the same felling with me. Computer or laptop is not all about games or movies; we can gain much more than just entertainment. I noticed that in my field classroom, children have the self-discipline and have already learned how to use technology in a good way. I'm not sure if I can change other teachers , but I'm sure that I'm gonna avoid the "traditional classroom" when I become a teacher someday. I wish I can help my students learn more in a more effective way. I don't think i can change the world, but at least I can do something to help it change.
I really learned so much from these experiences, hope I can get more and more:)
Mar 2. 2016
This week my teacher was back, she asked us to compare the actual French test that she made for students and the one we made last time. After looking through the actual one, we found that we need more improvements. The first deficiency is that we lack instructions. Children even university students need instructions on the test. For young children, we should be more careful. Give more explanation and details, so they can understand what and how to do their tests. Also, we supposed to put marks for each question and total grade of the test. We just forgot it. What's more, we made too much questions, especially for speaking and listening parts ( we have 5 for each). The actual test only have 2 for each of oral and listening. We didn't consider about timing issues. For speaking part, students would have to do is one by one, so 5 are too much.
And then, she asked us to mark those tests. It was an excellent experience! For me, it was my first time marking tests. However, I realized that marking is not that "simple". We have so much to consider. How to mark? How many marks should I give? If a student's answer is kind of similar to the standard one, but not the same, should I cut half or give zero? It is hard. My teacher told us for lacking a "s", small spelling error, or losing a word, just give 2.5 out of 3. If the student answer is quite different to the right one, cut half or give zero. I was fighting with half and zero. Maybe because I almost have no idea with French, I was so confused. But I got good experiences.
The more I learn and experience, the more I love teaching. Hopefully, I am doing what I like and pretty enjoyed.^^
Mar 9. 2016
Yesterday was amazing! I spent all day in my school. I really appreciate my teacher for giving us the chance to experience the feeling of "being a teacher". Yesterday the whole school was doing Retreat. Students were placed in different color groups; each group has students from grade1 to 8 and kindergartens. They came to each classroom or station one by one and do different activities. Our station's activity is showing 2 videos and asking students to write prayers. My teacher ask us to lead children go through this activity. First, when they came in, ask them to have their seats and leave all the stuff in the desk. Then, instruct the plan of the activity. Showing video and ask read out loud for them because not all children would be able to recognize all the vocabularies of the videos. Asking questions when videos are finished. After that, we should hand out the prayer papers and explain how to write their prayers. Last, when they are done we should lead them to put their prayers in the "big cross" on the outside wall.
I thought it is simple after my teacher introduced, but I was wrong. I was not so nervous , but I can't tell how I felt. It was like both excited and nervous. Honestly, I was really enjoyed although I did the same thing for seven times. But my worries have completely gone after seven times or earlier. It was so different with presentation although both are speaking in front of peoples. I felt the responsibility on my shoulder. I was the leader and I should lead children to do what they supposed to do. Fortunately, I did not make mistake. I really love the feeling when every children are quiet and pay attention when I talking. It is not about vanity; it is the feeling of "being a teacher" and it is so good!
There was a kindergarten boy I may never forget. He was so cute! When children were writing or painting their prayers. The little boy came to me and told me about his plan for the prayer. He came to me, talked his prayer with me, and then went back to his seat. He did this four times. Oh, God! He was so lovely! The last time he said to me:" I just tell you one more thing, your skirt is beautiful!" Then he went back to his position again. I think that is the most important reason of why I wish to become a teacher. I love children so much! I am really lucky to have the opportunity to become a teacher. Hope I will learn more and be better!
Mar 23. 2016
Yesterday I found that my teacher's strategies of teaching were very effective. students had their Careers class first. I was surprised because I have never heard about that class before. We don't have it in China. It seems about the important skills and common issues that students need to learn for their future careers. That class is excellent! Earlier is much better. Students have learned how to communicate with people. Communication is about both talking and listening. To communicate respectfully and properly is really matter people's careers. My teacher asked students to play two interesting activities. When the teacher explained talking skills, she asks students to sit back to back with their partners and talk to each other. After this, our grade 6 students realized that the importance of eye contact and body language. Another one was about listening. Students sitting face to face and listening while their partners talking. They need give some reflections and/or some comments after listening. The teacher asked students to figure out some respective ways to reply people and show their attentions. I could see the "I get it" on our pupils' faces after these activities. These two activities made much senses. Activities and games are important. After that, students started to work on their Math. My partner and me walked around the classroom and waited for students' questions. I felt so good when I help students work out their problems. It is also hard when I know the answer but do not know how to teach. I learned those materials in China and we had different ways of solution. I was trying to find the best way to make him (the boy) understand. For new teachers, explanation is an important skill we need to struggle with. And then, our teacher and students discussed some social issues. They talked the multicultural society and diversity and the influences of power and privilege on people. Our pupils rase their hands and shared their thoughts . They got this class and reached teacher's expectations.
My teacher told us that there usually have not enough time for the entire curriculum. However, helping students really learn and get something is much important than simply finishing the curriculum. The given curriculum is designed for students, but we do not have to cover all of them. Try best to help students get benefit from attending classes rather than roughly rush materials on the curriculum. Give useful and helpful staff to our pupils.
Apr 6. 2016
I couldn't believe this was last day, so sad:( I was so enjoyed there and had lots excellent experiences and memories. That was a wonderful journey!
Our major topic this week was the technology in classroom. Our teacher says that, technology is an aid for learning, but teachers do not want to drive too far from curriculum. So, curriculum outcome comes first. The school has 30 laptops for 9 classrooms. In our classroom, we have a projector. Students can access to online textbook. Students need to be taught how to use technology because not everyone is good at technology. In addition, teachers need to consider about the safety and security. They should ask parents' permission for any technological devices in classroom. Due to the "Digital Citizenship", they teach children to use technology and social media appropriately and respectfully. Technology could cause problems sometimes. Like bullying in social media; and some peers are isolated or excluded by their peers. Our grade 6s' cellphones are hung on in the shoes holder behind the door.
Then we asked our kids some questions. We found over half of them brought cellphone to school. Besides cellphone, almost all of them have ipads and laptops at home. They found technology is helpful. When I asked would they prefer working alone with technology or working with partners, most of them prefer working with partners. Some girls said they almost always have trouble with technology, so they would rather work with people. They said they like talk and communicate with peers; they found their peers are way more helpful. That's excellent! Maybe they are so young, still like work with people. However, people would rather use cold machine than work with people.
My teacher showed us some useful websites and apps like Planbook.com, office 365, pearltrees and so forth. She can use them to plan classes, give assignments, check students' work... Nowadays, in order to offer more effective and high-quality education, we need to learn those websites and apps.
After recess, we went to kindergarten and grade 8 classes. kindergartens were enjoying these butters, cookies and breads. Oh my god! I love the so much! So cute! But grade 8 are not "cute" anymore^^. They were having their religion class. They have their cellphones in hands., some were using laptop that school offers. They are so different than younger kids. The grade 8 teacher told us that the biggest challenges are communication and class management. Younger kids love teachers, but not anymore since older. He said that we need to have strong personalities: "IF you don't, go teach grade6." I can't imagine what I'm gonna do with high school guys. But I think everything would work out!
All in all
I feel I'm lucky to be in Education. Our school and instructors offer us lectures and good experiences. Those field experiences give us the direct and clear view of how teachers teach and how students learn. These experiences are so important and precious. Our school and teachers are trying best to offer us excellent learning experiences and making more good teachers.
Good learning environment provides good learning facilities, creates atmosphere, helps students engaged. Rather than leave the white walls of classroom, it would be much better to post something including class schedule, classroom rules, nice pictures. As teachers, we need to give students more options and let them choose what they prefer. Do not always make decision for them. If our students cannot get the way we teach, then we want to teach the way they learn. Plan our class! That's so important because we do not want to waste times. Try to make everything clear and have some "fun". Children like fun staff; they would be more engaged in interesting class. Do not forget make plan B and plan C, because we never know what would happen. Remember treat everyone equally; include every student in our classroom. Teachers' attitudes are the most important attitudes. If we wanted to teach and influence children, we have to be the model first. For lecturing, I want to avoid traditional teaching style (teacher talking students listening) and make my class more "fun". Proving examples when explaining, playing activities to make more sense, and use technology services as effective aids. It's our duty to teach children how to use technology and social media appropriately and respectfully. Trying best to protect children away from bullying in social media and teach them how to protect themselves. Teaching is absolutely not merely about lecturing and grading, but help students maximize their ability to develop and grow.
Now I am more certain what I want to do. I want to be a good teacher. I wish I can offer the world some good. I hope I can help my students grow and really learn something from me. I don't know if I can make my country's education system better, but I wish I could promote the change. At least offer the best me to every student I'm going to meet.
I will stay, I'm pretty sure about that. I'm going to go back to my hometown and I plan to work with students who plan to study aboard. I want share my experiences with them and give them suggestions. Now I'm going to my third year, hope I will learn and prepare more for my carer and my life!
Thanks god I transferred to education! I know what I'm doing and enjoy it, although it may more hard than I thought. I really appreciate the journey in St. Dominic School and got a lot. Fortunately, I am on the right track. ^^ Hope all of us would have an excellent journey in Faculty of Education! Good luck guys! ^^
Our Grade6 Excellent Classroom:
Feb. 10 2016
Honestly, I was pretty nervous before I came to my field school. I have always worried about my English. How to communicate with kids? How to make them understand? I'm not a English speaker and I'm not born here either. However, I felt much better after the first afternoon. My cooperating teacher was so nice and pupils are friendly. My worries almost gone when they say hi to me and smile to me.
Im working with a grade 6 class; we have about 30students. Our task that day was like observing the learning environment. The first thing I noticed when I walk into the classroom is the organization. Students put their lunch, clothes, textbooks, assignments, pens, cell phones...together. Their tables are quite clean. I mean, they have more room and less distractions. They almost have nothing to play with. Students have their schedule and daily plan on the wall. I also noticed their "classroom rules" on the back wall:1. Peers, self, stuff, 2. Property,3. Safety,4. Learning. My cooperating teacher explains that less color in the classroom would help students be more focusing on their works.
Moreover, the teacher also told us that children need to move, even during lecture time. some movement could help them "back" to their works. they can ask for going out or have little exercises on their seats. I think that's pretty good! I remember when I was in Chin, our teacher never allow us to move. Even when we need go to washroom, we almost always cannot get the permission. It is because they think some kids would take too long or even never come back.
Almost every students have at least one book or novel on their table. They can read it after finish their assignments even during class time. I was surprised because our teacher in my hometown were never allow us to read any book or novel except textbook. They think other books or novels are distractions and would confiscate our books when they found. But novels and interesting books really help students love reading. I think in the future, I will allow my students to read what they interested and I would not force them to read. I think it would be better to help them like reading first.
I'm so happy that I can work and learn with those students. I don't have any Canadian background and have little knowledge, but I think I'll get more from them. Experiences are wealth. Hope I will have a great time with them!
Feb.24 2016
For my second week I was with another teacher because my teacher was on leave. Children have a French test next day, so the teacher asked them to review and practice. She gave them two options: 1.Study independently (use electronic service to listen music; 2. study with a partner. I think it is much better to give options rather than just one choice. She was training children to make decisions on their own; making decision is an important skill. If we just give a single option or requirement, it is hard for children to learn how to choose and decide. Also, if we decide for children all the time, they would be more likely to rely on us rather than make decision independently. And then, they may become irresolute when they grow older. It's not good for them.
I found that young children are allowed to use phones or pads in classroom here in Canada. I did not have a cell phone till I graduated from high school because we are not allowed to use any electronic stuff in classroom. Our teachers do not think phones and pads would do any good for us. However, teenagers are usually "traitorous", which means that they more like to do what the teachers do not want them to do. Most of us have a cell phone when I was in high school; we wouldn't let parents and teachers know. Now I think it's silly, but I just wondering technology could be a helper if we were allowed to use phones and our instructor could teach us to use them to learn. However, we were truly insisting the so-call "traditional way of teaching" and almost have no technology. We did have lab class, (which teach how to use computer), but we didn't learn how to use computer in an effective way. Our school and teacher just simply avoid technology, but we can get much more information online. Nowadays people almost couldn't leave without technology. In my case, I think I can't learn and do my homework without my Laptop. I'm a English learner, so it is so tough for me to study here in a English-speaking country. However, technology really helps me a lot. I think every student have the same felling with me. Computer or laptop is not all about games or movies; we can gain much more than just entertainment. I noticed that in my field classroom, children have the self-discipline and have already learned how to use technology in a good way. I'm not sure if I can change other teachers , but I'm sure that I'm gonna avoid the "traditional classroom" when I become a teacher someday. I wish I can help my students learn more in a more effective way. I don't think i can change the world, but at least I can do something to help it change.
I really learned so much from these experiences, hope I can get more and more:)
Mar 2. 2016
This week my teacher was back, she asked us to compare the actual French test that she made for students and the one we made last time. After looking through the actual one, we found that we need more improvements. The first deficiency is that we lack instructions. Children even university students need instructions on the test. For young children, we should be more careful. Give more explanation and details, so they can understand what and how to do their tests. Also, we supposed to put marks for each question and total grade of the test. We just forgot it. What's more, we made too much questions, especially for speaking and listening parts ( we have 5 for each). The actual test only have 2 for each of oral and listening. We didn't consider about timing issues. For speaking part, students would have to do is one by one, so 5 are too much.
And then, she asked us to mark those tests. It was an excellent experience! For me, it was my first time marking tests. However, I realized that marking is not that "simple". We have so much to consider. How to mark? How many marks should I give? If a student's answer is kind of similar to the standard one, but not the same, should I cut half or give zero? It is hard. My teacher told us for lacking a "s", small spelling error, or losing a word, just give 2.5 out of 3. If the student answer is quite different to the right one, cut half or give zero. I was fighting with half and zero. Maybe because I almost have no idea with French, I was so confused. But I got good experiences.
The more I learn and experience, the more I love teaching. Hopefully, I am doing what I like and pretty enjoyed.^^
Mar 9. 2016
Yesterday was amazing! I spent all day in my school. I really appreciate my teacher for giving us the chance to experience the feeling of "being a teacher". Yesterday the whole school was doing Retreat. Students were placed in different color groups; each group has students from grade1 to 8 and kindergartens. They came to each classroom or station one by one and do different activities. Our station's activity is showing 2 videos and asking students to write prayers. My teacher ask us to lead children go through this activity. First, when they came in, ask them to have their seats and leave all the stuff in the desk. Then, instruct the plan of the activity. Showing video and ask read out loud for them because not all children would be able to recognize all the vocabularies of the videos. Asking questions when videos are finished. After that, we should hand out the prayer papers and explain how to write their prayers. Last, when they are done we should lead them to put their prayers in the "big cross" on the outside wall.
I thought it is simple after my teacher introduced, but I was wrong. I was not so nervous , but I can't tell how I felt. It was like both excited and nervous. Honestly, I was really enjoyed although I did the same thing for seven times. But my worries have completely gone after seven times or earlier. It was so different with presentation although both are speaking in front of peoples. I felt the responsibility on my shoulder. I was the leader and I should lead children to do what they supposed to do. Fortunately, I did not make mistake. I really love the feeling when every children are quiet and pay attention when I talking. It is not about vanity; it is the feeling of "being a teacher" and it is so good!
There was a kindergarten boy I may never forget. He was so cute! When children were writing or painting their prayers. The little boy came to me and told me about his plan for the prayer. He came to me, talked his prayer with me, and then went back to his seat. He did this four times. Oh, God! He was so lovely! The last time he said to me:" I just tell you one more thing, your skirt is beautiful!" Then he went back to his position again. I think that is the most important reason of why I wish to become a teacher. I love children so much! I am really lucky to have the opportunity to become a teacher. Hope I will learn more and be better!
Mar 23. 2016
Yesterday I found that my teacher's strategies of teaching were very effective. students had their Careers class first. I was surprised because I have never heard about that class before. We don't have it in China. It seems about the important skills and common issues that students need to learn for their future careers. That class is excellent! Earlier is much better. Students have learned how to communicate with people. Communication is about both talking and listening. To communicate respectfully and properly is really matter people's careers. My teacher asked students to play two interesting activities. When the teacher explained talking skills, she asks students to sit back to back with their partners and talk to each other. After this, our grade 6 students realized that the importance of eye contact and body language. Another one was about listening. Students sitting face to face and listening while their partners talking. They need give some reflections and/or some comments after listening. The teacher asked students to figure out some respective ways to reply people and show their attentions. I could see the "I get it" on our pupils' faces after these activities. These two activities made much senses. Activities and games are important. After that, students started to work on their Math. My partner and me walked around the classroom and waited for students' questions. I felt so good when I help students work out their problems. It is also hard when I know the answer but do not know how to teach. I learned those materials in China and we had different ways of solution. I was trying to find the best way to make him (the boy) understand. For new teachers, explanation is an important skill we need to struggle with. And then, our teacher and students discussed some social issues. They talked the multicultural society and diversity and the influences of power and privilege on people. Our pupils rase their hands and shared their thoughts . They got this class and reached teacher's expectations.
My teacher told us that there usually have not enough time for the entire curriculum. However, helping students really learn and get something is much important than simply finishing the curriculum. The given curriculum is designed for students, but we do not have to cover all of them. Try best to help students get benefit from attending classes rather than roughly rush materials on the curriculum. Give useful and helpful staff to our pupils.
Apr 6. 2016
I couldn't believe this was last day, so sad:( I was so enjoyed there and had lots excellent experiences and memories. That was a wonderful journey!
Our major topic this week was the technology in classroom. Our teacher says that, technology is an aid for learning, but teachers do not want to drive too far from curriculum. So, curriculum outcome comes first. The school has 30 laptops for 9 classrooms. In our classroom, we have a projector. Students can access to online textbook. Students need to be taught how to use technology because not everyone is good at technology. In addition, teachers need to consider about the safety and security. They should ask parents' permission for any technological devices in classroom. Due to the "Digital Citizenship", they teach children to use technology and social media appropriately and respectfully. Technology could cause problems sometimes. Like bullying in social media; and some peers are isolated or excluded by their peers. Our grade 6s' cellphones are hung on in the shoes holder behind the door.
Then we asked our kids some questions. We found over half of them brought cellphone to school. Besides cellphone, almost all of them have ipads and laptops at home. They found technology is helpful. When I asked would they prefer working alone with technology or working with partners, most of them prefer working with partners. Some girls said they almost always have trouble with technology, so they would rather work with people. They said they like talk and communicate with peers; they found their peers are way more helpful. That's excellent! Maybe they are so young, still like work with people. However, people would rather use cold machine than work with people.
My teacher showed us some useful websites and apps like Planbook.com, office 365, pearltrees and so forth. She can use them to plan classes, give assignments, check students' work... Nowadays, in order to offer more effective and high-quality education, we need to learn those websites and apps.
After recess, we went to kindergarten and grade 8 classes. kindergartens were enjoying these butters, cookies and breads. Oh my god! I love the so much! So cute! But grade 8 are not "cute" anymore^^. They were having their religion class. They have their cellphones in hands., some were using laptop that school offers. They are so different than younger kids. The grade 8 teacher told us that the biggest challenges are communication and class management. Younger kids love teachers, but not anymore since older. He said that we need to have strong personalities: "IF you don't, go teach grade6." I can't imagine what I'm gonna do with high school guys. But I think everything would work out!
All in all
I feel I'm lucky to be in Education. Our school and instructors offer us lectures and good experiences. Those field experiences give us the direct and clear view of how teachers teach and how students learn. These experiences are so important and precious. Our school and teachers are trying best to offer us excellent learning experiences and making more good teachers.
Good learning environment provides good learning facilities, creates atmosphere, helps students engaged. Rather than leave the white walls of classroom, it would be much better to post something including class schedule, classroom rules, nice pictures. As teachers, we need to give students more options and let them choose what they prefer. Do not always make decision for them. If our students cannot get the way we teach, then we want to teach the way they learn. Plan our class! That's so important because we do not want to waste times. Try to make everything clear and have some "fun". Children like fun staff; they would be more engaged in interesting class. Do not forget make plan B and plan C, because we never know what would happen. Remember treat everyone equally; include every student in our classroom. Teachers' attitudes are the most important attitudes. If we wanted to teach and influence children, we have to be the model first. For lecturing, I want to avoid traditional teaching style (teacher talking students listening) and make my class more "fun". Proving examples when explaining, playing activities to make more sense, and use technology services as effective aids. It's our duty to teach children how to use technology and social media appropriately and respectfully. Trying best to protect children away from bullying in social media and teach them how to protect themselves. Teaching is absolutely not merely about lecturing and grading, but help students maximize their ability to develop and grow.
Now I am more certain what I want to do. I want to be a good teacher. I wish I can offer the world some good. I hope I can help my students grow and really learn something from me. I don't know if I can make my country's education system better, but I wish I could promote the change. At least offer the best me to every student I'm going to meet.
I will stay, I'm pretty sure about that. I'm going to go back to my hometown and I plan to work with students who plan to study aboard. I want share my experiences with them and give them suggestions. Now I'm going to my third year, hope I will learn and prepare more for my carer and my life!
Thanks god I transferred to education! I know what I'm doing and enjoy it, although it may more hard than I thought. I really appreciate the journey in St. Dominic School and got a lot. Fortunately, I am on the right track. ^^ Hope all of us would have an excellent journey in Faculty of Education! Good luck guys! ^^
Our Grade6 Excellent Classroom: