Reflection on Professional Growth Plan

I had two professional goals in my gowth plan for PSII. The first was to develop
clarity of essential elements of ideas when explaining concepts to students and the second
was to acquire more with-it-ness; working on looking at the whole picture of the
classroom rather than exclusively focusing on my teaching. I think that I really improved a
lot in my ability to explain things clearly to students, and by the end I rarely had to restate
what I wanted from the students or what my intentions were. I think that this really
allowed for the rehearsal to go very smoothly and for more learning to take place. It also
allowed for a faster paced rehearsal. If I could give concise instructions, the students were
playing as much as possible instead of listening to me talk. I think that this was reflected in
my final comments on my evaluation, specifically mentioning my clear instruction and
proper pacing for the appropriate level and situation. I think I met this goal and will
continue to develop this skill throughout my teaching career.
The second goal I had related to with-it-ness in the classroom. I think that I grew
in this area a lot from my first few days to the end of my practicum. At first I was very
engrossed in just the score and the music and not really paying attention to what else was
going on in the classroom. By the end I was starting to pick up on when students werent
playing and when they were being distracted and distracting to other students. As I said I
was just starting to pick up on this stuff by the end of my practicum and for that reason I
would like to continue this as one of my big goals for PSIII. I think I have a ways to go when
it comes to this goal and will keep it in the forefront of my mind as I continue in my Ed
degree.
Reflection on CML Plan
I was very fortunate to have firmly established classroom management procedures in place
when I arrived in my classroom for PSII. The students were generally very responsible and
followed procedures effectively and efficiently. A lot of what was in my CML plan was
already established but I think going through the process was very beneficial for me to see
exactly what those expectations looked like in action. The most beneficial thing for me was
attention-getting procedures during class. They were different for the different classes
depending on their behaviour tendencies, but they were all there and were very useful in
making class time productive. The one thing that was the most beneficial about making a
classroom management plan was that it allowed for consistency. I did not change my
expectations throughout the practicum, and the students knew what they were and knew
what the consequences would be at all times. This allowed for me to be firm in my
expectations and therefore allowed for more learning to take place in the classroom
because behaviour problems are diminished by consistency. Overall I think that my CML
plan was effective and I would use it again in the future, although I do think I would have to
be more thorough in my PSIII plan because expectations will not already be established.

Professional Goal #1
Goal no. 1

Action Plan

What will you accomplish?

(Goal statement)

I will use a variety of methods while teaching and

differentiate instruction.

What does it look like when youve

accomplished your goal?
I.e., How will you know you have achieved
your goal?
What are the indicators of success or
progress? (Assessment)
Rationale:
Why is it important?

I will have achieved my goal

when I have a large number of
tricks in my bag to explain
concepts and do not use the
same one every time.

Pre-assessment:
What assets and/or liabilities currently exist?
How can you take advantage of your assets
and minimize your liabilities?
Who or what can help?

Assets

Liabilities

1. Experience in PSII
2. Experience in conducting
class.
3. Proficiency in modeling on
different instruments.
4. Methods books for variety of
instruments.
5. Years in instrumental
ensembles.

1. Limited experience
as a conductor.
2. Not being a brass
player (cant model
well on brass
instruments).
3. Not having
experience teaching
special needs
students in a music
classroom.
4. Tendency to look
at those doing right
instead of whole
class.
Timeline:
(By when?)
1.September 8, 2014
2.September 22, 2014
3. October 6, 2014
4. October 27, 2014
5. November 3, 2014

Action plan:
How will you accomplish your goal?
What will you do?
By when?

Timeline:
(By when?)
Dec 20, 2014

Differentiating instruction is important so that all students

have a chance to understand what I am teaching. Using a
variety of methods to teach will allow for a deeper
understanding from the students.

Actions/steps to be taken
(What will you do?):
1. Use modeling as much as
possible in the classroom.
2. Check for understanding at all
levels in the classroom.
3. Use a new way of explaining
something to students.
4. Use students as models.
5. Model on a non-major
instrument.

Professional Goal #2
Goal no. 2

Action Plan

What will you accomplish?

(Goal statement)

I will aquire more with-it-ness, working on looking

at the whole picture of the classroom rather than
exclusively focusing on my teaching

What does it look like when youve

accomplished your goal?
I.e., How will you know you have achieved
your goal?
What are the indicators of success or
progress? (Assessment)
Rationale:
Why is it important?

I will be able to list four things

that happened in the classroom
while I was teaching a lesson,
that didnt interrupt my teaching.

Pre-assessment:
What assets and/or liabilities currently exist?
How can you take advantage of your assets
and minimize your liabilities?
Who or what can help?

Assets

Liabilities

1. PSI experience
2.PSII Experience
3. Experience multitasking
4. Knowledge of the classroom
5. Quick learner

1. Zoning in on the
score.
2. Taking the best
behaviour as the only
behaviour in
classroom.
3. Looking for those
who are playing not
those who arent
playing.
4. Limited experience
conducting.
5. Limited experience
on my own in a
classroom.
Timeline:
(By when?)
1. March 10, 2014
2. March 17, 2014
3. March 24, 2014
4. March 31, 2014
5. April 7, 2014

Action plan:
How will you accomplish your goal?
What will you do?
By when?

Timeline:
(By when?)
April 17, 2014

This is important because as a teacher, I need to be able

to be connected to the classroom and not just fully
concentrated on what Im doing while teaching.

Actions/steps to be taken
(What will you do?):
1. Get to know the students
names and their behavioural
tendencies during class.
2. I will list 1 thing that
happened in the classroom
unrelated to my teaching during
a lesson
3. I will list 2 things
4. I will list 3 things .
5. I will list 3 things .