Total Three Circle Immersion In Week One

The Journey of Student Teaching: Day Five

First Week Reflection: Total Three Circle Immersion at Cumberland Valley

Essential Questions for Today: 

• Look back and Reflect upon your experiences of Week One.

Looking back to week one I can't help but begin to understand the importance of the three circle model and getting students to follow it.  In college we are told "Use the Three Circle Model" but we never truly see the 3 Circle model used.  What I found value in this week was I got to interact with both Agriscience Teachers and see how their system implements the 3 Circle Model. 

Intro to Agriculture Class Talking

About Hereditary Traits in Humans

Classroom Instruction / Laboratory Implementation - Something I learned here is students will make connections that you don't realize are connections.  One of the students said in the Animal Science Dissection Activity that the spleen looks a lot like the sponge used to water hermit crabs. The ENTIRE class (I repeat the entire class) immediately had their ahah moment for the day.  

This made me realize that the highlights in a lesson aren't if its necessarily a 100 % perfect lesson but if the students can make that inquiry connection to something else.  I think as a teacher I need to think about how I can get my students to connect what they have learned to other classes.

Jackets that students can buy to help

determine what sizes work best

FFA Leadership - To me the big thing i saw here was when i helped students try FFA Jackets. At first it was two 9th grade girls, then another five approached and asked as well.  Talking about it afterwards the big take away was "I didn't think those three would actually want them, I guess they do want to be involved with FFA more than just this single class." To me that was cool cause this showed me how important it is that your seniors and juniors are approachable and able to make connections.  Those students wanted jackets because they older students they respect have them.  That is a huge deal.  My big take away from this experience is that students will surprise you in four years so try to keep them involved to see where they will go.

SAE Integration - After two long days helping out at Farm Show I got to experience the benefit of scheduling SAE days.  Students were productive but the overall lesson was focused on helping students put records into AET correctly and starting chapter degree applications and proficiency applications.  This made me see the value in being a mentor in helping students see ok this is what I need to do to get this to work.  

This entire week has made me see value in not just the idea of the 3 Circle Model but also telling students that "You can do this" has power.  I need to focus next week on not just starting strong with my students but also being the mentor my students need.  I also learned that I need to constantly stay open minded with my students.  As my favorite TV Character says "Challenge Accepted" I hope to take these challenges one step at a time and not be afraid to put my all in everything I do here in this 15 week experience.

One Week Down, Fourteen More To Go!

To Be Continued . . .