Final Reflection for Dr. Pytash

- We started the semester off looking at certain students and the strengths and weaknesses of each student in language learning. By doing this activity I was able to see how students struggle with learning and ways that they connect to the language.  For instance, Yolanda had an open attitude and understood themes by relating the text to her life. However, she needs more options for her learning and more practices with writing, vocabulary, grammar, and reading.  By seeing the strengths and weaknesses I was able to think like a teacher and see what each student needed to help better their education. 

- Also starting the semester off we looked at the different Language as Learning strategies.  I liked looking at these articles to see how I would prefer to teach my classroom. I was able to pick different elements from each of the categories and relate my personality towards each strategy. The strategy I related to the most was Language as Development.  I related to this strategy because teachers engage instruction to individual needs.  I think by doing this students are able to relate to the material and get more out of a lesson.  

-Working with the Great Gatsby this semester helped better my understanding of the novel.  In high school I didn't care too much for this novel; however, learning different ways to teach this novel helped me appreciate this book more.  I liked creating our own lesson plans and teaching our lessons to help prepare us for when we will be teaching this novel.  I also liked looking at the different literary theory strategies when working with this novel.  I think it is important for students to understand these different theories to help them better understand a text.  I did 1984 for my paper and I looked at it through a social lens.  By looking at the novel through a social lens I was able to come up with many more themes and messages in the book than I would have if I wouldn't have known the different literary theories.  

- I learned different ways to use discussion in my classroom such as the Fishbowl, Save the Last Word for Me and Literature Circles.  I think all of these methods help engage students more than a typical lecture discussion.  The fishbowl strategy is a fun way to get ideas across.  Save the Last Word for Me helps students pick out certain passages and share with students without feeling intimidated. Literature Circles help students focus on certain topics with a small group of people to learn from each other. I always enjoyed getting the different ideas from Dr. Pytash to help me in my classroom. 

- When teaching writing I would like to try Kelly Gallagher's approach.  Looking at student writing as improvements rather than grades is a great way to help students better their writing.  I like that he only has six comments for students to look at because this helps students fix a few mistakes rather than being discouraged by a paper full of red marks.  Everyone can improve and I like this attitude.  Creating rubrics as a class allows students to see what is required of them because they helped make the rubric.  Also having a rubric specific to each student allows each student to focus on their own individual issues with writing.  I love this method and think I will adopt it. 

-Finally closing of the semester with Shakespeare was fun.  In my high school classes we each got a role and read from the play.  It wasn't ever too exciting.  I liked the ideas of the readers theatre play, the silent roles, and the beats to help students learn Shakespeare.  I liked watching the video of the teacher who had students sing to a play because that helped students learn in a different way.  All of these methods help students become engaged and active while learning Shakespeare making it easier to understand and remember. 

- I liked our textbook this semester because it gave many great ways to teach literature.  I enjoyed this class and I will miss you Dr. Pytash.  I have learned a lot in the two semester I have had you and I think the lessons I have learned will help me be a better teacher in the future.