The teacher reflected on an ELA lesson about Harry Potter. Two things went well: the students were interested in the topic and enjoyed using Quizlet. However, the students were confused by the sorting activity categories. Most students scored at least 70% on the assessment. Going forward, the teacher would use fewer sorting cards and provide more modeling for activities. The experience taught the teacher to clearly define expectations and check for student understanding.
1. Samantha Givens
ELA Lesson Reflection
Reflection questions:
A. Describe at least two things that went well during the lesson.
The students were very interested in the topic that was choose to go with the lesson. They were
very excited in Harry Potter and enjoyed reading it together. Being interested in the topic made
the students very cooperative with each activity. Another thing that went well is that students
were very accepting to using quizlet as a study piece and completed it with out fuss.
B. Describe one thing that went “differently” than expected (if applicable).
One thing that went differently is that the students were confused with the three categories for
the sorting activity. I had to go back up to the projector and show them the two categories that
went along with the one I modeled for them.
C. On the scale below, circle the number that best reflects the attitude children exhibited during
your lesson.
(Negative/frustrated0 1 2 3 4 5 (Positive/optimistic)
Comments:
4 The students were excited to read sections of Harry Potter in class. This helped them make
connections with the activities, and increased their willingness to participate.
D.On the scale below, circle your rating of the degree of difficulty you experienced in
teaching your lesson.
(Very difficult) 1 2 3 4 5 (taught with ease)
Comments:
3 the students faced some confusion when completing the sorting activity. They were unsure of
what each category was so they could put the appropriate cards underneath.
E. Briefly describe evidence of the degree to which students achieved the objectives of your
lesson. This might include a summary of student assessment data or work sample.
The students completed a individual assessment at the end of the lesson containing 6 matching
and 6 multiple choice questions to answer. Many students completed the assessment with with
at least a 70% score.
.
F. Based on the extent to which the students achieved the lesson’s objectives, describe any
changes you’d consider if you were to teach this lesson again.
2. I would consider using less sorting cards than I ended up using. The amount may have been
overwhelming to the students. Another thing I would change is the amount of modeling I did for
the sorting activity. I am still unsure the amount of modeling I should do before it becomes just
giving all the answers to the student.
G. Also related to the degree of success students achieved, describe what you would do if you
had the opportunity to plan and teach a follow-up lesson to the same group of students.
If I were able to give a follow up lesson I would find another student interest topic and
incorporate it into Drama, Prose, and Poetry. I would focus on one area with the topic so the
students can better grasp the concept.
H. As a result of your work in planning, teaching, and reflecting on this lesson, plus your mentor
teacher and/or university professor’s coaching and assessment, what have you learned about
yourself as a teacher-to-be?
I have learned that student may still need a lot of help when figuring out sorting activities. I need
to remember to clearly define what I expect of the students, and to remember to check for
understanding with the students. I feel that these lesson has gone better than my previous
lessons and that I am improving as a teacher.