Midterm Summary

This half of the semester has been a challenge for me. It started with a constant feeling of being lost and not really knowing what direction the class is moving in or what is expected of me. Frances’ style of teaching is so different than anything I have ever experienced before that I was just stunned. When Frances departed, I just started reading without really having any overall plan. I enjoyed the books I was reading and had the best time in Mrs. Hill’s class. I can’t emphasize enough how much I liked going to Tibbetts the few times I was able to go.

I was really looking forward to Frances return so that I could ask all my questions and set up a plan for success in this class. I was Pumped up about it and couldn’t wait to do the lit circle! Then as soon as Frances got back, I injured myself and feel like I am in limbo again. It is very frustrating for me because I am a good student, always stay on top of class and always have a clear perspective on where things are heading.

Now, however, I feel totally out of control. I worry that I am missing out on some of the most important aspects of class. I have faith that all will work itself out, but this is not how I pictured this semester going and it is a difficult place I find myself at today.

 Now that that is out of the way, On to the meat of this beast!

1.  Four major strands of work

          Communication – Communication is key in learning. I feel that the unique aspects of this class (off campus meetings and my situation) have forced me to become more effective in this area. I also believe that the channels of communication in this class are always open. I appreciate that.

          Research  - I am currently doing the research for my literary element.  I am reading some graphic novels and really getting interested in this unique medium. I hope to have my research up soon. Also, I am researching different types of children’s books and trying to read books that I normally wouldn’t

          Technology – I had never made a webpage before this class. I have taken online courses so submitting work electronically and discussing concepts in a forum or chat room is not new to me. I am glad that we have the webpage because it will give me a platform to be able to present my work to the class without being there physically.

          Collaboration  - I don’t feel like we have really been asked to collaborate much to date. I have not been able to attend a lit circle yet so that may be a place where collaboration is happening, but in what I have experienced, the only real collaboration was working with the 6^th graders on their topics and trying to help them succeed. I feel that collaboration is important, but I don’t think we have utilized much so far.

2.  Five dimensions of learning

          Confidence and independence – I learned about this first hand going to Tibbetts. I was not sure what to expect and a little scared to go. After I got a little experience with the kids my confidence was boosted. I feel like this class is forcing me to gain confidence in new aspects of my abilities. I think my confidence level has risen. I also feel that I am capable of operating independently for the purposes of this class. I am confident that I can learn what I need to from this semester.

          Knowledge content – I have been reading a lot of books and feel like my knowledge of what is available is growing. I am more comfortable with recognizing Genres and understanding story structures. I feel that my only deficit now is that I have not been able to put the knowledge into practice and work with the kids more.  

          Skills and Strategies – I feel that I am missing out on this part of class. I have nieces and nephews and have experience reading with them and trying to help them make connections to real learning by using stories. I can’t help but feel that I could be learning more in this area. I wish I could go to class!

          Use of prior and emerging experience – I read a lot as a child and going back through the books I loved then I can appreciate why my parents wanted me to read them and why I found them so entertaining. Now that I am trying to read a wider variety of books I am gaining more fluency in children’s literature and will be able to use that experience to benefit more children than my more limited knowledge would have allowed.

          Critical Reflection – This has always been a strong point for me and I feel that I am very capable of being able to step back and see a situation from an analytical point of view. The hardest part of the process for me is realizing that I need to. 

Midterm Evaluation

Estimated evaluation in terms of grade – This semester has been difficult for me, but I believe I have overcome the challenges that I faced and that I have been able to excel in certain aspects. I would give myself an A.

Suggestions for your further development during remainder of semester – I will try to find a way to overcome the barrier of not being able to be in class. I feel like that is my biggest hurdle right now. I will have to look for opportunities to put my knowledge into practice.