Midterm Summary & Evaluation

Communication is clearly one of the most important components because it enables one to work and think about what is going on whether it be in a story, classroom, etc. It is definitely a difficult component because communication comes easily to others and for many others it can become clouded. I have learned this gradually while working with students in Ms. Finch's class. Many others take a moment to warm up but it is equally important to communicate with them daily. I cannot comprehend what they are thinking or how they are feeling but i realize that i want to take the time to ask. I know it is hard to confront someone as a student. Having us assigned to them in a group is a nice step but they do not feel familiarized with the content or groups. Students are able to perform better knowing that they are able to speak with you and ask you questions about what they are not comprehending.

I feel that everyday we enter those doors it becomes research. Practicum allows us to be in the position of realizing what works for us in a setting with our literature circles. I learn by discussing with other groups in the class about what they are experiencing because each student is unique. I have to look for a tactic that will best influence the student in the best way that is going to benefit their learning style. Preperation is a must while working with the students. However it is a learning process and I complete my research everyday we meet with them. I am able to know what exactly that I need to do for the next time I work with them. Research enables myself to open myself up to various genres that I have never shown much of an interest in before this class. It is interesting to read about what other genres have collaborated over time and how they really are interesting. I enjoyed researching about fantasy because I have never taken an interest in this particular genre ever before. However it being given as an assignment has allowed me to become more open to various content.

Technology is definitely accessible for the students in classrooms today. The students having their own laptops in class has been beneficial because it helps them conduct their own form of research. It took a short amount of time to set up the background information of the novel we are reading because students were able to begin a webquest. Technology definitely supports our efforts in various ways. I learn things daily through the technology that is available. I find it incredible to see what results I see from the students. They realize that they are able to utilize the technology because it is there and they enforce it independently. Many of the students have started keeping their own version of a journal in their laptops. They are not lengthy by any means but they are able to reflect on the progress they are making and look back at previous predictions they made.

Collaboration to me is definitely important because of the networking we do with one another it helps me learn because we are able to talk. Talking with other teachers at various levels is great! I feel that the tools that I gain by simply listening and observing students or teachers is highly beneficial. The work that we do while we are together is nice because we can learn from what others are doing and what works for them. Everyone will be confronted in challenging situations as a teacher and having friends who are in the same field is helpful. I feel comfortable knowing that instructors, fellow UNM students, and teachers are within reach and willing to assist in anyway possible.

Confidence is a great attribute and as teachers it has to be present. Confident in what you know and are teaching. I believe firmly that children can see through you and they watch your every move. Standing with confidence allows you to work in an environment that is comfortable. Longevity as an educator will be affected because if you lack confidence you will not make it as a teacher.
Independence complements confidence because of the work that it takes to implement these skills as a teacher. You have to be independent because you must have the ability to figure things out in certain stressful situations. Enabling you to be the most resourceful you may ever be in your career as an educator. Independence and confidence are gained by trial and error and with practicum experience I feel that these skills are getting better everyday.

The skills that have gained from working in diverse education positions have molded into my interpretation of understanding for children in various regions. While living in Albuquerque I was able to work in various schools each with different resources. I quickly noticed the distinction between the schools and the obstacles one would encounter with a diverse student population. I definitely keep in mind every situation that I have had while working with children. I have had opportunities that I see as extremely beneficial because of the exposure that I have had from the time of being a student in high school to college and being a mother. Grant work that I have been able to work on has been a key component with experience with classroom skills. It has enabled me to work with children from various areas and encourage them to utilize skills they have. I enjoy giving them the confidence and skills to become someone outside the box. I definitely play my strengths as a young Navajo woman who has much to offer as a teacher.

I have definitely gained an immense interest in promoting Native American authors because of the area I wish to teach in. I feel that it offers an empowerment to students to realize that there are no limits and who knows that maybe one day I will be reading their work. Whether it be professional or not just having the opportunity is what I see as important. The knowledge that I is well in its infancy but with the continuous work that I do in the classroom it enables me to do great things. I learn by observing what I see in various classrooms and I take note of all that I see.

I have learned a lot because of the diverse classrooms and children that I have worked with. Many of the children that I have worked with have different learning styles and some did have behavior issues. I was able to observe how their behavior changed in seconds and how content they were at times. Patience definitely enabled me to understand the students and communication was important. Many seeked attention and in that particular classroom they were able to receive it. That would have been the most challenging room that I had worked in and I enjoyed my time there. Many students may have different things in order when it comes to their home life. One particular student would come to school on most days tired because he had to earn money just like the rest of the family. He would work cutting wood to help support his family and I look at him and think I could not do that while only in the fourth grade. However communication was one of the key components to helping him in the classroom.

I enjoy my time in this class because of the practicum we are able to do during our actual classtime. I feel that I am doing my best to get an A+ it is a goal that all of us in the education program strive for. It is that desire to do things right that keep me going everyday. There are times when I become bombarded with other thoughts but that is something that I work at daily. However when I work with the children it leaves my mind because I am able to focus on them and what I need to do. I have read many books almost by the 100 book mark but have not typed in all of them. I know that I will exceed that mark and have read some amazing books! I enjoy reading about the other genres and have enjoyed my research on my assigned genre and literary theme.