Group 3: Final Session

Group 3: Final Session
Today was the last day of group 3's lessons, and the last day before our spring break. The majority of the lesson consisted of the students reviewing and learning new vocabulary terms. Once the new vocabulary was introduced some examples were shared. Then group 3 instructed the students to work together and create a piece of work explaining the new vocabulary. Sparks Fly made a poster with visuals and then they explained and shared examples of each term in front of the class. A few of the other groups made a rap or wrote a poem with the new vocabulary. I thought that the lesson was successful and I really liked how each group did something different with the vocabulary. Sometimes these activities get too repeatetive if each group does the same exact thing. Overall, group 3 did very well and got more confident as their sessions progressed.

Group 3: Second Session

Group 3: Second session
Today the class recorded their commercials. The lesson started by group 3 explaining and reviewing some vocabulary terms. Then the students were instructed to get ready to make the commercial. This consisted of getting the costumes ready, rehearsing the script, and adding/deleting anything last minute. Everyone in Sparks Fly showed enthusiasm to make the commercial. Furthermore, they all worked hard to figure out exactly how they wanted the commercial to go. Once the groups were ready to present they each went while the other groups watched on. All of the groups were fantastic! The students were obviously excited to be working on the commercials, but a few of them asked when we would be starting the filming of the movie.

Group 3: First Session

Group 3: First Session
Yesterday was the first day that group 3 taught the class. They used a direct instruction lesson to teach the companies about making commercials. After explaining some new vocabulary terms and reviewing prior knowledge, group 3 showed the companies an example of a commercial. The companies seemed to understand the purpose of a commercial and the steps in creating one. After the group introduced commercials to the students, the rest of worked with our usual companies. The student's were having trouble focusing. I think that when the room gets loud the students get louder and more off topic because they get excited. However, we were able to get them to come up with information for their commercial, which they will present Monday. Overall the lesson went well, I'm sure the new group was somewhat nervous as this was their first presentation. I am looking forward to the other lessons they come up with. 

Our Final Lesson

Yesterday was our last session as the head of the class. Overall it went well, these past two lessons have been less teacher centered than the direct instruction lesson (for obvious reasons). The class seems to be enjoying the activities we have been doing, and they seem to be learning a lot! In fact, Ms. Benfer told me that she was astounded how hardworking the class is as a whole with the project. Looking back at the three sessions I am happy with how they went. I think my confidence grew each time I was in front of the class. Furthermore, the last lesson I did not say "guys" at all, which is something I was working on. All in all it was extremely exciting to be in front of a class for the first time!

Fieldwork Session 5: Group 2: Inquiry Lesson
On Friday our group did our second lesson. We taught an inquiry lesson within which the students experimented with different movie maker programs. The prezi section of the lesson went well, however; I thought the group session was a little unorganized because of the new setting the class was in. We had trouble being able to talk to all the companies at once. Luckily, our college peers were able to explain the activity and its requirements to the companies. One of the companies faced problems with agreeing on a movie topic. We did our best to instill in the students that a venture capitalist would not invest in a company that does not know how to compromise with each other.

Fieldwork Session 4: Group Two Session One:
Yesterday was the first lesson that Chelsea, Joe, Rachel and I presented to the fourth graders at Bishop Dunn. We taught a direct instruction lesson plan on vocabulary dealing with BizMovie. Some of the words we taught the students were special effects, capital, and negotiate. I thought the lesson went very well overall. I came into the lesson feeling very nervous and unsure of myself as I have never taught an entire class before, just a few students. However, this one session left me feeling more confident and able in my teaching. I am looking forward to our inquiry lesson tomorrow morning for more practice.

Group One: Fieldwork Session 3
Today group one taught their cooperative lesson. In my opinion, they did a good job engaging the class and explaining the activity. The group of students we worked with was a little restless and had trouble deciding on the plot of their movie. A few of the students were being silly but they eventually got on track and got the work done. On Wednesday my group will begin our teaching sessions with a direct instruction lesson. I am looking forward to teaching the whole class.

Fieldwork Session 2: Group 1 Inquiry Lesson
I thought that today's lesson went more smoothly than previous one. All of the group members seemed more confident in front of the class. Personally, I prefer inquiry lessons to direct instruction so it is not surprising that I favored this session. In my opinion the students seemed more interested in the material since the activity was more student-centered. I look forward to the next session!

Fieldwork session 1: Group 1 direct instruction lesson

I thought that the lesson went well overall. I'm sure that it took some getting used to teaching in a group of four; or teaching in front of an entire class for that matter. The direct instruction lesson was engaging and informative and now I am looking forward to watching the inquiry and cooperative lessons. Additionally, I thought that each member of group 1 made progress with their teaching in that brief 1 hour lesson.