Today was my first time in this class and I have to admit that I was muy nerviosa leading up to it. It didn't help that I didn't realize we had videos to watch before class and was, therefore, unprepared. I'm really big about being organized and staying on top of things so I HATE being unprepared- it's just not my thing. Besides the video scare, I quickly became excited about this class. I love the conversational setting and I'm ready to see what the rest of the semester has in store for us.
I'm glad we're talking more in depth and dealing heavily with the NCTCS as I'm not familiar with those whatsoever. It's probably my first time dealing with them honestly. Upon first glance, they scare me, but I'm sure that's because of reasons aforementioned.
I absolutely love the Candidate Learning Communities! Even though I've had two years of education classes, I still feel like I don't know anything. Also, with not many people in my specific field, I feel like I'm at a disadvantage. I say all of this to say that I rely heavily on the word of my cooperating teachers that I've observed from previous clinicals, and more times than not, I've been told that ESL teachers have the hardest time getting content teachers to collaborate with them about anything; It's almost as if ESL teachers are in their own little world with students and they do shut their door and just teach what they want. These communities allow hope to surface for ESL teachers. If content teachers hold these meetings then ESL teachers can sit in as well so that they will know what exactly students are struggling with and can offer extra help during their time. By participating in these communities, teachers are recognizing the importance of collaborating according to NCTCS 1b1 and are improving the students' learning in not one, but two mandatory classes, and that deserves all the effort.
I love how you have a positive attitude towards everything thats going on in our classroom, even though you are a little outnumbered with ESL being your major, I believe that if you just keep this positive outlook on this class, you will not even notice a difference. I agree with you when you say that you are unfamiliar with the NCTCS standards and also being unprepared for this class, but as the class keeps going I feel excited to learn more as well!
ReplyDeleteShaquavia,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to feeling unfamiliar with this content and how to truly apply it to teaching in the real classroom. I agree that the Candidate Learning Community which we are a part of is essential to the success of this class. As a music major, I sometimes find it difficult to think about integrating reading and writing into my content area, as it is not as straightforward as perhaps English or Social Studies would be. I am sure that it is sometimes challenging as an ESL major, as your content area is not as common. However, we will all come alongside one another and support each other in this learning experience. And you may be nominated to combine all our ideas in an eloquent sentence again!
Chrysalis
Shaquavia,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honesty and love your connections to your learning and the NCTCS. I do hope you help you figure out the best way to support learning in conjunction with other teachers in a school. I look forward to reading about your learning as we progress this semester.