Learning blog #4

• How do the messages in media influence the perception of teachers in the general public?

• The messages in media create expectations of teachers that are not realistic. Generally, there will either be the super caring, sensitive, and generous image of a teacher or, in contrast, there may be the lazy, selfish, “bad” teacher. There is also the stereotype of “if you can’t do, teach. If you can’t teach, teach gym.” I find this saying hilarious due to its absurdity, however there are some people who believe this. These perceptions give people the message that all teachers are a certain way, when in reality we are all complex individuals with very different and distinct strengths, weaknesses, interests, and abilities.

• Does the vision document from the Ministry of Education reinforce or contradict realities of teaching as you have observed?

• The goals outlines in the document (achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being, and enhancing public confidence) are all very appropriate and are achievable to a certain degree. Of course in an ideal world all student would have equal opportunity, however there are so many factors that we have no control over and therefore this will never be true. The best we can hope to do as educators is to create equity in our classroom. Even still, students may not respond the way we would hope and in reality there is not always multiple learning options in one class. All in all, although these are goals all educators should strive for, I do not believe that every class meets all of these expectations.

• Reflect on your CSL experience to date using the “adaptive expert” model.

• My ATs are very experienced and knowledgeable teachers. I have learned quite a bit from them simply through observations. Additionally, they are super open to any questions I have and allowing me to participate as much or as little as I feel comfortable. They are both quick on their feet and able to adapt to any situation. They are very prepared and if there is an unexpected interruption to class time, they are able to change the lesson plan on the spot.

• Identify any observations or learning that have challenged your perception of learning/teaching.

• My perceptions of teaching in my subject area have changed drastically since I begun my CSL. As someone who loves being active I have always seen “Health and Physical Education” as a fun class that people take in high school because they want to be there. This is not accurate in my school whatsoever. There are a few students who take P.E. because they enjoy it, but for the most part the classes are made up of students who want an “easy A” or are shoved into the class because they have low levels of English and would have difficulty in other classes. I have had to reconsider how to teach in a way to make class fun for students who may not want to be there.

• List at least 3 personal goals that will direct our own learning in CSL until the holidays.

• Have one on one conversations with at least 5 students/ day

• Meet other teachers/staff at the school

• Take the initiative to teach more