Weekly Journal No.16

December 14,2014                                                                

Weekly Journal No. 16
" Instructions, My Dear  "                                                                    

Accomplishment:

        Today is our last week in Saint Louis University Laboratory High School. I am already done with my ten lessons but I am still teaching. We have no class on last Monday and we pursued on Tuesday. My cooperating teacher observed me for my last lesson and she commented me that I should not use the names of my students in giving examples unless there is a limitation. Last Wednesday was my big day, rated demo teaching. I was observed by Sir Ambong, thanks God I passed and got a high rates even though I didn’t finish my lesson in thirty minutes. The next day, I conducted a review and practice to my class to understand the concept of our lesson and as preparation to their examination.

Significant Experiences.

       Teaching in thirty minutes was very challenging to me. During my rated demo teaching with Sir Amdong I am very worried about my time, I keep on thinking about it after saying a word. My lesson was almost done but because of unclear instruction the students take more time in doing the activity. It was my own fault for, I didn’t give clear instructions. I am thankful that my students participated even though they were noisy.

Insights:

      The way teachers talk to students, the manner in which they interact is crucial to both successful learning and teaching. Perhaps the most important point that determines how successfully students will learn is the way instructions are formulated and sometimes it is this point which distinguishes good teachers from bad ones. It is important, therefore, that teacher’s directions relating to academic activity and behavior are clear, precise and effective. It goes without saying that the best activity in the world will turn into a disappointing failure if students don’t understand the instructions. Giving clear instructions is essential in every activity. In teaching, one of the most important goal is to deliver the lesson on time. The students will not keep on asking if the instructions were very clear and they will participate actively if it was given in a right way.

Problems:

       I did not finish my lesson on time, I was only given thirty-minutes during my rated demonstration 0teaching on last Wednesday (December 10, 2014). Although the students participated in the activities and discussion, they were not able to do the tasks because they can’t understand my instructions. It was my own fault because I did not give the instructions before grouping them. They took a long time in arranging themselves, one factor is that while I am instructing them, they talk at the same time with me.

Solutions:

    I just calm down myself and avoid shouting on my students for they were not listening to me. I will give the instructions before students start to work. Being clear with your instructions and expectations will reduce the 

likelihood of ongoing disruption and interruptions. With better ways to direct students, teachers will help not only attentive students but also those seemingly low achievers who can’t do a task because they may have trouble understanding what is asked from them.

Goals for Next Week:

    I have to accomplish all my requirements before deadline, if possible I must avoid submitting on last minute. I must be patient to my make-ups due to tardiness that caused my absences. Lastly, I will be never late again.