Emily Ude January 29, 2013 EDUC 201-01 Journal Reflection Teaching is more responsibility than simply instructing

a lesson to a room full of students. While it is critical to have a complete understanding of the subject that you are teaching, there are also many other aspects that a teacher must be aware of. Some of these aspects include - having control of the classroom, having a connection with the students, and having a sense of what is happening throughout the classroom. During the first week of EDUC 201, I have absorbed many tools that I would apply to my classroom. One theme that I found to be very critical in the classroom was demonstrated by multiple comments; the concern for students wellbeing. A safe and welcoming setting is critical in maximizing a students learning ability because comfort is key to good learning. In addition to physically creating a safe place, it is key to keep notice of students behavior. As Brother Nicoletti demonstrated, if you have begun a lesson and recognize that a student is behaving fidgety do your best to observe what is bothering them. If it is mid-day and you can see that that sun is glaring in a students eye, do not expect them to stand up during a lesson to lower the blind. As a teacher you should be concerned about your students and lower the blind for them. This will create a better learning environment for the student and also display your care for the student. Compassion is also a key trait in creating a welcoming environment. It is important to put the students before yourself. Always make a point of asking the students Are you doing alright? A simple question that demonstrates concern will begin to build a connection between you and the students. Brother Nicoletti also demonstrated this in the classroom when he began the PowerPoint and soon asked, Is it

alright for you to see? This allows the chance for students to give an honest response because they may not have wanted to interrupt the instructor if they were having trouble seeing. Students will not benefit entirely from a lesson if they are unable to make use of all of the tools prepared for them. These few examples and comments within our own classroom are aspects that I would like to bring into my own classroom. The students learning is not merely affected by the instruction, but the surroundings around them. I have learned that it is also important to inspect the wellbeing of the students throughout the school day.