Salutations, fellow educators! If you're back here for Episode 4, it means you've survived the harrowing ordeal of watching yourself on video (queue dramatic thunder sound effects 🌩️). Well done! 👏 Now, take a deep breath. It's time to embark on the final, thrilling stage of our epic saga! 🎉
Our last meeting saw us dive headfirst into the world of video analysis. We looked ourselves in the eye (through the camera lens, of course) and unlocked intriguing insights using the See, Think, Wonder (STW) and Noticing, Wondering, Appreciating (NWA) routines. So, what next? Do we just sit there, appreciating our good angles and questioning our questionable choices? Of course not! We're teachers - we know better. We take action!
Get ready to grab those insights by the horns and steer them towards the rodeo of professional development. Here's how you can apply your hard-earned wisdom to turbocharge your teaching practice:
1. Make a Game Plan 🎯 Remember those "wonder" questions you thought up during the STW and NWA exercises? Now's the time to turn them into a list of "wonderful" goals. Create an action plan with clear, achievable targets based on your video observations.
Think: “I wonder if using more visuals would improve student engagement?" This can translate into an actionable goal like, “Incorporate at least one visual aid in every lesson for a week."
2. Test the Waters (Or rather, the Classroom!) 🧪 Once your game plan is ready, it's time for the real test. Implement your strategies in the classroom. Yes, it's nerve-racking. Yes, you might feel like you're walking into a dragon's lair with nothing but a chalk stick. But hey, that's how every superhero story starts, right?
3. Remember the AAA – Always Assess and Adapt 🔁 Adaptation is the name of the game in teaching. Use each class as an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of your new strategies. Didn't work out as planned? That's okay! Erase that chalkboard and start afresh. Remember, even the most legendary rock bands had a few off-key performances before they found their groove.
4. Make Friends with Your Camera... Again 🎥 I can hear the collective groan already. "Not the camera again!" Don't worry, it's not moving in permanently. But occasionally inviting it back will help you track your progress and make necessary adjustments. Plus, it's a great excuse to check if your good side is still good.
5. Pat Yourself on the Back 🎖️ Last but not least, celebrate your growth! Teaching is tough, and taking steps to improve your practice even tougher. So, every small victory, every eureka moment, deserves a standing ovation (even if it's just your cat watching).
And there you have it, folks! The thrilling climax to our trilogy. We've traveled together from the nerve-wracking act of recording our lessons, through the introspective labyrinth of video analysis, to the exciting finale of professional development.
But remember, every ending is a new beginning. So, keep that video camera on standby, keep those observation tools at hand, and keep growing - all it takes is a little reflection, a dash of courage, and maybe, just maybe, the right camera angle.
Tune in next time for more exciting adventures in the world of practitioner inquiry. And remember, whether you're leaping tall buildings or just getting through a tough lesson, you've got this! 👍🚀