Journal

The first day at the internship, mainly focused on learning the way she teaches and the kids in the class. Noticed that Mrs. Grube colors her notes to highlight things of importance (conjectures and definitions). Integrated a visual way when going over addition of negative numbers by using a number line. Also noticed that she knows when to be serious, and when she can joke around with her class. Today the class went over different math vocabulary. Repeats definitions and other matters of importance when the class needs to understand that concept. Elaborates on all of the different methods to come across the right answer, and then states her preferred way. Has individual and whole class problems. Again, shows a solid knowledge of when to be serious and when to relax Makes sure the students show their work so she knows that they have a solid understanding of the process (in a way goes against article 6 of mine). I've noticed that class time seems to be hindered by the homework check. While making sure the students actually did the homework (and not just wrote random answers down) is a good thing, the class time is also an importance. She also brings out the competitive spirit in her class by comparing class averages. The students took a quiz while I monitored the students for potential cheating tricks (such has putting their hand up to block their eyes). Today was a no-class day due to an assembly the students saw about bullying. Again, just observed the class for today. They were reviewing for an upcoming quiz, so not much was going on except for class-wide practice problems.n The quiz was administered today instead of yesterday. Once again, I proctored the quiz and made sure everyone kept their eyes on their own paper. Noticed that Mrs. Grube has little problem-solving games for when a student finished the quiz and their homework for that day. Today they were suppose to take MAP tests; however, technical problems made that impossible. Instead, they went over the homework for the previous night and tonight's homework, then finished with problem-solving riddles. I participated in these riddles to help guide the students if they were stuck. Observed the class while they went over a new lesson and homework. Unknown to myself and a fellow intern, the school went out to support the breast cancer walk. By the time they came back, there was 15 min left**.** Proctored a quiz again. A student who injured himself during football has difficulty writing, so I helped him by writing what he told me to on his quiz. Got a first hand look of what the student was thinking, and thought he did extremely well on the quiz. Also helped students who were struggling during the lesson on constructing bisectors. Today I taught the Pre-class problem of the day, which consisted of drawing angle bisectors, medians, and altitudes. Mostly observed the class. Today was not a very interactive, and therefore not much was needed to be done. The students took a quiz today, which I proctored. I also went over the Pre-Class of her Geometry class Today, her Algebra students were finishing up an assignment when I arrived, and then I proctored a quiz for her Geometry Class. Today I proctored another quiz for her Algebra students. Then, I checked the homework and went over the Pre-Class with her Geometry students. Today I checked and helped the students to a worksheet for class, and taught the Pre-Class assignment. Today I graded a WS that the students took before I arrived, and then observed the class and taught the Pre-Class.This experience has benefited me through the gift of experience. Within this internship, I have seen tactics that work and tactics that do not work. I have seen potential teaching strategies, and others that I thought of potential ways to change it. For example, homework, I've learned, s a tricky thing to grade. If you grade for completion (quick check), then you do not know if the students really did it and understand. If you check for understanding, then you waste a lot of potential class time.
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 * I have finished my hours, so 11/21 will be my last journal entry.**