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Journal Practicum student: Lauren Ralph Date of Entry: 4/27/2013 X problematic ___ effective

Describe an instructional interaction that is:

This week, I viewed the different dynamics of collaborating with a general education teacher in a co-teaching setting. Over the course of the semester, I have been interacting with a general education teacher for a co-taught language arts class. We usually catch up during the lunch hour on what is going on that day and she briefs me of any activities she would like me to complete in small groups. In regards to her lessons, it has been a positive experience helping her implement activities and discussions. However, as I have tried to approach her for my co-teaching assignment, I have seen how relationships with other professionals can get difficult. Mark the learning variables that made it problematic/effective: Task difficulty environmental considerations X Curriculum meaningfulness _clarity of task Prompting materials Consequences If the scenario above was problematic, describe solutions to variables mentioned. If the scenario was effective, describe how the variables were used correctly. Overall, because this teacher has all of her lessons planned out and does not like to give control to others, I think it has been difficult for me to complete this assignment. Unfortunately, I dont think she views me as a student teacher but more as an observer and extra pair of hands in the classroom. While I understand her point of view, I also acknowledge the fact that I am technically in the classroom in place of my cooperating teacher to perform her role as best as I can. I think I should have a chance to co-teach and help in the room but our views differ in many ways. Based on your reflection above, describe 1 action you choose to use to be effective and explain why. This particular experience has shown me the importance of collaboration within a classroom and how it can affect the class atmosphere and views. Relationships are key and it is important to work together despite different personalities or viewpoints regarding teaching. In my case, it has been difficult because of the relationship between my cooperating teacher and the general education teacher along with the personality of the general education teacher. While they are both great people, they sometimes find it hard to work together. As a result, it has been hard to prove my professional competence and ability within the classroom as a result. However, I have done the best I can and have taken away valuable experience about how to work with others to make a classroom successful for students.

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