MACRO Lessons From A Microteaching

Turns Out WE ARE Meant to Teach!

o What happened?

This past week I had the pleasure of virtually joining a friend and colleague in Agricultural Education, Nicole Weaver at the Twin Valley Area School District. During her class, we taught the students principles and concepts related to a soil profile and structure. WE delivered quality content and then allowed the students to create their own soil profiles out of cereal which was tasty and educational!

o How does it relate to what I know about teaching and learning?

This was a prime example of agricultural education. We taught the students and then provided opportunity to apply that knowledge through an activity where the students apply there knowledge by taking the place of a soil scientist in Berks county. Then we asked the students to use higher levels of thinking to create a soil profile form cereal and then provide justifications for why they used certain cereals. 

To the outside viewer, this may seem like playtime but a truly intuitive educator knows that we promoted learning and thinking greater than plain ol' memorization. 

o What did I learn from the experience?

I learned that I surely hope we don't have to teach on Zoom all the time! If it wasn't for Mrs. Weaver's in class presence, I would have been lost in the dirt (LOL). I learned that classroom management has a lot to do with physical presence which some folks likely fail to consider. Being able to walk to the side of the room with the rowdy children that enjoy talking over you is powerful as an educator. Thankfully I didn't have a poor experience and interacted with students that gave me the highest level of respect. Twin Valley knows how to grow 'em!

o How can I apply this as an Agriscience teacher? 

Ag teachers are unique. Not just because some of us teach theatre and agriculture like the inspiring Mrs. Weaver can. We are really unique because we have created a national and statewide community. Mrs. Weaver responded to a call of duty from my professor Dr. Foster who besought teachers to take little birds such as myself under their wings. I will remember such kindness and the personal investment Mrs. Weaver made in me as a young professional. It is my hope that I can contribute to the learning of other young professionals over the course of my career. Just as Mrs. Weaver graciously did for me.