Midterm Reflection
Throughout my UNM experience I have developed a whole new way of thinking that has
only benefited my learning growth. The most important strategies that I've learned during my UNM experience
consists of listening to students, letting each student know that I care, approach each day with a clear, opened
mind, and make sure that each student feels valued within the classroom community.
My confidence level has grown tremendously throughout my UNM experience. Having
the opportunity to apply learned strategies and methods, within my practicum experience, has been nothing but beneficial.
I've also become more aware of my own academic abilities. I've had the opportunity to analyze my own reading and writing
behaviors, and I must say that some of my behaviors are quite comical.
In order for me to meet the diverse needs of students, I need to listen to student
needs, strengths, and interests, provide choices so that each student can work with great confidence while
completing their tasks, and to acknowledge every student's cultural and linguistic sensitivities. I
want my students to feel safe and valued when communicating their ideas, so that they will become self motivated learners
who will tackle every learning opportunity with positive attitudes.
Within this course I have learned the value behind listening to the students. The
importance behind being an active listener will help me empathize and communicate with children who have diverse needs.
Having the opportunity to go through the thought and writing process, of creating my Chautauqua character, has given me insight on
how to guide students around challenging tasks that awaits them when creating their own Chautauqua characters.
I was born and raised within this beautiful area, and I've grown to love
and embrace the cultural diversity that surrounds me. Being culturally aware, has helped me analyze my
own cultural beliefs, and has enlightened the way I perceive my environment and the world. Learning about
different cultures, has brought significant insight into how and why children, with diverse cultural and learning
needs, learn and function within a classroom setting. It's nice to connect terminology such as; low-context,
high-context cultures, field-dependent, and field-independent learners, to what I know and have experienced when
working with children who have diverse needs.
Midterm Evaluation
I truly enjoyed reading "Moccasin Thunder" by Carlson, and having the opportunity to personally
connect and share my connections with my peers. I love doing literature circles because it allows every group
member to hear different cultural perspectives within any given situation. I've also enjoyed creating my web
page. It has given me the opportunity to explore the benefits of using technology and it allows me to complete assignments
in a non stressful manner. I've enjoyed reading our text assignments. I was able to connect correct terminology
to what I have experienced and have known about cultural differences. I enjoyed reading about how to
teach the six traits of writing. Having the opportunity to use this strategy on myself while creating my Chautauqua
character, has given me great confidence towards teaching and using this strategy in the future. Overall,
I have had a great learning experience and cannot wait to extend my learning experience when working with my new
writing buddies.
In terms of grade, I feel that I have earned an "A" for completing my tasks, and
for learning what I have. I see great value behind what I have learned and cannot wait to implement everything
within my future classroom. I have no suggestions for the professor. Frances has been a wonderful role
model and I hope that I can inspire my future students as she has inspired me.
