Week 7

2a. Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.

I feel that the more we are able to work together in groups helps us to practice this standard. We are essentially trying to build relationships with one another as peers so that we can better work together and learn from one another. I have had a great time working with our BPH group (though we have hardly a clue what is going on for this project). We have began to show our strengths and weaknesses-which really help the others to build and compensate with our own strengths to cover weaknesses (I'm not saying that we have many weaknesses). Overall, I think it is a valuable lesson to strive to be a comforting, motivating force in each other's lives! It's essential to look on the bright side and not get overwhelmed with the task ahead of us. Just take it one step at a time and we will eventually reach our goals!

Peace,

Austin

Week 6

Reflecting on this week, I see how much our knowledge is building upon itself. The LEARN module (though I am not anywhere near finishing it) has some similarities to our 6 Point Lesson Plans. It's interesting to see all of these different methods of creating lessons, and noticing the parts that are significant (given how they reappear in multiple different methods of planning). 

Knowing different methods of creating lesson plans will help us in the future (as we gain more knowledge of the different approaches people use), in that we can decide which parts will work from each one. I think that we will find many similarities in the different types of lesson plans, just different avenues that are taken to get to the end result. 

4b. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.

4c. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.

I believe these two standards fit in very well with our learning for these past two weeks. In order to be effective teachers, we must understand our students and know which styles of instruction/lessons will best motivate and help them learn!

Austin

Week 5

3a. Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

I feel that aligning our instruction has been an incredibly important part of our meetings here lately. I am glad that we are talking about this because it is definitely something that will benefit us in our classrooms. Sometimes when I think about the enormous task that is ahead of us, I am frightened that I will not be qualified or good enough at doing my job. I have a huge passion for this career, but I am not sure if I will meet my own expectations (I have pretty high ones for myself). I want to be a leader and change the field for the better. I hope to be creative and innovative. I also want to have great relationships with my students, and instill confidence in them that they are capable of being the absolute best that they can be, no matter what.

I just get overwhelmed with the enormity of lesson plans, assessments, being creative, integrating technology, etc.

But I'm sure that I am just freaking out because I'm stressed and need more sleep. I am passionate about educating students about music, and letting students know that I believe in them!

Until next time,
Austin Beasley

Week 4

I am finding more and more the opportunities that we have in our class meetings to practice our Candidate Standards. Today, working in small groups, we were able to collaborate with one another and gain knowledge. I'm glad that we get the experience to discover ways to work better with people, and to be able to think creatively once we hear others' ideas.

Standard 4f: Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities. I believe this standard directly applies to the teamwork that we exemplified today in the library. Though I am very, very confused about how to develop our Best Practices Handbook, I am glad that our team had the opportunity to work together and get to know one another. 

Katie Duncan and I had lunch after class and she was able to help me understand the process of making our BPH! I am glad that she and I were able to talk out our confusion and then find the (hopefully correct) solutions. Now I can take this back to my team and hopefully help them understand the process. Standard 1b involves our collaborative skills and the task of reaching out to peers to better understand things! 

Overall, I am still learning a ton! I am excited about the community that we have built in class, and I am glad that my group is open to sharing ideas!