Week three seemed to fly by, even more so than the others. There was a bit of disruption this week for my Transition years as they were going on a school trip to the Galway Christmas markets. I remember how much loved going on trips in my own Transition Year and now I finally understand why the teachers used to be so stressed by our involvement in activities that affected class time. You could say it has come full circle. I am hopeful that my unit of learning with this group gets to be completed as learners finish their art module n February/March however there is work experience tossed in the mix too...never a dull moment.
This week also marked my first unannounced visit, which took place during my 5th year Art History class. I was really pleased with how it went and it was clear that the learners were engaging and working hard, all of which I knew but it was great that this was noticed by someone who didn’t know them or their ability. I am continuing to work hard to incorporate as much practical elements in my art history lessons allowing for as much active learning as possible. I feel quite positive with the progress I am making with this group of learners however I am fully aware that I must continue to push these learners to engage and build up their critical and visual language. Some learners in the group could definitely challenge themselves more and input more into their notebooks which I have advised them will act as a vital study aid when they have to sit their leaving certificate next year. As the saying goes, you only get out what you put in.
I am currently working on a Mask unit of learning with one of my first year groups, it is quite challenging as I only see them once a week and building up masks is quite a big project, I suspect this unit of learning will take the duration of my school placement. Unfortunately as their next lesson is the last day of term the class will not be going ahead as there will be a half day. In this weeks’ lesson learners worked in pairs to create their initial mask shell, this worked well as learners were able to work together to ensure all the correct steps were followed as seen in my demonstration. This particular group are very enthusiastic however at times this enthusiasm lends itself to not paying attention during demonstrations and continuously talking, I therefore kept four learners at the end of the lesson to discuss their behaviour. In the New Year I will consider setting a seating plan to counteract this, I will however lease with their main AT to seek advice on working with specific learners. When I discipline the learners in question I try to set up an opportunity to allow them to succeed in an aim to curtail their behaviour however I need to be bolder in my actions for the duration of my time with these learners. As they say it’s all a learning process.
I am starting to feel like I am getting into the swing of things and in one way it’s a pity that next week will be my last week before Christmas break however I am looking forward to catching up on a few things and getting even more organised for the New term.
-E.Moran
Comments