WEEK SEVEN- Weekly Journal

During my time at my placement I have realized that learning at my workplace is different than in school. This is so because in school I learn things from textbooks using a very formal learning techinique, while in the workplace I learn things in a more informal way. For example, I learn how to do tasks specific for the job, as I work. Also, since my placement is an elementary school I see what it is like to teach kids, and therefore learn how to teach them in a more successful and responsive way. I learn how to keep their attention and teach them as much as possible. I also learn how to be a better student because working as an assisstan teacher shows me what kind of student is exemplary. I have learned so many valuable things at my placement that I will most likely use in my future. In school, I learn things that will indirectly help my future career, however my placement teaches me things and skills that I will actually have to use in my future. I really enjoyed learning about kids and how to modify my teaching teachniques to best fit their learning style. Some kids need more assisstance in one area, whereas some like to work on their own with minimum assisstance. Some also like to have things explained to them more than once to make sure they understand the task. I like teaching different kids because it proves to be a challenge, and once I succeed I feel a great sense of accomplishment.
I would really like to know more about how to be more assertive and stern in the classroom because I find it hard. Since I am so young, I feel more familiar with befriending young kids rather than take the role as the teacher. It's as if I'm scared of scaring the students, or that they will think I'm on a power trip. I've learned over the course of my time at my placement that you have to be strict in order to maintain the respect of the students so that they listen to what you have to say. I think that with experience comes the ability to be stern and personable at the same time. Mme. Mercer does this with expertise because I see how the students respond to her and are always learning. I have learned a lot from her as well.
Next week, I hope to finish up some of the tasks that I started this week so that I can move forth with a new task. I also hope that I will be around the kids more so that I gain more experince and come across new challenges to overcome. I also plan to teach with more ease and confidence so that the kids see more of what I'm like and that I can teach them things. I want to help Mme. Mercer as much as I can so that I prove to her and myself that I can do anything that is thrown at me.