Final thoughts and Questions

I enjoyed being able to analyze my student throughout the course of the semester. I was able to learn a lot about whom my student was and what he was able to accomplish throughout the semester. I established a relationship with Jayden that allowed for him to see me as a teacher and as a friend.  Jayden was always very willing when I provided him with positive feedback and when I encouraged him to do his best work. I discovered at the end of the semester that in giving my students positive feedback they are more willing to put effort on their behalf to succeed.

A teacher needs to be able to build relationships with their students “These teachers understand that having positive and personal connections with students is the best way to prevent misbehavior and increase motivation because students cooperate and work harder for teachers that they love”(Vitto, p. 65).  When students can share something about their personal lives in the classroom the students feel more empowered in the classroom. Creating an environment where the teacher can learn about the students and student can learn about the teacher is also important. Teachers need to be aware of student’s backgrounds, interests and experiences. In giving the students voice to “ take the time to let the student discover what, why and how in exploring. We then use this builder when we ask a student to reflect on their experiences”(Vitto, P.68). As a teacher it is also important to strongly encourage students to relate the topics is learned in class then being able to apply it to their own lives. Students are better able to learn when they are able to relate to things they know at home. If students are able to bring their own thoughts and ideas to the classroom, because “ students are oftentimes more willing to cooperate when they are invited to contribute rather that told to contribute”(Vitto, p.69). I think in order for all students to contribute to the class material on a day-to-day basis using notecards with the student’s names on them and having them class to always participate is an excellent idea. In having these notecards it will allow for all students to have a voice in the classroom and participate. I also believe that this helps in students being attentive in the classroom and learning.     

In being able to analyze Jayden I have learned to analyze my whole classroom environment. Jayden taught me that a teacher needs to be able to create relationships with students in order for students to be more involved in learning the material in class.  Jayden grew a lot in the areas of reading and writing when I was able to work with him and give him positive feedback.

 I had a great experience in finishing my learner analysis project because all the adults were wiling to help me succeed. I never felt push back from my CT or from Jayden. The classroom that I was interned at this semester  has allowed for me to learn about my student and myself as a future educator. I am excited to build relationships with my students   in the future.    

Questions

*I am hoping that Jayden's teacher continues to give Jayden feedback in order for him to grow in the classroom. What if Jayden stops receiving this feedback? How will this reflect in his learning?

*How can  Jayden be more focused on his work as a student without relying so much on positive feedback in order to succeed?

*What kind of advice can you offer a student  who is so reliant on the teacher to be able to succeed without constant feedback? How can Jayden  slowly move away from being reliant on the acceptance of his peers and his teacher?

* How can a teacher help students find themselves? How can I help students find their  true identity without having to be accepted in society. I want my students to feel proud to be who they are all the time.Eventually, in the future i want my students to know that they can do anything they set their minds to. How can i create this mindset for ALL my students in the future? How can  impact Jayden in my final weeks as a student intern?