This semester, it is my responsibility to work with the nine Ag Ed students enrolled in the Ag Ed Methods course (AEE 3200). In addition to regular class time, these students will be engaging in four field experiences. The first is a 15 minute lesson where they present an interest approach and teach a skill using the demonstration method. The second is a 25 minute lesson beginning with an interest approach and then must teach at least one objective using a teaching approach that matches the subject matter. The third is a full period lesson featuring an interest approach and a problem-based approach. The fourth is a full period lesson beginning with an interest approach and teaching a topic of their choice as completely as possible using any of the strategies, approaches/methods, and techniques discussed in class.

My responsibilities will include a pre-conference with students to discuss their lesson plan, their concerns, their goals and how they intend to make sure students learn. I then set up the field experience with the site teacher and provide students with their order of appearance at the school, as well as an observation rubric. I show up to each visit with a video camera and one tape for each student and film their work in the classroom while I take notes. Once they complete their lesson, they are handed their video and the rubric to view overnight and make comments about the teaching they witness, from the point of view of a student. Within one to seven days of the experience, students attend a feedback conference with me. During the conference, I use questioning to get students to discuss their performance from the point of view of quality student learning. Students bring their completed rubric and video tape with them to the conference.

Regarding the informal mentoring idea, I would select 5 to 6 teachers at the Beginning Teacher Conference to work with. These teachers would then commit to self-selecting a mentor at their school site, or near their school, to work with over the course of the school year. Since these individuals have been teaching for about a month now, many of them have some idea about where they might need support and guidance. They would then identify someone who could help them grow in that area. My job would be to provide some structure for the relationship. I was thinking about providing regular correspondence to serve as helpful hints on what things they should be looking at/working on/reflecting on at various points through the year. We would meet as a group during the BTC in September, again at the Ag Ed Tech Update in January, and at the State FFA Conference in June. At these meetings, I would have an opportunity to visit with them regarding their growth, or lack thereof, and the status of the relationship. I am also toying with the idea of creating a blog community so they can have access to one another and to me and Dr. Washburn here at UF. As you can see, the idea is still fuzzy but I think it has potential and I welcome your ideas as well.

When you have a chance, let me know what you think. Have a spectacular day!!