Name of Artifact: Focused Self-Observation
Date: Fall 2003
Course: FL 694 (Practicum)
Rationale:
This focused observation of my own substitute teaching in a level 3 writing
class at the ELI helped me gain perspective of my role in the classroom. The goal of this activity was to increase awareness
of some of the different roles that a teacher takes on during the course of one class meeting.
In addition, I became aware that each role encourages a different kind of behavior
by the students. I think that the ideal role of a teacher is to be the "manager" that the students can look to
if they need guidance. To me, the ideal classroom is one in which the students are "self-employed," so to speak.
I think that this can be achieved with the help of learner-centered instruction.
An important aspect to knowing our learners is remaining aware of the ways in
which they respond to their teachers. Are we unintentionally encouraging more inhibited behavior by playing
the role of "controller?"
It was obvious to me that when I assumed the role of "manager" and sat on the
sidelines during this class and encouraged them to find their own solutions (unless they got really stuck), the
students appeared to be more motivated and involved.
