As an aspiring teacher currently observing English lessons in a high school setting, I engage with two different groups of first-year high school students, aged 15. My motivation to teach stems from both positive and negative experiences with educators, driving me to create a positive learning environment where students feel respected and valued.

In a recent conversation with Noa, I reflected on my experiences in the classroom. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my students were more engaged and willing to participate than I had expected. This realization highlighted the importance of creating a fun and interactive learning environment, where students could share their real-life experiences, significantly contributing to their enthusiasm. I recognized that my lesson planning could be more creative and that involving students in decision-making about their learning would enhance their engagement.

During our discussion, I shared an example of a successful activity where students worked in groups, matching sentences to their tenses and using newly learned vocabulary. I also mentioned a fun icebreaker involving a yarn ball, where students shared personal stories about their pets. These activities not only engaged the students but also fostered a sense of community in the classroom.

However, I also noticed that some students remained quiet and hesitant to participate, despite the engaging atmosphere. This led me to reflect on the dynamics of the classroom and the need to understand my students better. I realized that interesting lessons could engage even the quietest students, and I committed to being more creative in my lesson planning.

From this conversation, I felt encouraged and motivated to explore innovative teaching methods. I plan to ask my students how they would like to be taught about certain topics and allow them to choose their homework, giving them ownership over their learning. This approach aligns with my goal of fostering a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions.

In conclusion, I am excited about the journey ahead and the potential to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for my students. As I continue to develop my teaching style, I am reminded that fostering an open and engaging atmosphere is key to encouraging student participation and creativity.