Student Teaching Weekly Log

Print this log for re-use and submit completed logs to your student teaching supervisor. Name: Kim Mehalovich Date: 3/10/13

Reflections for week number: Week 6/ Week 10 Class(es) taught or assisted in this week: Career Transitions, Adult Living, Learning Transitions, English Most satisfying experience(s): In our Nutrition class, on Friday, we finished a documentary. In the documentary, the main character went on a juice fast. The students couldnt believe that someone could drink a vegetable smoothie every day for 60 days. I told them that I ate a vegetable smoothie every morning, for breakfast. So, on Friday I brought in smoothies for them. They were very hesitant about trying it, however all of them did. The smell was very potent, it was a very odd color and the texture was gritty. I was very proud of them because some of my students have sensory issues. Teaching techniques that worked (Why?): I finished our lesson on verbs. I started the lesson off with direct instruction, but moved to guided practice. The students were very engaged in the lesson and were involved in the discussion. After I could tell the students were getting the materials, I broke them into groups and they completed an activity. They continued to be engaged throughout the entire lesson. Teaching techniques that didn't work as expected (Why not?): I am still having a hard time reaching all my students in my Career Transition class. I started creating my own lessons, moving away from the book and worksheets it suggests. When trying to cover the material on my own I really lost one student in particular. I differentiated instruction for that student however it wasnt enough. I need to find something that she can relate to and understand. Targeted areas of improvement: Going off my previous section, my area of improvement is a student in my Career Transition class. I need to find teaching techniques and strategies that engage her and allow her to obtain the information. Approximate % of time spent in classroom: Observing___5%___ Teaching___90%__ Supervising__5%___ Planning__15% outside of school___ Misc______ Changes made due to feedback and self-evaluations: As I looked back at my areas of improvement I knew that something had to be done in order to engage a particular student in my Career Transitions class. When I came into teaching this class, the majority of the work was worksheets. I knew that this student wasnt retaining or learning any of the materials, especially when she cannot read or comprehend what the worksheets themselves. It was then I decided to not use the book and worksheets and find an alternative to teaching this class. I knew that not all students were struggling but I also knew that differentiated instruction would help engage all students. Instead of reading from a

book and completing worksheets, I looked into ways to role play and model the material being presented. It is important that students with special needs are able to see what is expected verse hear or read it. They are more likely to understand those expectations by seeing and acting them out.

Student Teaching Weekly Log

Print this log for re-use and submit completed logs to your student teaching supervisor. Name: Kim Mehalovich Reflections for week number: Week 7/11 Class(es) taught or assisted in this week: Adult Living, Career Transitions, Learning Transitions, and English Most satisfying experience(s): I was able to finally teach a lesson to all my Career Transition students. They are normally on their work site during class and we have decided to bring them back in on Wednesdays. Wednesdays are shortened periods due to the early out and they dont normally go to their jobs on those days. Within this lesson I decided to break out of the book and just focus on employable skills that they will need to get and maintain a job. During the lesson we talked about communication styles and why it is important in their careers. The students were very engaged, even though the class started out reserved and annoyed that they had to be there. I feel that my interactive examples and role playing really got them going and they learned not only what the communication styles are but what they look like. Teaching techniques that worked (Why?): Within my Adult Living class, we are discussing proteins. We began class with a brief discussion on what proteins are and in what foods they are found. From there we went through vocabulary on proteins. I provided the students with an organizer of the words and they copied the definitions off the overhead. I felt like this was a good way to deliver the vocabulary because not only were they able to see the word in front of them, I read the definition aloud. I thought this would be able to help both audio and visual learners. After the vocabulary we went back to discussing proteins (complete and incomplete) and amino acids. As I was delivering the information and asking the students questions they would refer back to their notes and vocabulary. Seeing this reassured me that they were listening but also recognized when to utilize their resources. Teaching techniques that didn't work as expected (Why not?): English is a difficult class for myself and the students. With having to reach freshman through seniors in one class it makes it challenging. As we were discussing the story we had just finished reading I wanted the students to reflect on it and discuss the conflicts that had been told. For the younger students this was more difficult than for the students that had a better understanding of the reading and conflict, even after discussing both in detail. This made the students very frustrated and some of them began to shut down. Even when I demonstrated how to outline the information presented in the previous days. Date: 3/23/13

Targeted areas of improvement: In Adult Living class the students were to complete a brochure or poster board on the benefits of juicing. I assumed that the students would know what to do, since they were able to choose their own way to complete the project. As the students were wrapping up, I realized I should have given them an example of what a brochure should look like. Approximate % of time spent in classroom: Observing__5%__ Teaching___90%__ Supervising__5%____ Planning_20% (outside of school)___ Misc______ Changes made due to feedback and self-evaluations: As stated above, after assigning a juicing brochure to my students it was clear that they needed an example of their expectations. I didnt think about the fact that some students didnt even know what a brochure looks like. When I do this activity next t ime I will be sure to include an example. By including an example the students will be able to visually see what their expectations are and how to present their information. This is especially important for students in a special education classroom, but can be helpful to all students. It just provides an alternative to their handout. Student Teaching Weekly Log Name: Kim Mehalovich Reflections for week number: Week 8/12 Class(es) taught or assisted in this week: Career Transitions, Adult Living, Learning Transitions, English Most satisfying experience(s): My most satisfying experience was when Mrs. Jansen told the students that next week was my last week of teaching them. She told them that I would still be here to observe and assist but that I would no longer be teaching. The students reactions were so amazing! I never knew that I reached so many students and that they enjoyed my lessons. The way that they reacted proved that I did. Not only did they show disappointment but they made comments about my lessons and that they have enjoyed me being here but also my teaching. One student even asked if I can teach Mrs. Jansen how to give lessons like mine. Teaching techniques that worked (Why?): The teaching techniques that I have found to work are group collaboration and visual teaching. I have also implemented a lot of role playing in my Careers class and that seems to help them understand the content and learn the material. That is also what is said about group work and the visuals provided. Teaching techniques that didn't work as expected (Why not?): I wanted the students to study for a vocabulary test, so I gave them time in class. After that we went over the vocabulary, creating ways to remember the vocab. After I felt the students had a good idea of the words and their meaning they took the test. They didnt do well at all. I need to create a new study tool for them. It also m akes me wonder if they are studying on a regular basis like they are supposed to. Date: 4/1/13

Targeted areas of improvement: Areas of improvement would be not thinking or being upset that I can get all my information or content into a specific class. I create a weekly lesson plan and it never seems to fit. I am always moving things back a day and it makes units and chapters last forever. I need to work on knowing my class and anticipating conversations they may have. Approximate % of time spent in classroom: Observing___5%___ Teaching___90%__ Supervising__5%___ Planning__15% outside of school___ Misc______ Changes made due to feedback and self-evaluations: Dr. Caster and my mentor teacher, Mrs. Jansen have both reiterated that as I develop as a teacher, I will be able to know my students and their needs, in regards to lesson plans. When I first started creating my lessons I struggled trying to create sufficient materials for a 90 minute block. Within my time of student teaching I learned that more is always better, but as stated above, I have become frustrated with not getting through the needed materials on time. I now know that, obviously, its better to be over prepared than under prepared, but class doesnt always go as planned. That is going to be true in all classrooms. It is also clear that some days we struggle to get through a lesson and other days we fly through the lesson. When that happens, the class is able to either catch up or get further in the unit. Basically, I have seen it all work out.

Student Teaching Weekly Log

Print this log for re-use and submit completed logs to your student teaching supervisor. Name: Kim Mehalovich Reflections for week number: Week 9 Class(es) taught or assisted in this week: English, Adult Living, Career Transitions and Learning Transitions Most satisfying experience(s): On Friday, Roosevelt hosted a Health Expo. Since we are getting towards the end of our Health unit, I thought that the expo would be perfect for the students. They were all so involved in the activities. I enjoyed watching them with their peers and getting some needed exercise. Teaching techniques that worked (Why?): In Adult Living we started working in groups or pairs, so the students can work on their social skills. They really seem to be enjoying groups. They work off of each other and are able to answer questions within their group. I think that makes up a good group! Teaching techniques that didn't work as expected (Why not?): In Careers class we got new students in work with. They complained a lot and began to pout. We role played their expectations, but it didnt work. Date: 4-7-13

Targeted areas of improvement: We must work on the students confidence in their new position. I know it is intimidating to go into classrooms, but once they get more comfortable it will become easier for them. We will spend more time role playing and working on the importance of confidence. Approximate % of time spent in classroom: Observing___20%___ Teaching__50%____ Supervising___20%___ Planning__10%___ Changes made due to feedback and self-evaluations: As I said earlier, role playing is an effective way of learning for students with special needs. Through role playing students are able to practice their expectations in a comfortable environment, but gain the confidence they need. Every day, before the students go to work, we role play what it their roles look like, this way it is fresh in their minds. This has helped the students develop the confidence they need to succeed in their new work roles.