REFLECTION

Compiling my portfolio was a productive experience as I reflected on

my experiences as a teacher assistant. Initially I wondered what I would do as I
thought about what I would put into my folio. The folio definitely forced me
to take a look at myself as a teacher and what my qualifications actually were, and
what I would want to present about myself. Luckily, I started gathering artifacts
soon after the folio was announced, and this gave me time to pick the artifacts I
liked most .My teaching folder was one that initially intimidated me. Many of the
examples mentioned were awards received for educational accomplishments. I did
not feel that I was a highly decorated student. However, I was confident I knew
my material and I was dedicated to learning. My leading folder was a challenge
initially, but I felt more confident as my semester has progressed. The more time
I spent in front of the classroom the more confident I felt in my abilities. I felt
that my lesson plan represented my ability to lead and the importance of giving
students as much freedom as they can handle. I also thought it would be useful to
me to start writing down some of the methods that I had seen being used most
effectively. I developed a better sense of how I might use these methods, and
eventually narrowed those methods down into a few favorites that I liked best for
myself. The learning folder was a lot of fun to make. I hoped to find evidence of
my relationships with my students, and show their comfort level with me as
well. This is something I had put a lot of thought into, but initially did not know
what to include. Fortunately, I didn’t
have to look hard. Eventually I was given opportunities by my students, such as the
drawing and the sticky-notes.