Learning Goal

The major learning goal I wanted to focus on this semester was classroom management. Last semester, my teacher liked to control the classroom herself so I was unable to take an active role in management. I was hoping to take a stronger initiative in my placement; yet, what I was hoping has not taken place. My mentor teacher takes a very different approach to classroom management, especially disciplining, then what I feel comfortable with. At first, I was very discouraged by lack of management and the strong discipline in the kindergarten classroom. I was very shocked and unaware how I would fit into the classroom and partake in my learning goal. So far, I have only found classroom management strategies that I will never use in my future classroom. I feel that it is very important for me to look at the positive side of the situation, which is teaching me the qualities my classroom will not have. Since this learning goal is not really being met, I have recently been very interested in assessments in the classroom.

I have been carefully observing and collecting several of the assessments my students complete in the classroom. Again, I am opposed to the way in which my teacher gives the assessments, the assessments that she gives, and the students grouping based on their assessments. Looking at the positive side of things, I am learning a lot about assessments because I am very interested in how they can work effectively. Even though I do not agree with the classroom management or assessments I am learning the things I do not want in my future classroom; therefore, this experience is positive in shaping my classroom and my future students learning.