2nd Year Pedagogy Reflection by Ohad Gamliel

Introduction

In this course reflection, I chose the following topics, as they influenced me the most:

-Planning (page 2)

-Reflection (page 3)

-L1 in the classroom (page 4)

-Etai conference (page 5)

-Topics not discussed (page 6)

Planning

Although the Planning topic was recycled over and over again throughout several courses, I know that it is for a good reason.

You, and especially Amanda, made it very clear that a good lesson-plan increases the chance of producing a meaningful learning. In addition, it contributes to the success of the lesson, in terms of both knowledge and discipline, as students can feel whether a teacher comes prepared or not.

Several times, I’ve tried stepping into class without a proper lesson-plan, and just flow with the textbook. I have to say that those were not good lessons. On the other hand, the lessons that I had prepared for, even without a specific, written lesson-plan, achieved their goals and were most efficient.

I have learned a lot from our planning lectures, as we actually wrote and practiced them front of our peers.

When I think of it, I’m a bit disappointed that didn’t talk about planning a whole year. It would have been very helpful to learn how to plan for the entire year, although I believe it’s the duty of each school’s English “rakezet”.

Next year I’ll be teaching 3^rd graders, using the book “Click1”, which I have already taught with in the past year. I will read its teacher’s guide briefly, and extendedly before each lesson, where needed. I will produce lesson-plans accordingly, and learn from my mistakes.

Reflection

Reflection is probably the most important aspect in teaching. Again, you and Amanda made it super clear how crucial it is to reflect constantly and learn from both success and failure.

The lesson where the class brainstormed about questions for reflection was one of the best lessons this year. It was fun, informative and just on point. The outcome, a list of questions divided into categories, is pinned to the main board in my workroom.

The reflection questions which I ask myself the most are:

Did I reach my goals?

Were the activities engaging?

Would I use the same materials again?

Were there students I did not reach, and how could I change it for the future?

L1 in the classroom

I know that we constantly mention the use of English in the classroom, and some of us insist that it is not practical to use it as much as you would like us to. I believe that it can be done, but not without a price. I’ve decided to use almost only English with my next year’s 3^rd graders. I can see the benefits, I truly believe in them, and I can assure you that I’m taking your feedback very seriously, regarding the use of my English as presented in my online lessons during the semester.

The main issues that I’ll have to deal with are as following:

• Slow start at the beginning of the year
• Finding ways to draw the pupils who will lose interest
• The lack of personal bonding due to the use of a foreign language
• Losing my Hebrew verbal charm and occasional jokes (my strong side with kids)

As we already discussed about those points, I will find a solution to each and every one of them. I’ve already come-up with a major plan for next year, based on Hasava students’ ideas and your presented tools, such as posters, signs, cards, songs, games, role-plays etc.

I would like us to discuss more about how to use this approach with 3^rd graders, as they’re just learning the language for the first time. Hence, the extensive use of English in their class is very problematic.

Etai conference

This year’s Etai conference was great and fun, although was “hosted” by Zoom. Sure, it lacked the excitement of getting together, meeting new people, communicating with the lecturer directly and so on, but the topics were great:

Model for Synchronous Learning – we got recommendations for full functioning, in order not to waste precious lesson time, by handling technical issues before the first meeting of the day. We were introduced with several tools to keep the pupils interested. The lecturer reviewed each tool in a methodical way, and was overall very efficient.

Using Google Sites – the lecturer recommended building our own website using Google Sites, and talked about how easy it is nowadays to build, maintain and design a website to fit our needs. She showed us how to start and instructed us how to use each and every feature for the rest of the session. The lecturer was a bit too technical for my taste, but following this lecture, I have built my own website for my daughter.

Video Storytelling – this was definitely the lightest and the most attractive session of the day for me. The lecturer talked about the importance and possibilities of using video, in and out of class, for pedagogical purposes. He showed us how using this modern technological tool can boost students’ enthusiasm, and even make the most non-participant student to get involved in the process, by acting or handling the technical side. I would love to use these tools, but due to my super-limited time with my classes next year, I’ll try to make a fun, easy, gradable project out of it.

Topics not discussed

To be honest, I believe we covered all bases. In my reflection I have mentioned points that I would like to speak about next year, but overall I am very satisfied with the topics of this year.

In addition, the Hasava students and our class were constantly raising questions regarding all other aspects of teaching, learning and coping with problems. They did a great job and didn’t show mercy in their feedback. I have to say that I was impressed with their attitude and with how you handled all flammable situations. You were very professional, informative, patient and kind. Thank you for that.