DOMAIN C: REFLECTION ON AND ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING
C1.Teaching Assistants will monitor and adjust instructional strategies during teaching based on assessment evidence of student learning and development.
During my weekly planning I am able to reflect upon my own teaching strategies. In class I am not only a teacher I am also a learner and as I give class I take my students’ reactions and opinions into consideration. As a result, I have a section of “Comments” and “Possible modifications” in my weekly planning. Here I write about daily reactions towards different activities and all situations happening in class. If I am able to identify that some students are participating and that others are not, I would change the way I am providing the material in order to allow those students to participate in class as well.
For me, this is also private writing, and I am able to identify specific situations which I consider should be addressed. Likewise, I would write comments such as, “go back to *** student and let them know or re-enforce certain areas.” Or “This situation should be addressed.” These reflections help rethink about what I am giving in class and make future activities really work. For me, every minute of instruction is crucial and reflecting upon my own actions makes it easier to provide a quality education.
C2.Teaching Assistants will critically analyze own effectiveness in promoting learning and development.
When I first had my evaluations, I was extremely scared of what my students might have written about me and when I finally had my evaluations I was extremely happy because I never thought they would acknowledge everything I did in class. From, “you are always early to class,” “your class is very dynamic” and “I really like your class” up-to being specific about which activities were their favorites. These comments re the ones that make me think that all of the sacrifices, hard work and my passion about teaching is really worth it!
C3.Teaching Assistants will inquire systematically into their practice in order to improve curriculum and instruction for all learners.
I believe that working with all of my students' needs, is one of the hardest parts of teaching. Not because I am incapable of understanding what they demand of class and every particular situation, but because there is so little time to work with every area and the material required for time that providing all areas is challenging. In order to achieve this, I work with sections. First, I identify needs which the majority of students have and work with that section first. Further on, I work with other areas, but it is something I work with gradually until finally covered.