Leslie Fullingim

Dr. Ellis
EDUC 1301.200
May 6, 2015
Reflection Paper
This experience has been very eye-opening. My mentor, Jennifer Hudson, a high school
biology teacher was an amazing mentor. Her methods to teaching is how I could see myself
teaching. I believe that there are many ways to teach a class. While they may be different, all are
correct. As long as you are discussing and covering all the topics that are required by the states
curriculum you are doing your job. Throughout my paper, I will discuss what I observed in my
16 hours with Jennifer. I will also discuss which of her methods, I would consider adding into
my teaching philosophy and what ideas I wont add into my class rooms. While discussing my
observations, I will explain how she would act differently in each of her classes, by adapting to
the students in each class.
In this paragraph I will compare how Jennifer had to adapt her lesson plans for two
completely different Freshman Biology classes. The way that I scheduled my hours was based on
the periods. I observed about 4 days of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd period classes. She had Freshman Biology
1st and 2nd period. When teaching 1st period there was a lot more involvement between her and
the students. Whereas in 2nd period the students were withdrawn and talkative. The second group
of freshman also are the kids that have a harder time in the class.

Next, I will discuss her Dual Credit Biology class for seniors. While this class is
supposed to be a Dual Credit class, it was not at all taught like a college class. However, that is
not the individual teachers fault that is the schools doing. However, her interaction with the kids
is very involved. She makes PowerPoints for her class but leaves blanks for the kids to fill in.
After observing all three classes, I noticed that she is very lenient with her students. She
often accepts late work and lets them take tests late. However, I will accept late work until a
certain time. The kids need to be held more accountable. As for her teaching and interacting with
the students I plan to teach very similar. Making class more fun and enjoyable.
In conclusion, Jennifer Hudson teaches much like the teacher I had that made me want to
teach High School Biology. I hope to inspire my students to work in some sort of science field,
or at least make them enjoy taking a science class. Science is already one of the most dreaded
class to take in school for most kids, I just hope that when I am teaching that the kids enjoy my
class.