Interest Approach - Lab Reflection

          This week's lab was titled "Interest Approach" and I was tasked with developing a creative interest approach to ideally serve as "the hook" to engage students in the lesson.  For this lab I decided to prepare a lesson that connects to my Large Animal Care unit and I prepared my activity was based on animal by-products. 

          The lesson began with me setting the following items on a table in the front of the classroom: lipstick, lotion, margarine, jello, crayons, leather boot, wool sweater, make-up, candle, shaving cream, and soap.  These items are all by-products of large animals and they are very common in our everyday use.  Students were able to match pictures f the animals with the by-products to help bridge the connection of another reason why animals are so beneficial for people. 

          There were several things that I wish I could have done differently about my lab presentation and I was able to reflect upon that once I viewed my presentation.  To begin, I was glad that I reviewed the objectives, however I wish that there was a way that I could make that more "fun."  I wonder if there is a difference between the objectives that I write as a teacher for lesson plans and ones that I display on a board for students?  I also noted that I constantly gave students a time frame like "Okay you have three minutes to complete this task"  perhaps I should omit the time frame and then as I observe students finishing I can make an wrap up announcement.  As far as my classroom management techniques go, I thought that I did a good job of redirecting students attention back to the task at hand - there were quite a few pupils who were a chatty Kathy.  I was very diligent about providing students opportunities to ask questions by constantly asking if there was anything that needed to be clarified, however, perhaps I ask that too much and instead should just rely on a student to raise their hand when they have a misunderstanding.  The actual interest approach activity could have been enhanced by placing the objects all around the room and have student move at their own pace to each item.  This would have eliminated the "clumping" around the front table and it would have been more engaging.  I liked that I provided positive reinforcement and encouragement.  As a future teacher I caught myself saying things like "can you share with us?" asking as if my directions were a question.  I hope I can avoid that phrase in the future because I am the teacher and I am expected to provide demands for activities, not give students the option. 

          Overall I think my lab presentation certainly improved from the previous week although, I acknowledge that there is always ways to polish something (someone) better.  Looking forward to your advice!