Dialectical Journal for ED 335 Teaching Practicum
Date : 7 Feb 2017
Observations/ Account
(What Happened?)
I had my students write an essay about
their helper/driver and make some
connections to the novel we read,
Journey to Joburg. In the opening of the
lesson, I prepared my students to work on their children so that students may empathize with
their interview assignment. I prepared my helpers. I also was expecting that students will see
students by reminding them the video
about the helpers sacrifice I showed
them on last Friday (Day 5) and our
discussion about human beings created in
the image of God. After that, I showed
another video about how maids know
very well their employers child. Finally,
I persuaded them that we should know
our helpers.
Unlike yesterday, today I demanded
students to raise their hand before
answering a question. Students were
more controllable today.
During the assignment work time, some
students complained to me about the
assignment. I heard some excuses that
they have not managed to interview their
driver or helper. While monitoring, I had
some students work instead of talking.
To conclude the class, I showed them a
quite funny video about helpers who
know their employer well, but the
employers barely know about their
helpers.
Name : Jeremia Alexander
Reflections & Critical Response
(What do I think of it? What went well? What could be
improved? How? What will I do differently? How does this
connect to the theory I have read from class?)
I have tried my best to motivate my students to
work on their assignment. I showed the video about
helpers on Friday (Day 5) because I wanted to have
my students think about the helpers sacrifice for
helpers differently when I talked about a Bible
verse (Genesis 1:27) because the Bible should be
the highest authority that students must respect. I
remember in Introduction to Education class that
students learn best when they are motivated
intrinsically. Now, I found that motivating students
intrinsically is not an easy job. This is a challenge
for teachers to help students find their intrinsic
motivation.
Not only is the content important, but classroom
management is also important. Though I have a
well-planned lesson, my students will not learn if I
do not manage the class well.
I was not able to have a quiet class during the
assignment work time. I should have told the class
to work silently. I did not demand them because I
did not feel brave enough. Today I realized one of
my weaknesses: I feel that I am not authoritative. I
should learn to be more authoritative because I am
the teacher and I am in charge of the class.
This is my last attempt using a video to motivate
my students to work on their assignment. Showing
a video is also an enjoyable way to end a lesson.