This class has taught me to look outside of the box when it comes to the teaching field. The old methods aren't working, test scores are plummeting, and students are disinterested as ever. I've also learned some strategies to incorporate in my own classroom for the betterment of my students. For instance, literature circles are an awesome tool to use in the classroom. They are mini book clubs for the young! I feel once you have your class involved in lit circles then they will truly come to love the book itself. Instead of viewing it as homework students can view reading as fun. I've learned to engage students in anyway possible and getting them interested. If that means I have to come to class dressed up like Julius Caesar to help them comprehend the Shakespearean play...I'll do it. But, I have learned to be extremely prepared as a teacher. Preparedness is key in the classroom. If you do not know the material then your students will lose faith in your skills. However, it is OK to tell students you are unsure of something because knowing when to ask for help is a powerful skill. My philosophy of literature is as a follows: I believe literature and the humanities help define our roles as human beings in order to gather a better understanding of others we must enter their realities. Literature is essential to strong development in every person, and believe reading is a tool to enlighten students.
My performance in the class has taught me to slow down and be willing to change your ways. Teaching is an experiment and sometimes we have to shift things up to receive a better result. If you are unwilling to stop and reflect then what good will come in your classroom. Self-evaluation is pertinent to a stronger and better you. So I've learned to reflect on the classroom and be willing to change. Also, my performances along with others have taught me that the classroom does not have to be straight lecture. The classroom needs to be jam packed with fun and interesting aspects to garner student involvement. The group teach taught me that dealing with peers will be important to developing strategies in your classroom. If you place yourself with a great group of colleagues the feedback they will present to you may be vital to classroom enhancement.
So where am I as a teacher of English today? Well I am in the process of fine tuning myself and learning my own classroom identity. Before I can learn my student's diverse identities I need a strong grip of myself. I am in process of being a sponge that absorbs any potential strategy I find helpful for my classroom. I consider myself beginning to be a teacher of English who incorporates books, poems, stories which increase my students comprehension of others along with the reality of life. I want the information presented to transcend the classroom and I want students to say: "I learned so much in that class, including becoming a better person."
