During this independent study task based on observations, self-evaluation and communication skills, I feel as though I have gained more knowledge on what I wish to be like during my time on placement and as a teacher in future years. After watching the Year 3 teacher who was being observed by Sue Cowley I compared what I had written down with a partner, although we had some of the same content gathered from this video, we also had different things wrote down which the other one of us never picked up on. For example, my praise after watching this teacher was that he had a friendly approach with the children, this meaning they will feel comfortable around him and be able to trust him, along with this they will have a sense of respect for him.  However, I felt as though sometimes he never portrayed as much authority as what he should have, due to this sometimes the children were distracted and were never told to participate more or told to stop messing around.

Something that surprised me about this self-study task was that often we fall into a trap of doing and saying things which we think are okay, but when we look back it may have not been the best thing to do at that time. When watching the video on the teacher looking back on a recording of her teaching it made me more aware that often we are unaware of everything that has happened in a day, so often we forget crucial elements. It was interesting to see a teacher recording herself to look back on and I was very surprised this happened, as I personally haven’t seen anything like this before.  However, I think it is a great way to look back and reflect.

I feel as though this self-study task has made me more self-aware and has showed me certain aspects I want to take forward and some I should try and avoid when out on placement. For example, how it is nice to be friendly with the pupils, but there also should be a professional barrier too.  Overall, watching videos of teachers with their classes makes me excited to start placement to get involved within the practical side of things.