Observation

The math department head came into the end of one of my classes yesterday and was watching me explain something to the students. He was actually there to ask me a question, but he caught the end of my lesson. I was explaining the Trigonometric Ratios and why Sine and Cosine could not be greater than 1. He was impressed with the explanation and the way I was presenting the information to the students. I was having them explore the problem a little rather than just give them the fact that the Sine and Cosine must be less than 1, I had them discover the reasons for this fact.

I asked him if he could observe me in the future so I could get some outside feedback on what I needed to improve upon and what I was doing well. He said that he could do that, but the only class he has free would be during my 6th grade class, which is my worst class. I actually think that would be a good thing. I do not simply want to know how my best class is going, but also how my worst class is going. By observing that class, I will be able to see what I need to improve upon for other classes as well.

I do feel that my development as a teacher has be hindered by the fact that I have not received any feedback or been observed yet. I have no idea if I am doing a good job, if I need to change my methods or what is happening in my class. Therefore, I feel that I am not growing as much as a teacher as I should be. Again, though I do not necessarily agree with the mentor program in the State of Indiana and how the paperwork is set-up, I do feel that having a mentor to observe lessons is a good thing as a whole and can help develop a young teacher into a stronger teacher.

As it is right now, I feel that I am flying by the seat of my pants and have no knowledge of what aspects of my teaching need improvement.

Aaron