Today was my first day in the classroom, in which I spent observing a metals and ceramics class. My cooperating teacher, Mrs. C, started her class with a review of how to solder. This was information needed to be given to the students, but they some of the class lost their focus easily. I think more of an interactive review, such as holding the students accountable for what they have learned previously by asking them questions would have kept them more engaged. After the review, my cooperating teacher introduced me as Ms. Haakenson, which is still strange to hear, but the reality of becoming a professional is becoming more real each day. Some of the issues I noticed in a metals class is some of the sexist roles that take place. Many of the boys tried to act tough and impress the girls in the classroom with their soldering skills. Even though the boys wanted to solder pieces for the girls, my cooperating teacher established that their would be no help given to the girls from the boys. There was some complaining at first, but Mrs. C quickly stated that this was not negotiable and the arguing ceased.
I enjoyed working one-on-one with the students, some were not as eager to talk to me as others were, while some were enthusiastic and had many question of me to ask. One boy in particular was very intrigued to hear about the college experience and asked me quite a few questions about my experiences with classes and the social life. One question in particular that through me off guard was, "Is college any better than high school?" It wasn't as much as the question that surprised me, but instead the look on his face of hopelessness. His disheartened attitude about high school prompted me to ask him a few more questions about his hopes and dreams. This boy was in hopes of pursuing a medical career but also taking art courses throughout his life, because he had a passion for art and it was the one thing in high school that he liked.
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