Teaching Bluejays: Assessing the Assessments (Week 12)

This week went by way to quick, and I can't believe we are staring at the end of my student teaching experience. I am starting new units that I will likely not get to see through to the end, but that was the original intent. I learned just how much I enjoy teaching students how to weld, and I had some deep reflection as I graded the assessments that go me to this point.

To put it simply, the Plant Science exams I graded were not where I thought they would be, which was disheartening considering all the time I spent ensuring that my instruction would translate to the required unit assessment. There were times when I even dropped major spoiler alerts for exam questions, and students that I thought were engaged did not perform.

These concerns led to one of the best conversations I have had with Mr Brown. On Wednesday night, I stayed at school late, plowing in to the mountain of assignments to be graded and other responsibilities. Before Mr Brown left, I asked him if I could have done anything different to get better scores. He asked what one particular student with a GIEP got (almost a perfect score.) He said that if that student did poorly, then I could worry. The reality is that performance is ultimately out of our hands. For my first few assessments I will feel that way, but eventually I will become more confident in my teaching which will decrease the self-doubt. He pointed out that the fact this is on my mind tells him how much I care. His underlining student teaching goal for me is to increase self confidence. I think this conversation help reveal mine.. I care so much about my students, but that alone doesn't make me a good teacher. I am slowly learning how to direct the right amount of caring to the right areas at the right time.

Next week I hope to continue with my lesson plan utilization. Also, many shop days allow me to constantly improve in that area day after day. As for now, it is off to PA 4-H Capital Days to coach the State Council on Parli Pro, and lead the delegation in a "how to read a bill" workshop :)