Coaching Reflection
Working within a Co teach classroom, I was nervous about
branching out to incorporate PBL with such a large group within a space and
class that is not completely mine. Previously I implemented PBL in my resource
classroom with a small group that I had complete control over. Going into the
initial coaching session I was worried that I was not prepared enough and that
I would not have a complete say in what we do with PBL throughout this unit.
Another concern was maintaining student interest and focus during the
independent work times. Throughout my meeting with Dawn I felt more
confident in the PBL project itself, and the supports I created with my Co
teacher. We decided that within the co teach classroom the students needed
additional time in order to complete the project as well as graphic organizers
for the variety of tasks and group work. These graphic organizers allowed the
students to have an organized way of designing their instructional videos while
continuing to provide a lot of choice within the project itself. The math
instructional videos needed to have some examples as well as students explaining
the process. We created a two-column chart that divided up “what I say” and “what
I do,” that way students could think through both portions of the project.
Throughout the implementation of the PBL unit I saw students grow in their
ability to work independently and build their stamina due to the guidance and accountability
we incorporated during the initial planning session. I gained confidence throughout
the coaching session and I felt much better about my project as a whole after
the initial coaching session.
Sarah Kate,
ReplyDeleteTo me that was one of my challenges co-teaching in someone else's room. Although everyone was very kind, it can be daunting entering into someone's classroom and implementing something that you have created. Once I began working with my co-teacher and taking his inputs and suggested changes, I didn't feel that way anymore. I really felt a part of the class. It was also so wonderful to have another pair of eyes and ears in the class, so at the end of a day we could reflect back on what we noticed. Our perspectives together really helped shape the next day of the PBL. We would bounce around ideas to change like today needs to be a mini-lesson on research or let's just do a fun engaging activity. I wish more people we able to do co-teach!
Hi Sarah Kate,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that the co-teaching session you participated in with me was helpful prior to your observation and the co-teaching model was also helpful in providing support to both the students you serve in the classroom while working on their pbl and also the class as a whole. I appreciated the choice you provided to students with their project and really liked the "What I Say/ What I Do" chart that you and your co-teacher created to provide support and a place for students to hold their thinking as they worked through planning their scripts. I am glad that this project was successful.
Sincerely,
Dawn