Sub-domain addressed:
In my final semester of student-teaching, the value of finding ways to show students that their interests and concerns are important, was made clear to me. I attended all but two of the middle school, soccer team’s matches. I noticed the day after I attended the first match, that a connection was established between myself, and the players who were also in my math class. I was given a schedule, asked by several students to attend their practices, and asked if I was going to attend the next match. It seemed as if there was a sort of hunger for interaction and support outside of the classroom. I think that this connection enabled me to establish an environment of respect and rapport; not entirely and with all students, but the experience gave me a better idea about what is necessary to construct such an environment. I think that to do so, it is crucial to go slightly beyond the confines of assignments and activities to show care and concern for our students. |