One aspect of teaching that I find particularly fulfilling is designing coherent instruction (1e), especially in terms of learning activities and lesson structures. Recently, I implemented an activity inspired by a past experience—a blind date activity from my college years. Instead of meeting individuals for romantic reasons, this activity involved students providing feedback on each other's writing revisions in a structured and organized manner.
In this activity, students used Chromebooks to review and provide feedback on their peers' writing pieces. Each student had specific criteria to focus on, such as giving suggestions, compliments, or editorial changes. They rotated partners every five minutes, allowing for multiple rounds of feedback within the class period.
I was impressed by the efficiency and attention to detail that this activity fostered. By providing clear guidelines and designated roles for each student, the revision process became more coherent and purposeful. As the facilitator, I monitored the activity closely, ensuring that it ran smoothly and that students remained engaged.
Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of the continuous evolution and improvement required in teaching. While planning lessons is essential, the ability to revise and adapt units coherently is equally important. Teaching is not static; it requires constant growth and development to meet the needs of students in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Despite the professional achievements earlier in the week, it was the time spent with my students on Thursday and Friday that reaffirmed my passion for teaching. These moments serve as a reminder of why I am drawn to this profession—to inspire, empower, and evolve alongside my students.