4th October 2024
Even though I’m not a fan of group work, I actually enjoyed the class and I think I can get used to it. Единствен пропуст: не се спомна што специфично ќе се предаде, но преку хамерите разбравме. Не спомнавте како ќе биде оценувањето и поврзаноста со проф. Анжела I really liked today’s class because I think it’s very important to work in a spontaneous way. With my short experience as a teacher, I realized you can’t completely plan the class so I saw I always need flexibility Group talk time should be limited Good start for a new class. A lot of good ideas that are motivating me to keep going I think we spent unnecessarily big portion of time during the first section of the lesson. We already know each other and we could’ve done something more beneficial Great first experience! Love all the conversation we had during class. Looking forward to the next meeting! I loved the mixed/random group work activity because it gave us a chance to get to know each other better. Everyone had a chance to talk and share their view, so it felt like a very inclusive class I had fun during the lectures and I felt comfortable to talk in the classroom. I understood that I have many more goals and expectations than I had before today’s class. Thank you! The dynamic of our classes today was nothing like what I’ve experienced before. What I mean by that is the activities, although simple, were an excellent ice breaker. The hours went by really quickly and it didn’t feel like we were in a regular classroom at all. :) I enjoyed the class, the exchange of ideas is quite interesting. I look forward to gaining new knowledge from this course. The activities were fun and engaging. I really liked them. Calm and enjoyable atmosphere. <3 I really like the friendly approach to this course. It makes me feel comfortable and less anxious about the new challenges. Your positive demeanor and enthusiasm are infectious! :) The exercises were quite engaging and fun. Time table required. Maybe we can set a timer for each activity. :D The class was engaging everything was okay for me. Very happy and satisfied; a very relaxing atmosphere which makes the lesson enjoyable and not boring; everyone was equally involved Pleasantly surprised; rather similar to last year with Methodology 1 and 2; very interesting ideas given and different perspectives shared 18th October 2024
I like this dynamics. Discussions are a great way to hold these classes I liked how the teacher is clearly passionate about what she does :) Insightful. I agree with the quote: I have many more goals from what I individually realized :> I really liked the way we were put in the groups and I got to know other people in this class :) The class was very informative. I’ve got to learn more ways about teaching. Even though I felt anxious about teaching, after today’s discussion I feel more excited! I liked the discussion about how kids and teens learn. One idea that I liked from the creativity of my colleagues is that the teacher has to relate lessons to real life I have nothing of value to share. Everything proceeded well. Choosing the school was a bit stressful. :) All in all, I enjoyed the discussions we had and the choices given for practice Interesting debate. Excited and scared for the practice in schools Learnt new useful information about the course which we lacked the previous lesson What I liked the most is seeing the enthusiasm in the teacher and the whole group, which is the key point in this profession, I think. Great exploration of everything we asked. Good discussions and sharing experiences about parent/teacher relationships I didn’t understand the grading procedure for this class. What will happen if we accidentally miss some of the practical teaching sessions. There was a lot of freedom for self-expression in this class. I was very relaxed and I’m very glad about it I liked the discussion about Gordon [Neufeld], it would be nice to have more discussions of that kind. I liked the discussion we had on how teens and kids learn. I love learning about teaching different ages and what they like and don’t like. <3 People were organising themselves by friend groups; however, I feel like we should try and work with every colleague in our class, not just the people we are used to. 30th October 2024
The activity we did outside was very nice, we could do more of those and spend more time outside if the weather allows us :) The whole idea of using Noticing is good. Even if I were confused, I believe we will figure it out as time goes by. As teachers we have to adapt to new things! I enjoyed engaging with everyone, despite the difficulty of it. I very much enjoyed the first half. The second was a bit uneventful, though I’m open to any method. I’m anxious about talking to people a year below me who have been among each other for several years. I’m glad we actually did an activity outdoors, we could’ve incorporated more relaxing ambiental music during that activity. I like my group. Can’t wait to start teaching! :) Going outside was a very engaging and interactive way to do the activity. I had fun and I think we should incorporate nature like we did today in the future as well. I liked the system [Noticing?]. I’m excited to utilise it. I especially liked the exercise/game that we had outdoors. It was more engaging, interactive, and I learned better. I’d like more of that. Makes learning more fun. I’m glad we have such an app, Noticing, reflecting and taking notes would be much easier. Only one thing would make this module better: ДЕБЕЛ, МРСЕН ХАМБУРГЕР ОД 7-ЦА СО МНОГУ МНОГУ МНОГУ СОС. Jokes aside, I found today’s class and activities inspirational + the music I really liked the activity in nature. Now it feels like a lot is going to happen in short time. <3 :D Enjoyed the activity we did outside :) I was sceptical of the group activity at first but it was quite fun! I liked the change of the teaching environment I really liked when we went outside, in nature. I felt relaxed and more confident. Maybe we should listen to songs at the end of the class, “The Sound of Silence” was really powerful and inspiring I really liked the activity we did outside. It was a fun experience and I would like to do that again. Too much information. The game outside was fun! Loved our little outside exercise/game we played. Felt a little bit overwhelmed with the Noticing app information! I had a lot of fun playing the game outside, fresh air and lots of jokes. Regarding the app mentioned, honestly I did not quite understand how it works. Challenging platform, but interesting way of doing reports Very interesting model. Might need some time to get used to it though I think everything is fair, I like the way we’re getting informed and thought on what to do step by step. I’m a little stressed but more excited about the outcome. :) I’m a bit confused about the app, but I’m sure it will get better with time. I feel very confused by today’s class. There were too much informations and the instructions weren’t very clear. I enjoyed the activity we did today. :) Main themes that emerged for Elena:
Outside activity (the Cabbage game) welcomed Listening to music again, e.g. Sound of silence (Songs related to education?) Confusion around Noticing (Can I get some more specific questions? How can we make the experience better? E.g. do you want to try it out in class?) Will need time getting used to it - see my students' comments in blog posts, on the main page in Coda! Joining a new group stressful (Elena to plan for group formation; class to be more inviting? Anything else?) Nice humour in capital letters (see for yourselves): * Only one thing would make this module better: ДЕБЕЛ, МРСЕН ХАМБУРГЕР ОД 7-ЦА СО МНОГУ МНОГУ МНОГУ СОС. Jokes aside, I found today’s class and activities inspirational + the music 1sth November 2024
Very interesting. I liked it too much. We should have more presentations like this. It was very creative :) I loved the presentations and how we all worked together to explain the theories. Very interactive class today. I completely disagree with [crossed out word]. I feel like she doesn’t want to collaborate with the other colleagues. It is fine but it’s not the best for the other students that don’t feel safe here. The class was awesome nevertheless. I don’t hate her. <3 Our sessions are becoming more and more interesting! I had a lot of fun today. The activities we did were the best so far. It was a very fruitful class. I deeply enjoyed today’s experience. <3 I loved seeing the creativeness of my colleagues. We learned a lot of new information that will be used in practice. I liked the groups’ presentations. It is wonderful to see my colleagues being creative and funny in explaining serious things in a fun way. I loved how everyone presented. The discussion in the first part of the session was wonderful. [Graph representing Flow theory: flow, sandwiched in between boredom and frustration] I liked the activities in groups but I still don’t prefer working with random people. Very fun! This course is getting better and better. Also learned a lot cool strategies for teaching. I loved the activities with the presentations because we got to put ourselves in the educators’ shoes/thoughts for a bit. Also, I really appreciated the longer break because after too much consumption, I’m in much need of space for digestion. Main themes that emerged for Elena:
Students appreciate interactive formats, especially when tasks involve creativity: one learns in different ways and gets to see colleagues in different/new light One student prefers working in their friend group One student disagrees with someone sceptical about working with people who are not their friends (yet?) One students welcomed a longer break after a demanding first session 8th November 2024
I liked that we are able to share our experiences and find solutions to teaching problems and issues. Also, I don’t understand the need to discuss negative and pessimistic mindsets every class, even though I understand that some colleagues face difficulties. A less interesting class than usual. The only useful thing I found was the discussion at the beginning about the schools that we teach in and how that went I liked the way we worked with the theories in practice I liked that we discussed step by step what we should do about specific situations in classrooms I love that we put our own experiences under a microscope and discussed them together. Very fun :) Interesting and very useful discussion :) I really liked today’s session. The observations are fine, we have one SEN kid and I’m kinda concerned about that. I’m confused whether I should talk with the kid and include in the activities. For sure I just don’t know with which activities. Perhaps I can talk with his assistant/mentor. Great that we worked within the groups we’re organised in for our practicum. It allowed us to share our notes and decide on what the next step is towards resolving any issues. I found the topic interesting and ended up explaining it to a friend unintentionally. The class was great, though a bit long. I think there should be a short break for movement. Honestly, before the break I enjoyed the debate we had regarding children’s needs and rights. Really interesting. But after the break I zoned out for a bit :) I really liked the reflection that we did on what we have covered so far in our classes. It really helps us keep track of our progress. The lesson was alright though I was mosly in my own head. I’m trying to work together with people more but have been so far unsuccessful, although I believe that will soon change. I liked that we listed everything that we have covered so far and what is yet to do. Also liked having Marko included in the class, even if he was put on the spot, he handled it well, as he should. I really appreciate the way you go step by step, and create a workable environment. Thank u <3 I liked our group discussion based on affiliated, designated schools at which we teach. I loved how we got to share our personal experiences, positive and negative, and brainstorm ideas on how to better ourselves. The class was fun and thrilling - it was great to hear advice from my colleagues. I really enjoyed the discussion we had about the students in our new classes. Also it was good to mention something about SEN people. The class was very informative. I loved how we got to share experiences from our first observations and come to conclusions as a group. I found some of the solutions of my fellow students quite interesting and I would want to continue with this. I couldn’t participate much in class today; I have a terrible headache that just doesn’t go away. However, I am glad that everyone had a good experience at their school and I liked the class joining forces to solve the problem in the high school setting. The first part of the class was fun but I got really bored with the theories. I also liked that it was really informative and we used examples to make it more clear. The session today went by really quickly. I liked our discussions and many things got clearer to me. At least I know what I’m supposed to do and it makes me feel motivated. I look forward to our next class on Friday. It was an interesting class, but I would appreciate more breaks even if they are 10 mins rather than a longer one once. After hearing my colleagues’ experiences in the schools, I am more excited to start next week :) Main themes that emerged for Elena:
discussions in school groups welcome to make sense of things and get clarification summary of what has been done so far useful Marko's story being featured in class was good good working environment: I liked the class joining forces to solve the problem in the high school setting divided opinions about using theories in practice more movement/short breaks instead of one longer one? one student struggling to connect with others Queries:
I don’t understand the need to discuss negative and pessimistic mindsets every class, even though I understand that some colleagues face difficulties. We have one SEN kid and I’m kinda concerned about that. I’m confused whether I should talk with the kid and include in the activities. For sure I just don’t know with which activities. Perhaps I can talk with his assistant/mentor. 15th November 2024
I liked the outside activity, it’s always nice to do something unusual. I feel productive when talking to Noa. I’d prefer more shorter breaks. I enjoyed today’s class but it was overwhelming at times. In my opinion, we would equally enjoy and learn if we had slightly less active tasks (such as ones that require a lot of moving). Really liked the initiative for more frequent breaks. Loved the little exercise we did, it woke me up a little bit. Loved that we all did the first part with Noa together. I think it really eased the process, as I was anxious about whether I would be able to figure out hot to work the app. (Noa is a good mentor and therapist.) Prefer more shorted breaks. About the breaks: I don’t know why we have this module on Monday AND ON FRIDAY FOR 3 HOURS, plus do observations at schools. When am I supposed to find enough time in the day to do everything, I cannot be at 15 places at once, and it’s ironic that we are asked about breaks. I liked that we talked with Noa during the class. I also liked the activity with moving in the hall. More shorted breaks, please. Overall, I’m happy. Although I like it when we talk about classroom contexts (bearing in mind the theories), I would like us to focus more on what to do in those situations. So far everything else is good, as well as the shorter breaks. :) I was incredibly frustrated with Noa - talking to that digital amalgam felt like a Sisyphian task. The kinaesthetic activity was alright. Shorter breaks seem more efficient. I, for one, welcome them. Honestly, Noa enhanced my anger issues... I hope I can manage it and work easily on it. At the very end of the session I enjoyed the debate. The story we heard... really showed me how not to act as a teacher. I think we did a great job introducing ourselves to Noa (even though he was asking too much). I also liked the activity we did in the Aula, with the staring thing More short breaks; talking with Noa was fun; I’ve noticed the longer the class goes without a break, teh more uninterested students become I prefer shorter, but more frequent breaks. I thought the class went really well and was quite productive. I really enjoyed participating in the discussions and tackling the issues with everyone. I’m looking forward to working more in the future. Interesting topics discussed in the class, also interesting activity outside the classroom. Challenging first impressions of Noa, I couldn’t finish the introduction. Short breaks suit me more. :) Shorter breaks work better. Noa is really helpful but annoying at times, because it asks too many questions. I was really upset by the story we heard. I can’t believe that teachers like that one exist. I mean, people in general. All in all, it was a fruitful class, I learned a lot of new information. I want to say that I absolutely appreciate the depth and details that Noa goes into during discussions. That said, I felt a bit frustrated about the loop that I got stuck in with Noa. Even though I believe I provided sufficient information to Noa, it didn’t let me move on from the introduction phases. However, I’m willing to give it a chance as this was the first time we were using it, and I hope I understand to better use it in future reflections. The shorter breaks that we did today work better, in my opinion. I liked the activity, it wasn’t too much, no one was put on the spot and it allowed us to linger. I felt safer in the classroom afterwards. I prefer shorter breaks. I enjoyed the shorter breaks and I also really appreciated the incorporation of physical activity in the class. I hope to get to do more of it. I really liked today’s session. Using Noticing was fun for me, also having smaller breaks helped me stay concentrated up until the end of the class. I liked this class because it had AI in it. It allowed me to take a break, catch my breath and reflect on everything without hurry. For the breaks, I’d like more and shorter breaks rather than one big one. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use Noticing. I thought it was going to be way more complicated than it really was. I would prefer more shorter breaks in between our classes. This class was great. I loved that we did the noticing with Noa in class. I loved the two shorter breaks and I think we should continue like that from now on. Moving around helps a lot with concentration :) Today was the first time that I really enjoyed the class. I think it was due to the breaks that we had between the sessions. Just maybe if we have one longer break of 15 minutes to have enough time to eat. All the confusion and frustration about Noa and the practice teaching went away, so that may also add up. The kinaesthetic activity was great, maybe more of it. The discussions after - great, we need more of it, and we need to share our experiences more. This is the first time I really enjoyed the class. I also liked the discussion we had in the beginning about Noa and our experiences in our schools. I loved the shorter breaks :) I prefer shorter breaks since I need a short break to comprehend and not feel like the class lasts forever. So, yes, today was good with the breaks. As much as I hear about the theories, I realise why I acted the way I did during my student years and how to approach different student behaviour. I’m a little disappointed with Noa I prefer shorter breaks. Was this class the first step to our portfolios? I enjoyed this class very much. :) In regards to the breaks, it’s all the same to me as long as we get a break. The story with Luan really made me remember how much work there needs to be done in the education sphere. I didn’t mind the activity we did in the main hall. Also Noa was quite easy for me to understand and it will be fun talking to it/him. I think it’s a good idea to have several shorter breaks. I didn’t catch too much of today’s class because I was late. I think we should do more group work. I like that we discussions from professor to student Main themes that emerged for Elena:
- unanimous 'yes' to more short breaks vs. one big one
- appreciation for kinaesthetic activity, but: we would equally enjoy and learn if we had slightly less active tasks (such as ones that require a lot of moving)
- useful discussion following Luan's story
- good focus on theories (e.g. As much as I hear about the theories, I realise why I acted the way I did during my student years and how to approach different student behaviour), but what about the action?
- mixed feelings about what chatting to Noa looks like: reassurance vs. frustration: Even though I believe I provided sufficient information to Noa, it didn’t let me move on from the introduction phases. However, I’m willing to give it a chance as this was the first time we were using it, and I hope I understand to better use it in future reflections.
- overwhelm: I don’t know why we have this module on Monday AND ON FRIDAY FOR 3 HOURS, plus do observations at schools. When am I supposed to find enough time in the day to do everything, I cannot be at 15 places at once, and it’s ironic that we are asked about breaks.
- Was this class the first step to our portfolios?
29th November 2024
I believe that it was good that Meto and Bojana were ‘put on the spot’ because I believe we will definitely encounter such situations in the future. Regarding the bullying situation that happened in their session, how would you feel if I told you that there is a real bully among us that has actually bullied me in the past? Interesting class today. Nice to have discussions about what to do in certain situation, maybe have some situation that can help us in class. I liked the class today, we need to have more proxy classrooms. I loved the discussion we had. Seeing my fellow students in the light of teachers was motivating and pleasant experience. Thank you for giving us two breaks, I really enjoyed the classes today, and surprisingly I was full of energy despite the fact that I only slept for 3h :) <3 The class was a great success. I loved the activities we did and also the way you compared our classroom to a laboratory where we experiment Interesting class and activities, I like when they are challenging and new It was a good class, I liked teacher Elma. :) This lesson was very useful for our practical teaching. I liked both the observation and the teaching - immersive activity. Also I liked the polyvagal check in we did last class when we were [not legible]. I [not legible] came very low energy but I feel much better now. I’m low on motivation to learn on a rainy day. It was an interesting class though. :) It was an interesting class. I enjoyed the teaching part at the beginning of the class. :) Love how we were treated with some sweets before the lesson started Enjoyed the first half of the class. I like it when we play (practice) the roles as teachers. Taking notes of how others teach. Nice discussions. Honestly, this time flew by quite fast. I appreciate the frequent breaks :) The activities were engaging, I liked that you involved us into teaching the lessons in class. Fun class. Excited to act out students and be more lively. It was really fun with the activities of being teachers and 3rd grade students. I enjoyed the discussion and appreciate having multiple breaks. A bit stressful as we were waiting for someone to be called out. Not a fan of those. I really liked our class dynamics today. It was great to see us practicing our lesson plans and I think doing this will tremendously help us with our practical teaching. I liked that we put ourselves into the shoes of imaginary/smaller students. I thought it was both very productive and fun. It was nice (and useful) to work with everyone on the tasks. I’m very glad that I’ve been attending regularly. Main themes that emerged for Elena:
students trying out sections of their lessons appreciated Polyvagal theory check of previous session useful 6th December 2024
The class was okay. I like when we do role-plays and actually teach, to see how others would react and advices on how to be better. Maybe we should try next time a situation on how to teach students with different types of difficulties or disabilities Fun class. :) Less overwhelming. Sad to hear there’s a bully in class. :( I think the topic of bullying should be more discussed since I felt that teachers a lot of times have let me down. Overall, the teaching activity is fun and I like when we reflect on our teaching methods. The practice sessions can sometimes be too intense; not everyone is always cheery and ready to do ten different things. Sometimes it’s good for us to just sit back and listen :) Interesting topics discussed, maybe next time we can discuss more on the topic of bullying and how as teachers we should cope with such situations We did well today, I believe. It was nice to be able to talk about stressful thoughts and worries with people in similar situations, I heard so many things that I needed to hear. I really enjoy this way of observing situation, when it comes to bullying, maybe the bully should privately say sorry to the student bullied. That’s it, basically, since this was in the past, but an apology is needed. I was looking forward to addressing the bullying situation that we have because I used to think that there isn’t bullying at this stage of life. I would be really happy if we could help this person. Today’s class was kind of okay, I felt good at first than I got bored. Try to be consistent with the breaks. I appreciate that we discussed the bullying issue in class today. I went through intense bullying in primary and high school which heavily affected me and damaged me. I couldn’t share the story in class because I was already tearing up just thinking back on it. What’s important is that since starting university I feel so much better and most importantly free. I’m grateful for that every day. Our colleagues did a great teaching session. I enjoyed every minute of it. The time flew by today. The class was interesting and I found the ‘teaching a class’ experience quite engaging and fun, definitely useful in improving my teaching styles. Not at all stressful. I liked that the teacher considered that we’re overwhelmed and sometimes stressed out. The class was very interesting and engaging. I loved that we could all participate and practically see how to deal with certain situations in a classroom Uni is intense. It gets in the way of my personal life way too much that I would like to accept. It hinders other activities. I liked today’s class but I was really tired and not energised enough to participate. I was shocked when I read the comment because I never saw that someone bullied other people. I was actually discussing with my friends that as a group we can talk with each other. If I saw that someone was doing it I would have definitely reacted. Main themes that emerged for Elena:
topic of bullying needs more treatment appreciation of wellbeing focus, e.g. through exploring student overwhelm useful trying out sessions, though students to have option to opt out of observation tasks
13th December 2024
The class was okay, but I don’t understand why we have to do two reflections and now even cover letter. It’s overwhelming. Thank you Elena for being the first person/teacher to bring light to students with some ‘conditions’. Sadly our system forgets about them. I quite enjoyed our discussions and insights. The more frequent breaks helped with my sleepy status, the group activity for the ‘disabilities’ was fun but I think it took too much time. Today I was a bit sleepy and all over the place with my thoughts. I love how creative we were and that we discussed what we should do if we have students with special educational needs/conditions. It was a fun class. The activities were informing, but also interesting. :) Interesting objectives and activities. :) The class was interesting! I’m still not sure what the portfolio is all about. What does it consist of? Can you provide an explanation, perhaps on Coda? Thank you :) I struggled with my energy levels today and couldn’t contribute much, but I’m glad everyone was understanding. I frankly didn’t anticipate being this tired, and will address it in future. Useful information about dealing with all kinds of students. Really enjoyed the first half of today’s lesson on creating tips and tricks for students with special needs. Very helping. Also liked finally playing the role of a teacher, it was fun. :) I’m glad we talked about SEN students as I think we need to be prepared for such scenarios when teaching. We got some very helpful conclusions and I really liked the atmosphere in today’s lesson. I liked that we discussed disabilities of certain students and how to deal with colour blind, ADHD and autistic students. I actually don’t like so many breaks, maybe two longer ones is okay. Learned a lot of new info about different Ss’ needs. I found it instructive to discuss about students having dyslexia, ADHD, autism... Today’s session was very productive. We are lucky to have a teacher like you! The class was great, and for us it’s great to know how to create exercises for different kinds of students. I like how my idea was taken into consideration and was discussed this class. Today’s class was great, not boring, I like the topics we discussed and the beginning about kids with ADHD, autism, dyslexia The first part of the session was great, we talked about different SEN learners and how we can help them and I learned a lot. The trying-out are starting to become a little bit boring because it is the same thing over and over again. Maybe a different lesson for teaching would improve the situation. Main themes that emerged for Elena:
confusion and overwhelm re: assessment appreciation for SEN (Special Educational Needs) focus student ‘reactions’ actioned in following sessions change format of trying out sessions multimodal reactions welcome (see last reaction - grateful for it to be unpacked for me, though!) 20th December 2024
Thank you for asking us how we feel. I love that we discuss really sensitive topics. The discussions were interesting and provoked thoughts about the nature of bullying. Shame we didn’t have a bit more time. I don’t know what to say about today’s class. A lot of things were discussed, but maybe there wasn’t any conclusion about some of them. I find it useful talking about bullying and hearing others’ stories. In terms of the material, the discussion we had about the assessment brought clarity to me as that was also on my mind these days. I’m glad we had a talk about bullying. I was bullied for maybe 4 years in elementary, from 1st till 4th grade, by my cousin. I was scared to tell anyone. It just got worse and worse until the point where she started throwing rocks at me and I started coming home crying. That’s when I told my parents everything and they contacted the principal. The principal told the girl’s mother and she was convinced that her girl would not do anything like that. Apparently my cousin was telling her that I was the bully. So, how do we deal with such parents? I liked working with a new group and discussing the bullying issue. We got along great. I think it was really nice that we discussed the bullying topic in more depth. It is something that is really neglected in our country, but occurs in many situations and institutions. 
Students' reactions: Semester 1
