Description of the Practicum
I needed to fulfill requirements for a certificate in college and university teaching at Auburn University. It was a sidebar to my never-ending studies and degree collection that seems to have no limit. I took 3 education classes, that have been among the most beneficial in my time at Auburn, in addition to the practicum to round out the requirements. The practicum dictated that I needed to be the instructor of record on a college level course and not just a teaching assistant like I had been accustomed to being. In order to complete the teaching requirement, I was hired at Southern Union State Community College to teach Biology 101 in spring of 2017, a non-majors introductory course that covers a range of topics so that students get a semisolid base of the many biological disciplines.
I was given a room key, a textbook, a lab book and was then sent out into the world (well, Opelika) to impart my knowledge (and some that I needed to freshen up on) onto a new generation of college freshman that were wrestling with issues like deciding their majors and making sure that they did not end up in tuscaloosa later on for school. My job was to teach, but this question had to be asked: what have I learned? The entire experience has imparted upon me the reaffirmation that I do want to teach biology to college students. I have always thought that was what I wanted to do, but this first dip of my big toe into the college level teaching pool and my upcoming one this summer has me excited about the possibility of learning new teaching skills and teaching students that are as excited about biology as I am. I hope that this experience as a practicum student will prepare me for the upcoming terms and help to carve out a well-rounded teacher from the rough exterior that currently exists.
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Reflection and Analysis of Practicum
I doubt that anyone likes to be watched and critiqued while they are doing their job, or even doing what they enjoy. It makes people nervous. But it also sheds some light onto how people do what they do and can hopefully make them a better practitioner of their practice. My first observation was marred with various missteps of a first-time teacher being observed for the first time by their supervisor: I stammered, talked really (REALLY) fast, dropped the frequent "um" even though I knew what I was talking about and generally acted and felt nervous. And Mr. Owen was aware that I was. It reflected in my observation report. He had some suggestions as to what I could improve on and how, and I was thankful that he shared his ideas with me. He has taught science at the grade school and college level for almost 3 decades; he knows what he's talking about.
The second observation went much better. I was much more relaxed and in control of my demeanor. My control of the subject matter was equal as before. I was not nervous the last time or this time about content matter. A lot of the introductory material I can just rattle off of the top of my head, but slides help the students and note taking is important in intro biology. He noted what I had forgotten to check up on: schedule. I was behind with a lot of ground to catch up on. Some helpful tidbits were provided to help catch the class (and myself) up. Playing catchup is no fun for anyone. But scores were better, and this led to an increase in confidence while I spoke in front of my supervisor. It was also useful for when I held a teaching demonstration for another adjunct position at another local community college. My increased speaking confidence and presence must have translated to the dean and department chair: I am hired to teach intro biology this upcoming summer! And my previous observational experience is surely to be credited for my composure.
My third and final observation of the semester occurred during the review for the final for the biology 101 class. We reviewed the final chapter and made sure all questions were answered with regard to the contents of the final. We were overall about a week to ten days behind the syllabus schedule, which was an improvement from week prior. Class went well and I feel strongly that most students will pass the final and end the semester on a high note come May 2nd.
My experience has been beneficial this semester as my first full fledged teaching without close guidance. It was a semester of missteps and also of wonderful learning experiences that I will take with me moving forward in my career and as a student. I hope that the upcoming terms will yield as many learning experiences as this one has. I want to learn as much as I can, even if I am not being observed or it being counted for a class grade.