Things to Work on- KSA #1,5,6, 7,8, 11, 15

Two weeks into my PSII, I gave my students an exit slip to get some feedback on how
things were going in the classroom. Here are some of the questions I included:
-What have we done so far that you liked?
-What are you struggling with or unclear of?
-How well do you feel you know the material? (rating scale: 5-know it 1-dont know it)
-What could I (Mrs. Kozak) do differently to help you?
I asked students to be honest in their responses. I got some really good feedback so I
decided to record it, and use it to help me improve and become a better teacher for these
students.
Things students liked:
They liked a lot of the experiments, labs, or other hands-on activities that we did.
Students appreciated that I gave them time in class to work on assignments. A few of
them mentioned they liked a couple of videos I showed them, primarily the Crash
Course Science videos on the human body. They also liked that there was repetition of
what they were learning.
I went back and checked students responses to a lab we did where students built
lungs. Looking at their responses, they seemed to pick up on all of the key concepts they
needed too. When I watched them do the lab, I didnt know how effective it was, so when
I looked at the responses I knew it had been beneficial. It was cool to see that the things
they liked had also been really beneficial to their learning.
Things they were struggling with or unclear of:
We had talked about pressure a couple times throughout the course, however I
know it can be a confusing concept. I struggled with it for a long time too, so I
understood where my students were coming from. They also needed a little clarification
on the alveoli in the lungs, as well as other processes we cant see with the human eye.
One point that several students brought up was terms. They wanted some review of what
the terms meant.
Now I know I need to revisit those two concepts. I reviewed it the next day, and I
will continue to review it periodically throughout the rest of the unit. I decided to plan
an activity for the students that will allow them to review their terms. If several students
mentioned it, then it would probably be a beneficial activity for everyone.

How well do they know their stuff?
Most students rated themselves as a 3 (know about half the material) or a 4 (know
most of it). This tells me I still need to review material with them to help them
understand concepts they might be unsure of or unclear about.
What could I (Mrs. Kozak) do differently to help you?
I am really glad I included this question. I got some valuable feedback that I can
use throughout the rest of my practicum. A couple students mentioned including more
visuals, and maybe having clearer explanations. I try to incorporate visuals into my
lessons, but I know I can definitely improve in that area. Pictures are a really good way
to help students conceptualize what they are learning, and I need to try and include
more of them. I am continuing to work on explaining concepts at their level and in a
way they can relate to.
Several students mentioned maybe having more experiments or hands-on
learning. They mentioned maybe talking less and doing more. A couple of students
mentioned letting them figure out the concepts, and then clarifying in class instead of
just learning from me. I will definitely try and plan my lessons in a way where the
students have a larger role in their learning. Students know what they want, and how
they want to learn. As a teacher it is super helpful for me to find that out, so I can create
the learning environment that is a best match for the students. I want to include the
things they need to create a positive learning environment.
What I Learned
This practicum is really pushing my thoughts in teaching. I have realized the
importance of hands-on learning, and so I have made a conscious effort to include it in
my lessons. However, I am finding it hard to try and design assignments that are inquiry
based learning, and hands-on. It has been a transition for me to move from teaching
them and talking about the material to having the students do a lot of it. I have had to
make a conscious effort to include hands-on activities, or at least engaging activities,
every time I plan. However, I am finding it to be extremely valuable, and am to witness
its effectiveness. I have had the privilege of seeing the benefits of this approach in my
Biology 20 classroom. By getting to know the students, there is a mutual respect
happening where we can work together to form the classroom that works best for
teacher and students alike. They feel comfortable enough to share what they want in a
class, and to work with me to make this an effective and enjoyable learning experience
for everyone.