I have learned so many lasting lessons about educating and the students I have helped within my PDS. Very recently I learned how important it is to be with classroom time management in order to assure there is no lost time. I first saw this when I was coordinating my technology assignment, and had difficulty with load time and finding the website. Because I had no additional assignment or back-up plan for my students, they became distracted and less willing to learn.
I have also learned to be unbiased among the students when grading or disciplining. It’s very easy to assume a student who typically causes problems is the culprit for the actions we as teachers do not catch or see. After learning the term “halo-effect,” this problem is an important habit to avoid. Being unbiased is extremely important in order to give students equal opportunities for achievement.
Lastly, I have noticed that as the year goes on, fewer students see me as the young person within the class and more like a second teacher who will be just as attentive to behavior problems. Though I see why this is a good change, part of me feels disappointed that my status as their “friend” has disappeared. As much as I would like all the students to like me, I have realized that sometimes I must sacrifice this in order to maintain a hold on behavior problem in the classroom.
