Sunday, March 1, 2009

why be nervous?

My university supervisor came in for her first visit, and I choked. Not literally, although that would have been a lesson the students would remember for a long time ("dude, did you see his face turn blue?!?!?"), but as I introduced the lesson I jumped in 3 or 4 steps beyond where my lesson plan said I would and uttered several more ums and uhs per minute than acceptable. I did recover nicely, if I do say so myself, and the rest of the lesson went well. The students got a little antsy and the volume went up (so say her official supervisor notes) but it was just before recess...

I need to power up the video camera this weekend so I can see myself teach. I'm sure I'll be appalled -- does the camera really add 20 lbs? and increase forehead depth by several inches? and cause that tie to really clash with that shirt?

...

MT out again Mon and Tues, so I'm desperately reading many science chapters to review/prepare the class for a test Tues, and introducing "Mini-Society" as well, which sounds cool. Wonder if I can convince them to name me Supreme Dictator for Life?

3 comments:

Teacher Mom said...

I was also really nervous to be observed...and skipped 1/2 of what I planned! I guess this is what happens. Don't beat yourself up over it. You'll be more comfortable next time you are observed since you got through it once already.

PennyCandy said...

Observations are always nerve racking even once you are cetified and in a full time position. Keep your chin up and we all jump around in lessons.

Wm Chamberlain said...

Funny thing about observations, when you are a new teacher you get them all the time even though you may not be very good. When you have years of experience and a killer lesson planned you can't drag someone in to watch.

If you do video yourself, don't be too hard on yourself. Being comfortable in a classroom takes time, but that comfort goes away when the camera is rolling no matter how much experience you have.