Name: Andrea Johnson

Week: 7
1. How did you spend your time this week? What
responsibilities did you have?
Art II: Students finished up their final projects (a replication of a
modern work of art) and any projects from the semester that were not
completed. Students took a test over contemporary and modern art. I
helped the students review for their quiz, and I monitored them taking
the quiz. On their final day, the students presented their final project.
Each student described and explained their process of replicating a
modern piece of art. During their presentations, my mentor teacher
and I took notes to compare with each other later when deciding a
grade. The students were graded on their presentation and their
actual piece (from a rubric). It was interesting to see how alike my
mentor teacher and my notes were and how we had the same rough
grade for each student.
Jewelry I & II: Students finished up their final piece: a riveted,
soldered, negative space, and textured piece of jewelry/metal.
Students also worked on their previous projects that were not
completed yet. I helped the student review for the test, and I help
monitor during the test on their final day. One of the things that stood
out to me from this class was grading a final test from one of the
students who was frequently off task. This student moved half way
through the term, after most of the procedures and terms had been
taught. We modified his assignments so that hed be able to catch up
and still understand the concepts and standards. This particular
student was frequently off task and unmotivated to complete
assignments. Me mentor teacher and I emailed home to let his parents
know about missing assignments, and he did end up turning things in
but they did not showcase his abilities. I was shocked when I graded
his test, and he missed only 1 point out of 91. Only one student did
better than him, and she got 100% right. Most of the students who is
was off task with during class missed 20-30 points, where he only
missed 1 and got the 2nd highest grade out of the entire class. This
was very unexpected when thinking about his work that he turned in
and his behavior during class. This tied into some of the PLC
conversations that weve been having about standard-based reporting.
Although his work did not necessarily show his abilities, his test results
proved that he knew the processes and concepts.
Ceramics I & II: Students finished up all of their projects that had
not been turned in for a grade yet. I helped load and unload the kiln
constantly so that we could get everyones work fired. It was amazing
to see how everyones final pieces came out and how different

everyones work was. Again, it was interesting to see how aligned my

mentor teacher and my grading was. Sometimes we would grade
together and other times we would separately. I enjoyed having
conversations with students about their pieces and giving them
feedback about their design, craftsmanship, and other areas where
they had strengths and weaknesses. It was interesting to see them
self-assess and create arguments to back up their rationale and
reasoning behind their artwork. I helped them review for their final
test, and I monitored them taking the test.
2. What were your most satisfying experiences? What were
your most challenging experiences?
Satisfying & Challenging: One of the most satisfying parts of this
week was having conversations with students about their grades and
their growth throughout the term. Although getting all of the grades in
was challenging, it was very satisfying to get everything wrapped up
and to see everyones final results.
Satisfying & Challenging: The most challenging part of this week
was saying goodbye to everyone. It was amazing how in 7 short weeks
I developed a personal relationship with each one of the students (and
teachers that were around). Some students gave me cards, some
brought me treats, some gave me goodbye hugs, and some just came
for an extra visit outside of class to say goodbye. I am so happy that
my first student teaching experience went so well, and I believe that is
mostly because the students were so great. Reflecting on this first
placement of student teaching, I am reminded (once again) of why I
love doing this the students. I love being someone in their life that
can help them grow. I am saddened to say goodbye to them, but I
cannot wait until the day comes that I have my own classroom and can
start making those student relationships again.
3. What are the plans for the upcoming week?
I will begin planning for the transition to my elementary
placement by researching student development at each age and be
researching different types of lesson plans. I will reach out to my
mentor teacher to remind him that I will be joining the classroom after
Spring Break.