student teaching

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Home : 2003 : June : 27

student teaching
By CLF

I have had several student teachers during my teaching career and we both found it to be quite enjoyable and a nice change of pace for the kids. Usually you are paired up with a master teacher for 5-6 weeks and start off
with minimal actual responsibility. You may be observing, assisting with lesson plan discussions, correcting work, and doing classroom chores. Gradually you will start working with and planning for small groups by subject area until little by little you have experience in all curriculum areas and with larger and larger groups. By the last two weeks you are ready to solo and you will have

the class to yourself. Throughout this time your supervisor should be checking in and talking to both of you and giving you input. In my experience it has been designed to be a gradual learning experience that benefits all involved. Probably the biggest issue is class management and discipline. I would suggest REALLY tuning into how your mentor handles the class,how the class responds and whether you agree or disagree. During your solo experience you get the opportunity to try some of the techniques you observed and try some ideas of your own. But in the words of Fred Jones who wrote the GREAT book on class management TOOLS FOR TEACHING you must have "discipline before instruction" or all your efforts toward lessons will be ineffective. With management in place you should have a very enjoyable experience to look forward to. Good luck!