Blog #1

Using Timperley's "adaptive expert" and the Teacher Education "Communities of Inquiry" frameworks and the OCT Standards of Practice, discuss your growth as a teacher candidate thus far in the program as it relates to your CSL/Practicum experience, your course work and previous experience and understanding.

My experience with the fall semester CSL placement has been very beneficial. Having

the experience of being in a classroom and being an observer has allowed me to unleash my own creativity. Learning from my associate teacher has shown me the dedication and commitment required to run a classroom. Having the honor to be the teacher and work directly with the students has rewarded and humbled me. It has encouraged me to explore myself and push myself out of my comfort zone. Watching the pace of the class, learning the students different personalities has shown me how quickly a teacher needs to adapt. With having several different learning styles in one classroom it is a challenge each day to keep all students engaged and happy. This opportunity has introduced me to amazing educators, given me an inside view of running a successful classroom. It has inspired me to continue to learn myself and to one day be as great teacher just as my associate teacher, Mrs. Alison Bowie.

Ottawa University teachers college courses have been greatly informative. Having classes

taught to us by a past or present educator allows us the benefit of their vast experience. Our

teachers have the ability to pass on their firsthand knowledge and experiences, both good and bad. We are able to learn from their achievements as well as their mistakes. Being able to

communicate with my professor and get their advice on relate-able issues that occur is great.

Having that real life experience at our fingertips is invaluable to learn from. To be able to discuss situations with my fellow classmates and to know they are going through similar situations is key to not feeling isolated and brain storming solutions. I enjoy online conversations, they give me the ability to gather my thoughts and share ideas that can sometimes be difficult for me in person. I think it is a great tool to be able to get help anonymously that way you can as a question without feeling judged and still get help.

Timperley's adaptive expert framework has allowed me to deeply reflect on my teaching

style. At my practicum placement I teach second grade, two separate classes of math and

language. I am able to teach the same lesson twice by having the two classes. This is a great

opportunity because I am able to reflect on my work and go over it with my associated teacher and fill. I can then in any gaps that I may have missed and edit my work before I teach it again.

When I teach I want to make sure that every child is being taught equally and for their

needs. Making sure I am respectful and sensitive to individual students’ learning. There is a

student within the class that needs one-on-one attention when teaching lessons. During CSL

placement, when I was there to help out with Mrs. Bowie, I started to work one-on-one with the student who needed personal space to learn while Mrs. Bowie taught the main lesson. I found it very enlightening to see students work together, seeing different teachers work together creating a collaborative, safe and supportive learning environment throughout the school.

I have learned a lot so far with my CSL and practicum placement, with observing,

teaching, making connections and new experiences. I created a fun Christmas sing along for the teachers to perform at the final assembly before Christmas break and it was a big hit. I have formed relationships with other teachers who are helping me and share work and helpful tips with me. Vice-Principal Beatrice told me that she will work with me on knowing our starfish students and that I would be able to shadow her for a day. I feel these connections and experiences are invaluable to me and will only help me in my future when I create my own classroom.