Hello and welcome to "Back to School Ready Series," on the Equipping ELLs podcast that helps teachers gear up for the new academic year with practical tips, insightful reflections, and inspiring stories. I'm your host, Beth Vaucher, and today we're diving into the first episode of our four-part series designed specifically to make this year the best one yet. Today we are going to take time to look back, because when we spend even just a few minutes reflecting on the past, both the good and the bad, we set much better goals for this upcoming year.
Segment 1: The Best Parts of Last School Year
Now, if you are driving or walking the dog, you might want to come back to this episode later, because I really want you to be an active participant, that is the only way this series will be helpful to you!
Before we get started, I want you to click in the show notes the link for the google doc that you can reflect on, take notes, and brain dump all your thoughts. Go grab that now, then press play!
Before we look ahead, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the highlights of the past school year. Sometimes when a few weeks have passed between the last day of school and the start of the next, we forget a lot of what happened last year, so I find it easiest to start with setting a timer for 5 minutes and writing anything that comes to mind. Maybe it's just adjectives, or phrases, or memories. What were the best parts for you as an ESL teacher? Maybe it was seeing your students' progress in their language skills, or perhaps it was a particular lesson or project that went exceptionally well. Take a moment to think about these successes.
According to educational researcher John Hattie, "Self-reflection is a humbling process. It's essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things...then better yourself." By identifying these highlights, you can build on them in the coming year. Write down at least three things that went really well and consider why they were successful. Was it the approach you used, the resources, or maybe the students' engagement? Understanding these factors can help you replicate these successes.
Segment 2: Reflecting on Challenges and Frustrations
Now, let's shift our focus to the challenges and frustrations you faced last year. Teaching ESL can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its set of difficulties. Think about the hard times—those moments when things didn't go as planned or when you felt particularly stressed.
Research from the American Psychological Association highlights that "reflecting on challenges and identifying what is within our control can significantly reduce stress and improve problem-solving skills." It's useful to categorize these challenges into two groups: those that are within your control and those that are out of your control. For example, things like classroom management strategies and lesson planning are within your control. On the other hand, issues like school policies or students' home environments are often beyond your control.
By categorizing these challenges, you can focus your energy on what you can change. Acknowledge the frustrations that are out of your control, but don't dwell on them. Instead, put your efforts into improving the aspects you can influence. This approach not only helps reduce stress but also makes you a more effective teacher.
Segment 3: What Came Easy to You?
Next, let's reflect on what came easily to you last year. Were there certain lessons or activities that you found particularly straightforward to teach? Maybe you have a knack for creating engaging visual aids or you excel at fostering discussions in the classroom.
Identifying these strengths is crucial because they are your superpowers as a teacher. Research from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching states, "Leveraging one's strengths in teaching not only enhances job satisfaction but also boosts student outcomes." Think about how you can leverage these strengths even more in the upcoming year. Perhaps you can share your techniques with colleagues or incorporate more of these successful strategies into your daily teaching routine.
Segment 4: What Was Difficult?
On the flip side, consider what was particularly difficult for you in terms of teaching. Was it differentiating instruction for diverse language levels, integrating technology, or managing classroom behavior? These are the areas where you might need additional support or professional development.
Is there someone you know who excels in these areas? Perhaps a colleague, a mentor, or even an online community where teachers share their experiences and tips. Reaching out for advice or assistance can provide new insights and strategies to tackle these challenges. Remember, teaching is a collaborative profession, and there's always someone willing to help.
Segment 5: One Change for a Smoother Year
Finally, think about one change you could make that would significantly ease your workload or improve your teaching experience. This could be something like setting up a more organized lesson planning system, establishing clearer communication with parents, or incorporating more student-led activities to foster independence.
Educational psychologist Angela Duckworth emphasizes the importance of goal-setting, stating, "Setting a clear, achievable goal can provide a sense of direction and motivation, making the journey toward improvement much smoother." Reflect on what small, manageable adjustment could have the biggest impact on your teaching practice. Implementing this change could make your year smoother and more enjoyable, both for you and your students.
Outro:
Did you know A study by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found that individuals have a 65% chance of completing a goal if they commit to someone. This likelihood increases to 95% if they have a specific accountability appointment with the person they committed to.
If you are looking for that accountability, we want to invite you to come join us inside the Equipping ELLs community. We will help you reach your goals through curriculum, coaching, and community. The doors will open on July 21, so get on the waitlist now for a special bonus when the doors open.
Come join me again next week as we move on to the next step of our back to school ready series: Learn.
