What I learned this week is that the interview process will be stressful once I complete my student teaching experience. The mock interviews we completed in class were interesting to say the least. I honestly was not prepared for the types of questions that were going to be coming my way.
I approached "studying" for the mock interview more like a final exam. I understood the social studies content, 5 elements, pedagogical knowledge, and the format of a lesson plan. What I was not prepared for were the questions requiring me to come up with a lesson on economics on the spot. I knew that when I would be interviewed in the future I would be asked about my teaching methods and approaches to learning but for our class I was caught off guard.
The questions my peers asked were very thought provoking. I now know what to go over before I go into a job interview in the future. Even though I already have a teaching assistant position, the questions the principal asked me were more towards my ability to assist the teachers. I can now start preparing myself for those lesson plan questions and hopefully better my chances of getting a job after student teaching.
The questions my peers asked were very thought provoking. I now know what to go over before I go into a job interview in the future. Even though I already have a teaching assistant position, the questions the principal asked me were more towards my ability to assist the teachers. I can now start preparing myself for those lesson plan questions and hopefully better my chances of getting a job after student teaching.
I like how you were honest and stated you did not study for the type of questions you were asked. It is good to see that we all know we aren't always going to be 100% prepared for everything we are asked in an interview but it is essential to keep an open mind.
ReplyDeleteI like how you stated that the questions you were asked were thought provoking. This was good to know because one would assume that they would ask questions that would make you think but you never know for sure. It is good to see this experience prepared you for an interview in the future.
I wish you would have stated at least a couple of the questions you were asked. This would be helpful to someone like me who was on the outside looking because I didn't make it to class.
Great job on your interview, and even greater job on your very open and honest blog.
I also agree with the stressful nature of job interviews. As you said, you approached this assignment like you would a final exam - by studying the major concepts that we studied in class such as the five elements of powerful social studies teaching, the structure of direct instruction, inquiry, and cooperative learning lesson plans, pedagogical knowledge, etc. When I asked you questions regarding a specific content area in social studies, you weren't expecting it and had to come up with an answer on the spot. I discovered through writing the questions that an administrator can come up with any question or scenario, and no matter how much you prepare you may still be asked something that you're not prepared for. I think the best thing we can all do is prepare the best we can and be ready to respond with examples from experiences we've had in fieldwork, subbing, or working as an assistant. This way, we can reflect on what we have done and try to adapt it to the question that is asked.
ReplyDeleteLauren, I enjoyed reading your blog post and I can definitely relate to your experience. I was nervous as well but in the end it showed that we were knowledgeable about each teaching approach.
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