= Please TYPE [ncn commen) DIRECTLY onto this form. Lethbridge PROFESSIONAL SEMESTER THREE: Final Report Intern Teacher: revo Se) Rick Homan University Consultant: Intern Teacher's Descriptive Report: Ithas been said that great teaching is ike an art. It relies on mastery of foundational skills wth a consistent reflection on [strengths and areas of improvement. During my third professional semester at Cardston High School | had the opportunity to lturther develop my experience as an educator. In seeking to create an optimum leaming environment for students my teaching style has been greatly reformed. This final report will tine my progress in regards to the professional growth plan | Ihad established at the beginning of the semester. Upon reviewing ths final report one will have a better understanding of my lpracticum experience and professional development ‘The first and most important goal that | set was to build positive relationships with students. When students understand that you value them as individuals they will be more wiling to leam. Where and who we teach should greatly inform what and, lhow we teach. Even smaller details became crucial to understanding the dynamics of the classroom. in building positive relationships | believe that respect was the most fundamental value to promote in the classroom. Having a safe classroom |where opinions could be shared without judgement was very important to establish. As a specific strategy | had students lanswer an attendance question at the beginning of class. The questions were simple however they allowed for a one on one linteraction that was not based on curriculum. In a larger classroom this had been an important too! for building rapport with Ithe class as a whole. There was also great value in recognizing student interests. Asking about the football game, to what Ithey were up to on the weekend made a great difference in showing students that we care. It also allowed for me to adapt my liessons to be more relatable to my students own lives. An example, would be when | taught the Industrial Revolution in relation to "Newsies" (a play that many students took interest in). | also enjoyed helping with after school events such as the |Sadie Hawkins dance. This allowed for me to interact with students in a less structured environment outside of the regular |ciassroom. Starting the Chess Club at the school also allowed me the opportunity to get to know students in other classes. [These are several of the ways that | had attempted to build positive relationships with students during my PSIll experience. The next goal was to improve differentiated instruction for social studies lessons. There was a wide range of academic lablties, student needs, and considerations in both of my classes. | did my best to develop lessons that would fit with this Ieality. Not all changes have to be significant, Modifying the student booklet to coloured paper, allowing certain students to sit Icloser to the screen, recording an audio version of the test, providing condensed notes of lessons were some methods | used Ito help to ensure greater student success. Throughout the practicum | have leamed and built upon a great deal of strategies. lfrom observing my Teacher Mentor and other staff members. In witnessing a great range of teaching strategies | was able to ladd to my “teaching toolbox." No two students are the same and the lessons will aways need to be improved upon to match this reality. This is @ goal that | will continue to improve upon as it will always remain present in my teaching, “The last goal that | sought to improve on was classroom management. The best teachers are able to connect abstract, lconcepts to students lives and thereby make content relevant. Students will learn most effectively when they are engaged |with what is being taught. The importance of the material should be clear in order for effective leaming to take place. An lexample was linking the importance of persuasive writing to their own lives or the diploma exam awaiting them in Grade 12. IMy classroom management overall has been focused on ensuring student respect for themsolves, their classmates, and their teacher. A management strateqy I relied on greatly was a clearly established set of rules and routines. Upon entering the |classroom students could see the daily oulline on the whiteboard as well as the tasks they were expected to accomplish. [Working out rewards related to sealing arrangements had also been an effective strategy that | would use frequently. My passion for education has developed out ofthe positive effect that remarkable teachers can have on students lives. It is my hope that during this third practicum | made a difference for those whom | taught. This practicum experience has been lvery rewarding in terms of professional growth, the excellent mentors I was able to observe, and the interesting students | had [the opportunity to teach. | have benefited greatly from this experience and will continue to refine and adapt my teaching, Ihave read and received a complete copy of my PS Ill Final Report. Bough. Gill December 6, 2018 Intern Teacher Signature Date” This page is to be returned to the UC to be included in the PS II Final Report. UfL: PS Il Final Repont: (Revised: January 2016) Page 3 of 5