Lesson1+Analysis

Lesson 1 Analysis 1. The students learned what central angles and arcs are of circles. They also learned how to measure both. As far as knowing that they learned the material, they all received passing grades on their worksheet. I was also able to observe a lesson Mrs. Langle taught where the students recited what I taught them. 2. When planning for the lesson, I thought about the ways in which Mrs. Langle teaches. I did not want to stray far from her format, because as a student myself, when things are too different they seem to become more complicated. I also considered the fact that I would be teaching the lesson to two different sections of students and I had to make it versatile for both. Knowing the first section is high achievers and the second section is made up ‘normal’ students, I needed to make the lesson appealing to both sets of students. 3. I think the most effective part of my lesson was the idea that I was teaching versus Mrs. Langle. The students seemed to pay better attention to me than when Mrs. Langle is teaching. I appreciated this because it made me more comfortable. 4. When teaching the lesson, I tried to stick with my plan, however things change. In the first section, I became lost and needed help. I asked Mrs. Langle and she helped to guide me back into my plan. It was natural and comfortable to ask her, I did not feel like I failed and she did not make it seem that way either. When teaching it the second time, I fixed the quirks in my plan and focused on the things I missed the first time around. I knew what I needed to change by the questions asked in the first section. I was grateful to have been able to teach this lesson to two sections because it allowed me to see how much I, as a teacher, can deviate from a plan. It also allowed me to make the correct changes and emphasize the points that I did not in the first section. 5. The Geometer’s Sketchpad worked well and was appropriate. I did practice using it, but because it was my first time using it in class, I did fumble a few times. As for the notes I synched to the students, I believe they were very appropriate and they worked well with the projector. During notes in the first section, the Tablet laptop failed to function correctly so I used the white board instead. As for the second section, I did not even attempt to use the laptop and used the white board the whole time. 6. If I was going to teach this lesson again, I would not use the Geometer’s Sketchpad and instead just present the new material on the board. Because I did not know how to use it very well, the students became confused. More time was needed to explain what central angles and arcs were, when it could have been done more easily by using the white board to begin. 7. As for my teaching strengths, I believe that I make sure the majority of the students understand the new material. I asked many times in the lesson if they understood what I was saying and if they did not, I would re-explain it so they did. I also believe I keep a positive attitude while teaching. I do this by giving each student an opportunity to answer a question, giving them positive praise, and urging them to keep going. 8. A goal that I would like help with would be if I become lost, to take a second and gather myself to continue. Even if I do not follow the plan completely, I would like to know how to deviate and return to a point in the lesson plan to finish it.