Journal Week 7

This international experience continues to open my eyes to a variety of new things. This week we had the opportunity to visit two public schools in order to get an idea of how things are done outside of Lincoln. It was a great experience. It was amazing to see how these schools are about 10 minutes from each other and they differ in so many ways.

Both public schools had roughly the same amount of students attending as Lincoln. But at first glance, one would only think the school was built for half that amount. This thought would be right if one only considers the number of students at the school between 7a.m. and 11 a.m. Both public schools have “shifts" for their students. The schools are not equipped to accommodate 1,000 plus students all at once. At the elementary school we visited, the students only have about 4 hours of school each day. Either they start at 7:00 and end at 11:00 or they start at 11:15 and end around 4:00. The students’ particular “shifts” are alternated throughout the week.

The facilities at these schools were not as nice as they are at Lincoln, but the atmosphere felt much nicer. The students were respectful and they followed directions the first time. They seemed to be grateful for the things they had. I think that the students at Lincoln would benefit, as we did, from visiting public schools and seeing that everyone is not as fortunate as they are. This may help them actually have respect for other people and to be thankful for the things they have.

This week the students had the opportunity to apply the skills they have been learning throughout the basketball unit in a game situation. Their first 2 classes involved running and playing, which they enjoyed a great deal. For their 3rd class they presented information on body disorders. About 3 weeks ago, they were put into groups and given their individual topics.

During the first 2 lessons I was able to observe the students skills as well as their decision making during a game situation. (Proficiency 2.9:  Candidate utilizes a variety of strategies to assess student learning) I noticed that many of the students understand what needs to be done and can write it on paper,  but when it comes to applying that knowledge in a practical setting, they are not as successful. I think the reason for this is their basic skill level. Many of them know what needs to be done but cannot do it because they lack the skills needed to make that application successfully. I believe that if their physical educators for the remainder of their time in school continue to build on the basic skills they have, they will be more able to compete successfully in basketball and other invasion games.

Though sitting through presentations can be a bit boring, being a part of the grading process made it more bearable. Frans and I both did an evaluation on each group. Afterwards, we would sit down and figure out the students’ grade based on both our observations (Proficiency 3.1: Candidate communicates effectively orally and in writing). I like co-teaching and collaborating with Frans. He shares with me his experiences and things that worked well for him. He also asks for my opinion on things and he respects my ideas (Proficiency 3.3: Candidate builds collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, students, parents and community members). Being able to share knowledge with another educator is always good, no matter how much or how little experience one has. Something can always be learned. I am learning a lot throughout this experience. Though it has not been easy, I am realizing my ability to adapt and adjust to the needs of my students. This experience has been the steepest learning curve I have ever encountered and I am grateful for it.

Being in charge of mini basketball practice was the highlight of my week. It feels good to be surrounded by young students that are eager to learn and be a part of physical activity. It makes it even better that the physical activity happens to be my favorite sport. I enjoy teaching the students new things and watching their skills improve. The group is very hyperactive and sporadic. I take this energy and focus it into different drills and games. I give them minimal idle time. They are so eager to play and so full of energy that I have to make them take water breaks. I love their enthusiasm. If only all students were this excited about being active, being a physical educator would be so much easier.

Journal Week 6

After a long weekend and what felt like an even longer trip it was tough getting back into school mood. All I wanted to do was rest and recover. But duty called, both figuratively and literally. I arrived on Monday to find that I had been assigned to recess and lunch duty this week.

This week during lunch duty I observed the students (mainly the 8^th grade boys in my class), their actions, and the way they interact with each other. I noticed a lot of cultural differences in the way the students have a friendship love. Compared to guys in America, the Costa Rican boys have more love for each other and comfortable with themselves.  They can tell another guy friend that they love them and hug them, without having a second thought about it. It is very interesting to observe this different view of masculinity.

Although, the cultures in America and Costa Rica are vastly different, I noticed one similarity. The students that attend Lincoln are in the top 10% of the social economic status, the majority of them have maids, chauffeurs, and personal lawyers.  This means they are used to be waited on “hand and foot”, doing whatever they want and it shows through their behavior at school. For example, they protest the rule that they are not allowed to eat in the gym, though there are signs posted, and at the end of recess and lunch they leave their equipment out for us or the gym helper to pick up because they are used to not having to clean up after themselves. This becomes frustrating to me because I wasn’t raised in this manner, nor am I used to this and it seems as though they take their lifestyles for granted and lack responsibility.

Within each quarter Frans likes to incorporate a small unit of movement composition. Since we are currently in a basketball unit, we planned to incorporate basketballs/basketball skills into the movement composition unit. (Proficiency 2.6:  Candidate designs effective instruction (i.e. units and lesson plans) that reflects high expectations for all students and the belief that all students can learn)  We decided to co-teach this unit. We shared ideas, completed the lesson plan and the rubric together. (Proficiency 3.1:  Candidate communicates effectively orally and in writing) The plan was to first introduce to the students the way music is composed by teaching them how to count beats. This was done by playing music and having the students following along as we counted the beats. Once the students understood the counts we informed them that they would be creating a group routine using basketballs and gave them a demonstration/example of how it would look. We made the groups in order to minimize misconduct and lessen distractions. We informed the students that how they use their time would be critical to their grade. The students were given the challenge of using their time wisely in order to prepare to present their routine during their third class of the week.

Throughout the week as the students worked together in groups, I would walk around to make sure they were on task, give them ideas; and critique their work if asked. (Proficiency 2.2:   Candidate successfully motivates students to learn by providing effective instructional feedback for skill acquisition, student learning, and motivation) The majority of the students worked well in their groups and really focused on the task. There were a few students in each class that had to be corrected many times during class. On the day of the presentation it was easy to identify which groups actually used their time wisely. It was also easy to see which students actually gasp the concept of the 8 count beat. A lot of them could put patterns together but their transition from one pattern to the next needs a lot of work. I think that if they had more time in class to work and practice that they would have a greater opportunity of grasping the concept. Some students needed more than three 40 minute classes. Overall, this was my first experience using group work with this students and I was impressed with the way they behaved. They worked well together to create good routines and most of them did this with minimal supervision needed.

Overall, this week I was able to “learn the ropes” from an experienced teacher. After being a part of a small movement composition unit, I was able to broaden my scope of knowledge in an area I have had minimal experience. The collaborating process went well. (Proficiency 3.3: Candidate builds collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, students, parents and community members) I was also able to make the most of my recess and lunch duty, by observing the students and witnessing the cultural differences between American and Costa Rican males. My relationship with the students is continuing to grow each day. I am looking forward to spending the next few weeks with the 8^th graders and anxious to switch over to elementary.

BOCAS DEL TORO

This weekend, I and 13 other student teachers took a 4-day trip to Bocas Del Toro. Seeing and experiencing the culture outside of what had become everyday Moravia, was a good experience. Other than the classic mishaps and frustrations of being in a big group, the trip was well worth the trouble.

Bocas is a great place for snorkeling, boating, and soaking up the Panamanian culture. Water taxis transport tourists from island to island for no more than $5, and almost anything can be purchased for a reasonable price, including food, tours, souvenirs, massages, and a comfy place to stay.

Me and a few of my friends stayed at Mondo Taitu Hostel & Bar, a cheap popular backpacker hostel. It is run by 3 Americans. The atmosphere is very relaxing. They offer free pancakes for breakfast, free coffee 24/7, free wifi, and free bike rental. All of which were worth $10 a night. They have dorm style rooms as well as a tree house that accommodates 3 people. Since my friends and I are so into trying new things we decided to sleep in the tree house. It was a cool tree house. It came equipped with 2 mattresses, a hammock, half a bathroom, 2 fans, and a few friendly newts. There is nothing like sleeping in the great outdoors! It may sound and look sketchy (once you see the pics) but we enjoyed every minute of it.

Throughout the weekend, I went on a tour of the island, swam and relaxed at the beach, went on a relaxing bike ride, ate Panamanian cuisine, and enjoyed their culture. Panama is a beautiful place. I would definitely recommend vacationing here. Until then, here is a preview of the experience you would have.

Journal Week 5

Last Saturday was a long day. A couple of the other student teachers here at Lincoln and I joined the students for a day of planting trees in order to fulfill our service learning requirements. The project was a lot of fun, but it was hard work. The hilly terrain, rain in the morning, along with heat and mosquitoes in the afternoon added strain to the job. Throughout the day, I had a chance to talk with a lot of the students about their high school experience and their plans after school. (Proficiency 3.3: Candidate builds collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, students, parents and community members.) Many of the students have plans to attend major universities within the United States. The IB program at Lincoln is highly favored. Two of the students I met transferred to Lincoln to be a part of this program. Knowing how important the IB program will look on their high school transcripts and increase the likelihood in being accepted into of their college choice, transferring was a great option for them.

The travel to the site was two hours there and back. We planted trees for two hours and we took a lunch break. After the lunch break, we planted trees for an additional three hours. We then went to a small restaurant for dinner, in which I had the Chorreadas, an extremely popular corn dish that everyone recommended. I didn’t particularly favor the dish but it is always nice to try something new.

I only had the opportunity to see the student twice this week. The first class was on tactics used during invasion games. For the second class we did a quick review, took the post-test, and played basketball games the remainder of the class. For the lesson on tactics I decided to use games the students already knew and enjoyed playing in order to teach tactics. (Proficiency 2.1:  Candidate demonstrates knowledge of how learners develop, learn and think.) I figured this would be the best way for them to understand how tactics were used in basketball. A lot of the students play soccer and the remaining students enjoyed the game of team handball. I gave the students the opportunity to play both games during class. Throughout the class we would discuss on the ball and off the ball tactics. I explained to them how the tactics used in team handball and soccer related to basketball. (Proficiency 1.3:  Candidate connects Health and Physical Education content to other disciplines and applies it to common life experiences.) The students enjoyed the class and they were able to explain the use of tactics in basketball at the end of the lesson.

This week was full of a lot of fun and new experiences. First, I had the chance to celebrate my birthday in another country. My birthday was on the 14th. It seemed as if everyone around me was more excited about this day than I was, starting with my host family and ending with my students. My host family made me a special breakfast and I received many birthday wishes along with hugs and kisses. The PE department made me a cake and sung happy birthday to me and one of my students even made me a chocolate truffle. Though, I couldn’t celebrate my birthday with family and friends, it was nice to be amongst people that are loving and caring enough to celebrate my birthday with me. (Proficiency 3.3: Candidate builds collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, students, parents and community members.)

Secondly, I experienced how Costa Ricans celebrate their independence. Independence Day was the 15th of this month. Therefore Wednesday was the last day of school for the week. The school started their celebration on the previous Friday and it ended on Wednesday, the last day of school this week. From Friday to Wednesday, the school had a number of assemblies and other things that celebrated the Independence of Costa Rica. They played native music, performed skits about their history, the younger students even dressed in native outfits/costumes. They also served and made native food to share with the student body. The students were served tamales, plantains, rice, and beans. In the teacher’s lounge was an assortment of popular/common foods from the different provinces in Costa Rica. I enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of their celebration and learned more about the Costa Rican culture this week. Before coming here, it never crossed my mind that other countries celebrated Independence Day. Now I have had the pleasure of experiencing the way another country celebrates their independence. Though it is done a lot different in Costa Rica, it is done in the same spirit as it’s done in the U.S.

To end a great week with my students, I spent a long weekend in Panama. This was a much needed break where we went snorkeling, kayaking, bike riding and spent time at the beach. Other than the fun adventures in Panama, I also had the opportunity to observe and experience a culture outside of Costa Rica. Panama almost seemed more like a “third” world country than the typical area we live in. For example, there were hut type homes everywhere and some huts without front doors with whole families living there, and women carrying baskets of food and water around. I felt a little bad because we were going on a vacation there but this is how and where people live. However, on a brighter note, when we arrived to our destination I felt like the area was more “Americanized” because most of the people in Panama speak English or broken English, and US dollars is their main currency. Also, the menus at restaurant are in English and Spanish. The hostel we stayed at was ran by Americans, and there wasn’t much hustle and bustle and loud noise as in Costa Rica. Instead, the average person travels by bike or on foot, which made the area seem serene.

The opportunity to student teach internationally is an experience I will never forget. To be able to experience another country's Independence Day celebration and to travel to another country and experience their lifestyle was both an eye opener and an enjoyable adventure. It changed my outlook on what I previously thought was normal. Being here helps me to realize that every culture has its own norm. Just because it doesn’t match up to what I am used to doesn’t mean it’s done wrong. I am curious to experience more of Costa Rica and all it has to offer me in the time I have left.

Independence Day

Independence Day in Costa Rica was an interesting experience. The students and faculty get two days of school off and celebrations go on during the entire month of September throughout the country. Each day this week, our school had some kind of assembly for the holiday. They also played native music, performed skits and dressed in traditional clothing. It was cool seeing the elementary students dress up in classic Costa Rican attire and participate in the school’s Independence Day activities. Take a look!

Journal Week 4

I realized this week how much of an impact a teacher (coach or mentor) could have on a student in such a short period of time. I have built a respectful relationship with the students in my classes and it has created a positive and relaxing learning environment. (Proficiency 2.5: Candidate creates a contextually-appropriate supportive environment where all students have an equitable opportunity for high achievement in Health and Physical Education) Having a good relationship with the students, along with effectively planning, my lessons have been going smoother than ever. After weeks of frustration and uncertainty, this week was a complete turnaround. I now have an idea of what needs to be done in order to have a successful lesson. I have adapted and adjusted to the students and their needs. I am more aware of their skill level and the many different personalities within the group.

With this group of students, I find myself focusing on how to grab their attention and the best way to transition from one drill to the next. This week I decided that I would write important information (cues) on the white board. This actually worked. The students grasped the material better. There was less interruptions and I didn’t have to repeat myself over and over again. This is definitely something I will continue to use throughout this semester. For transitions, I have realized that it is best to make groups/teams in the beginning and have them keep the same groups/teams throughout the class. This minimizes the time students have to be off task and it also maximizes my instruction time and student activity. After implementing these two strategies, classroom management has been a lot easier for me. The students are more responsive, they stay active and there is less student misbehavior. (Proficiency 2.4   Candidate creates effective, well-managed, active, and safe learning environments.) (Proficiency 2.7:  Candidate varies instructional strategies in response to individual needs of students) I will definitely keep using these two strategies throughout my lessons. I will also continue to find other ways to grasp their attention and keep them interested. (Proficiency 2.1:  Candidate demonstrates knowledge of how learners develop, learn and think)

This week I also had the opportunity to work with the mini-basketball team (3rd-5th grade). The primary coach was not able to attend practice, so she asked if I could take over for her. This was a good experience for me. (Proficiency 3.3: Candidate builds collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, students, parents and community members) My first coaching experience was with a very hyper-active group of students. At first glance, I knew it was going to be a long hour and fifteen minutes. But once I started doing drills with them, I realized that they were actually good listeners and they were very eager to learn. After doing a few fundamental drills, I joined in a game of elimination with the students. This motivated them because everyone wanted to eliminate me. I even had the pleasure of teaching one of the students how to shoot without using the backboard. After telling him what he needed to do and watching him try it and be successful at it and it made me feel accomplished( Proficiency 1.2: Candidate represents Health and Physical Education content accurately). I really enjoyed working with the students.

This has really been a great experience thus far. I am learning a lot. Hearing students ask if I can stay to be their teacher or if I could be their coach or at least come watch practice makes all the frustration and uncertainty worthwhile. My teaching skills have not been perfected yet but I am confident that I am doing a lot of things right.