Yad's Journal Entry.

In my peer tutoring class, there is such a variety to choose from. Each student is individual, some more outspoken than others, some more dedicated, etc. I chose to follow Charlie, a boy from the Academic half of the class. I chose Charlie because he seemed to be an individual that could go one way or the other. At times, he can be intelligent and provide great work, where as there are other times where Charlie doesn't feel the need to do his best. He interacts with me, which is another reason why I chose him. He isn't too shy, but he isn't bursting with confidence either. Charlie is very much so a regular kid, even to the point where he doesn't do his homework so he can play online games.

Charlie's strengths are that he is not shy to perform in front of the class. I know many people hate standing in front of an audience, but he is not. When the class had to perform their scenes from Shakespeare's plays, Charlie spoke with emphasis and skill. Charlie provides answers when asked, and has a sense of humor. He is very much able to work quietly without interruptions, however, he can be distracted as well. Charlie also has a habit of sometimes not handing some things in, or forgetting assignments. He tends to work better when he listens to his i-Pod, perhaps because it shuts out the rest of the classroom. One habit of Charlie that is not beneficial is the amount of time he spends on his online game. It gets in the way of his homework. Charlie could certainly do better than he is doing now, if he puts more effort into his work and concentrates.

During this week, I have spoken to him about his game habit. I let him know if for one night he used the hours he spent on his game play to do his late essay, then his mid-term mark would go significantly higher. My supervisor showed him that with handing in his essay, his mark would go up by 11%. Besides that, nothing much was done this week, considering the Holocaust presentation and other interruptions. Some goals I have set in my mind that I can help him achieve next week is to stay on task and produce the best work he can do. I want to make sure he takes time to do his homework and to study, and produce great results. I believe that his parents might be consulted to make sure that they do their part in ensuring that he doesn't spend all his time on his games. From now on, I will do my best to help him and keep an eye out.

-Yad.

Philip Luong- Interaction with Teachers

The grade 10 academic and grade9/10 essentials math classes that I tutor are taught by Ms. Hill and Ms. Hunter. I feel very comfortable in both class and felt quite accepted by them right at the beginning. In the essentials math class, both Ms. Hunter and I instinctively split ourselves up and help the students as soon as the bell rings. I tend to be helping the grade 9s while she is taking care of the grade 10s. For Ms. Hill, I would be circulating around the room with her helping students having trouble along the way. In Ms. Hunter’s class, I would always have something to do, mainly answering questions that they have. In Ms. Hill’s room, it is quite the opposite, but I understand because it is an academic math course and it does cover a lot in a short amount of time for me to be able to do anything in the two days I am there per week. When I am there, I do get a good review of grade 10 math by listening to the lesson which helps me when they have questions for me to answer.

Ineraction with the teacher

Well seeing as woodroffe has one of the best phys ed departments in the baord i really wanted to get involved with them. I was very fortunet to be able to be paired with Mr. Grozelle. He is a great teacher to work with becasue he has so much to offer and teach. He has shown me many great technecs on how to build a repor with the kids in the class. He also tought me how to earn there respect without having to be a total disaplenarian. We have to work very closly in the class room because we always to be evalutating who the kids are doing in the class. Mr. Grozelle is a great teacher and someone I admire greatly, we have always had a good relationship, but I think that the peer tutoring experience has formed a new level of comuntication between us. I am always able to go to him with any questions or consernse i have in the class and he will always respond in a helpful way. He is a great teacher to be paired with.

Also he is a new father so say congrats if u see him

Alex L.

Hello everyone my name is Alex Lough for those who don't know I am in grade 11. I was one of the people lucky enough to get the privilege of getting to peer tutor gym. I peer tutor the grade 9 boys phys ed class and it is a great time. My main role in this class is to help my host teacher in explaining games and answering any questions the students may have. Another thing i need to do is lead the class in warm ups and get them started in the games. my favourite thing to do in the class is to start the warm up games. I really like doing this because it lets me get involved and helps me build a relationship with the students.

Alex L.

Better late then never- Alex L.

Mariam Interaction with Host Teacher

Hi everyone,
I'm peer tutoring grade 9 intro computers that is taught by Mr. Hum. I never took this class before, and never had Mr.Hum as a teacher. I didn't know what kind of style he teaches his students or his personality. After peert tutoring in his class i feel more comfortable and know what the teacher expects from me, and what his teaching styles are. While he teaches his students, he makes the class fun and enjoyable by throwing in some jokes while he talks/explaines the instructions. Mr.Hum also gives me great opportunities to teach the students and explain in more of a "teen language" and understanding. It's a nice feeling to know that a teacher trusts me on supervising the class while hes gone, and also what i think about their marks, and how long they would be done their assignments.
I'm not treated like a teenager or like anyother student in the class, He shows me the tests and ISU's and asks for my opinion on when they should start and how long would it take the students to finish and always informs me on anything that's going to happen. Me and my host teacher work well together and if i took peer tutoring again, I would more likely to pick his class. :)

Jessica Du-Interaction with host teacher

I am peer tutoring a sheltered careers class that is taught by Mr. Easey. Before peer tutoring Mr. Easey's class I did not know him at all, but after peer tutoring his class for over a few months now, I have learned and he has taught me many things. Mr. Easey is a great person, he is very funny, outgoing and easygoing. He is a great teacher and makes learning fun and interesting for the students. He has helped me develop as a peer tutor in many way. He does not treat me like a young teen but as an adult, and he gives me a chance to experience the feeling of how it is when being a teacher. My classroom interactions with him are very good. He is a very easy person to socialize with and always asks my opinion on what I think the students mark should be on an assignment or project. He always includes me in the activities he is doing and always informs me on anything that is going to happen. I do not find that there are any challenges that I am experiencing between us. I think we work well together and are a great help to one another.

Interaction with Host- Teacher: Michelle :)

As I peer-tutor a grade 9 dance class, I have Ms. Carrier as a host teacher. I enjoy her presence very much because she's very energetic, enthusiastic and adoring. I feel that we work together very well, we somewhat balance eachother out from time to time! We're pretty much eachother's reminder stickies! :) She is a very open and happy person, therefore I think that she likes her students to see her as someone they can talk to rather than someone to hide from. Yet, she knows very well when to be strict and to lay down the line. She teaches me that with students, it's not only about the learning and teaching, yet it's also about how comfortable you make them feel in your presence. I find that we get along great because we're both very happy and enthusiastic people. She allows me as a peer-tutor to take part of a leader within the classroom, which shows me what it really feels like as a teacher. We enjoy sharing suggestions and ideas with eachother, which is great because when we're unsure of our own judgement, we seek eachother's support. We make a great team together.

MYan.

Hey everyone,

I'm peer tutoring grade 10 applied history class and my host teacher is Ms. Chambers.
Ms. Chambers was my history teacher last year and i enjoyed her class. The reason i choose to do peer tutoring for Ms.Chambers's class other than i like history is because she is a great teacher. She knows when its the time to be serious and when to joke. She can be sometimes strict but only when there's a work that need to be done. She deals with students according to their way of understanding, she really knows how to handle different type of students and i like that about her. We get along really good with Ms.Chambers. We plan together some activities for the class and she tells me when someone in the class needs help. she gives me some good feedback and we discuss some of the issues that the class needs help with.
So overall, i really like that class and my host teacher also and untill now everything is going smoothly and no complaints and i will try my best to keep it that way.

Interaction with host teacher

As a peer-tutor for the esl science class, I have Mrs.Newsome as my host teacher. I enjoy every minute in her science class and enjoy her as a teacher from my experiences through grade 9 and 10. I feel as we work termendously together beacuse I know what she expects from me beacuse of experience. When ever I feel need to talk to her she always ther to listen as I am too. We have little disscusion here and there making me feel more confedient about myself. When ever she gives me a task to do I try my hardest to finsh it, or if I need help I am never shy to ask. I feel that we both get along very well together and we are good team. We both share suggestions on were the kids need help in and were we both should shine. I feel like a teacher sometimes.

Chelsey - Interaction with host teache

ESLBO was my one of classes when I just started to attend Canadian school; Ms. Ritter was my English teacher who is now my host teacher. I know her teaching style and how she deals with students. I’ve never felt uncomfortable in her class because she puts herself in others’ shoes. The course I am peer tutoring, ELDDO, needs someone who is able to comprehend each of the kids’ situations due to their personal issues. I am really happy to learn the way Ms. Ritter deals with situations that you would not normally experience; most of students are from absolutely different cultures and perspectives. I am gaining wider sight and leadership by peer tutoring. She always discusses with me about any studying materials for students to get a recommendation of students’ level and such. We always plan out how we can help these kids with further education. Sometimes, helping individuals becomes overwhelming because of their different of English level; however, she is very calm and confident with how she is going to deal with circumstances. There are numerous challenges with the kids, but I surely think that the class is having such an awesome time and improvement. As of now, I have no serious difficulties or problems; I hope this educational environment will continue on for these lovely kids.

Yad's collaboration with the host teacher.

My host teacher for the Grade 9 Academic/Enriched English course is Ms.Bech. I had her for Gr.11 English last semester, and immediately enjoyed her presence. Unlike most teachers, she's quite laid back and has a lot of fun with her students. There's a great comfort level with her because of the way she chooses to handle some situations, etc. I feel we get along great, and are both on the same page of things that need to be done. She gives great feedback and opinion, which helps out a lot. From the beginning, I was given a run through of how this semester will look like, so I wouldn't be assuming what could happen and such.

I'm grateful to have her as my host teacher because of many things, but specifically because of how she deals with accidents/mistakes. I made a huge mistake on the vocabulary test marking, where I actually inhanced all of the students marks by a bit. It's really funny to think about now, but it was hilarious then. However, that situation could of been dealt with horrificly, instead of with laughter and a bit of teasing. A lot of other teachers would of gotten angry or irritated or impatient, but thankfully, this was dealt with positively.

As of now, no complaints! Everything is okay, some days there is much to do, other days not so much but it is a good balance. We all get along, including the student teacher. For certain, I know this will continue on, which is excellent!

'Till next time,
-Yad.

Malaz's interaction with host teacher

I peer tutor grade 9 academic math, which is instructed by Mrs. Holness. She is a great teacher, and I feel comfortable doing daily routines without bieng worried about making any mistakes. I noticed that Mrs. Holness assigns me certain things without being worried if I would do well or not. This shows me that she trusts me. She sometimes gives me somewhat challenging tasks, and I enjoy challenges very much. Sometimes Mrs. Holness sends me to the board and reads something off a paper, and I write it on the board. During that time, we work extremely well together as I put up the questions she asks me to, and I feel like that shows that we work extremely well together. At other times, she does not assign me any work, but I know she does not because she wants me to pay attention to the lesson so I can help the students in future problems concerning this lesson. To wrap it up, I am very glad to have picked her as my host teacher since she is providing me with an excellent educational experience.

Angela's interaction with host teacher

The Grade 9 core french class that I peer tutor is instructed by Mme. Ducharme. I feel very comfortable in the class with the kids and with her. I like how Mme. Ducharme, the student teacher and myself all figure out where we are needed or where we would be useful. This way, during individual work time, there are always enough 'teachers' to help the kids with any questions. I also like how Mme. Ducharme is not controlling or worried; it seems that she trusts me to do what I need to do and help the students adequately. I really appreciate that. My only complaint is that once in a while I feel like I do not have enough to do (and I don't know how to approach her about this). But, to look at it positively, I also think that that time is a good oppurtunity to just listen to the lessons so I can better help the students later, knowing exactly how the lesson was taught.

Haidar- Interaction With Host Teacher

Peer tutoring the grade ten history class with Ms. Codette has so far been a very educational experience. Ms. Codette is a very unique teacher, any students who have had a class with her, really enjoy her teaching techniques. She has a view of the world in which she chooses to share with her students. Ms. Codette and I work very well together, and I am quite pleased with how things are going. I feel that Ms. Codette offers me the ability to talk with her anytime about anything. She also gives me ideas about how to teach certain elements to the class, and these ideas she shares with me are helping me to become a very successful peer tutor.

Haidar Elbadry

Souna's interaction with host teacher

The GLP/DSP Gym class that I peer-tutor is instructed by Mrs. Fraser who is a new teacher in our school. The students that I work with are special needs and this is my first time interacting with them. I have many questions because I need to learn the correct way of teaching them the right material since they need more care and attention. My host teacher, Mrs. Fraser is very kind and I feel very comfortable discussing my problems and sharing my ideas with her, she usually teaches the lesson to the class and after she is done I go around and help students that are having trouble. Sometimes she lets me lead the stretch but usually she wants me to work with students one on one. I would like to become more involved with the teaching by having certain tasks that only I am responsible for like leading the stretches ,making teams ,etc.Also I feel that when my class has a field trip to for example the library,my host teacher should let me know before hand and give me some work that I can do for the class ,but overall my interaction with Mrs. Fraser is great and we work together to keep the class organized and on task!

-Souna

Jessica Du

Hi, my name is Jessica Du and I am currently in grade 12. The class in which I am peer tutoring for is careers with Mr. Easey. This is a very small sheltered careers class, holding only ten students. Although the class does not contain many students, there are many things to be done. All the students in the class have many difficulties speaking, writing and reading English. My roles in the class include taking attendance, marking their portfolios and many of their assignments, teaching short lessons, sitting one on one with each student to help them catch up or peer edit their work, and most importantly circulating the class to help answer any questions asked.
I really enjoy being a peer tutor for this class because there is always someone who is in need for help due to their difficulties with the English language. When they get the answer to the problem they are solving or when they are being praised, they are always positive, and always ecstatic.
There are not many activities that I can initiate due to the small class and their ability to complete a task in a given period of time. But I have created and taught small problem solving activities and communication games to the class, which turned out really great. It is nearing the end of the course and it soon time for them to switch over to civics. So the class is very busy and extra assignments/activities given to them would not be manageable for them, but I do plan on creating a small fun game or activity for the students before the course ends.
Peer tutoring for this class/peer tutoring in general has been a big eye opener for me. When helping the students get through their frustrations, it brings out a good and confident feeling in me. I feel like I have done many things for each student to help them understand and further their knowledge. It made me consider going to school to be a teacher in the future, because I really enjoy helping and teaching the students. Peer tutoring is a great experience and I cannot wait for the students taking civics switching over to careers to come.