I think that one of the biggest things I'm taking away from the PS1 semester though is classroom management. It is so important to have good classroom management. I always had this idea that the same management techniques and rules would apply to every student and every classroom, but this isn't true! As a teacher, you're going to have to get to know the students and see what works best for them. Proper classroom management also has a huge impact on the behaviour you receive from your students, and if proper techniques are implemented, you're less likely going to have to deal with bad behaviour. Proper classroom management also increases motivation in students. Again, proper techniques will lead to higher motivation from students to learn and hopefully less bad behaviour! It's also important to be consistent with your management techniques. Have 3-5 rules - not too many or students will lose interest, and a few different attention grabbers to keep some variety in the classroom. Classroom management will always be an on-going learning process for me as I will continue to learn to use different techniques and strategies in each of my classes.
Just another point to touch on that is really important for me (and others) as a pre-service teacher: It's okay to not be perfect. I'm having a hard time with this one because I of course like things to go the way that they are planned. I have to keep reminding myself that it's okay if things don't go as planned. It's okay if things get messed up during a lesson. It's important to reflect on why things didn't go as planned and ask yourself what you would change for next time.
This PS1 semester has been far more than I ever could have expected it to be. GHI is the most amazing group of people and our group is full of talented and wonderfully unique soon to be teachers. I can only hope that we all stay in touch throughout our teaching careers and use each other to collaborate and share the amazing ideas we all have. The professors have been outstanding - especially Kurtis! Helpful and knowledgeable in so many ways! I can't wait to take everything I have learnt and use it in the classroom during my practicum.
I really LOVE what Kim said in her blog - 'We are GHI, and we are 36-Strong.'
To visit Kim's blog "GHI 36 Strong" click here!