Lesson Self-assessment

Recalling the lesson

Direct communication with students provides a window on their learning

process. I had some opportunities to talk in both formal and informal ways with
them. This interaction allows me to get in depth what students know and can do;
also, I could collect information about students' preferences, interests, ideas,
opinions, and feelings. This approach encourages students to clarify, extend,
and fully articulate what is 'inside their heads'.

Reflecting on the lesson

When I first thought about teaching, I went through many emotions.  It

started with excitement because that meant I was that much closer to
graduating. I had so many questions running through my mind. With all these
questions, I started to feel intimidated by what was soon to come. Even though I
succeeded in reaching the high standards I set for myself during my student
teaching, there are areas that I need to improve upon.  I noticed that I have a
habit of sticking with the same instructional strategies.  I tend to teach my
lessons in the same way, every time. A second area I need to improve is that I
need to become more of a critical thinker. 
Even though there are areas that I need to improve upon, there are areas
that I excelled in during my student teaching.  One of these areas is that I do a
good job of relating what we are learning to the real world and showing them
why we need to know what we are learning.

Drawing conclusions

One of the best things from my teaching practice, within the class room
environment, is mainly when all the students are participating, and I can see
they enjoy the class, and actually trying to avoid speaking in Spanish. Their
acceptance and warm welcome towards me was overwhelming. I thought I
would have to go through an acceptance period coming from the students, but
luckily and not knowing how it happen, so naturally that I was happily surprised.
While teaching the main thing I have learned was definitely to prepare, have
clear instruction about the subject and be prepare to change the class a little in
case their mood is not swigging the same way.