Reflecting On My First Observation

This first video of teaching at IslandWood Outdoor School was the first video I had ever seen of myself teaching! Looking back on it now, I recognize the ways in which I was implementing new teaching tools I had already gleaned from my colleagues and teachers that fall. I used intentional wait time and I increased student sharing by having silent think time, turn and talks, and group discussions. Throughout the year, I continued to build and utilize these teaching tools. While in this video I remember having to think really intentionally about using them, wait time and turn in talks have become second nature in my teaching tool kit and I use them without thinking.

I notice that I do not address many of the students by name and that is something that I have improved on this year. I recognize the importance of names and the way that someone calling you by name can validate you as belonging in the group and can give you ownership over the ideas that you share. I notice that using student's names frequently helps build a mutual respect and helps students feel heard in group discussions.