EDUG 401 Group B interview

EDUG 401 Group B Interview

Male, high school student:

Are you enrolled in any special academic programs? (ie: AP, IB, Honors, AVID, etc)

Yes, I’m in honors physics.

If yes, do you find these courses helpful, challenging, boring? Please give a brief description.

I really enjoy my honors class. I feel like I would be incredibly bored if I were in regular physics. Basically my class is always 2 or 3 full chapters ahead of the regular class. We study subjects like magnetism and gravitational force much more than the standard class (challenge questions, more material, etc.)

Have you ever felt that a teacher has been a mentor to you as a student?

Not necessarily a teacher but my advisor has.

If yes, please give a brief description of why.

He always asks me questions about what I do outside of school and offers any kind of help if I need it.

Have you ever felt that a teacher has been a negative influence to your success as an academic student?

I’ve felt in the past that a teacher’s teaching style has impacted me negatively.

If yes, please give a brief description of why.

The way my math teacher presents information can be too fast and lacking in sufficient notes from time to time. He is more geared toward students that just “get it.”

Are you planning to attend a college or university after graduation?

Yes.

Are you involved in any other school related activites? (ie: clubs, sports teams, arts, etc)

Please list them with a brief description of what you enjoy about them.

I take a print making class that I enjoy (we do all different kinds of printing). I do track after school. It’s the only sport I really enjoy. Car club is the only club I attend. We meet and discuss car related things.

Would you say that overall you enjoy school?

Yeah I enjoy it. We get way too much homework and I feel like at times all I do is school. I wish (*name of school omitted*) would realize that their students have a life outside of school.

My reaction to this interview is that I will attempt to think about what this student said about the positive and negative aspects of some of his experiences with members of the education field. I will attempt to mirror the positive aspects of his advisor and be approachable, and also show genuine interest in what my students are doing in and out of school obligations. I will also try to be conscious of the comprehension levels of each of my students and try to work at a pace that ensures that each of them understands the material before I move on.

Interview with a high school English teacher

My interview was of a high school English teacher. This teacher teaches one AVID class, and three senior AP/IB English courses. This teacher also employs a student teacher, and is the department chair.

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Alexandra: How do you combat with the monotony of teaching several periods with the same lesson plan?

Mr. X: The student's discussions do vary between classes; however, I find it easiest to simply not teach more than three periods of the same class. Three seems to be the maximum number that is manageable.

Alexandra: How do you select the texts that your class is to read per semester?

Mr. X: There are several steps to selecting a text. First, all books must be district approved. Of the list of district approved texts that are available, I require that one: I must enjoy the book. And two: that my students may be able to find the book enjoyable. I also consider how broad or narrow the curriculum must be based on the content of the text, and how I can incorporate the texts together thematically throughout the semester.

Alexandra: How do you structure a test-prep (AP or IB) course to work for students who are not planning to take the test?

Mr. X: I treat all students equally based on the syllabus requirements, regardless of whether they are or are not planning to take the test.

Alexandra: How do you structure your own time to grade all students' tests and papers?

Mr. X: Prioritize. Tests and essays come first. Other assignments, I am sorry to say are often graded based on skimming.

Alexandra: How would you describe your personal teaching philosophy?

Mr. X: I try to treat students with the respect that they deserve. This is often variable based on their age and the manner in which they behave in my interactions with them. I believe that if you show the students that you care about your subject, then they will respect the material. I also employ an 'open door' policy. Students are welcome to come into my room before school, during break, lunch, or after school hours to discuss anything they would like with me.