One of my goals for the summer is to become a Google Certified Educator. After attending a Google in Education Summit, I knew that I wanted to get my certification. I decided that it would be best to wait until summer so that I could focus on preparing and taking the tests.
At first, I felt the urge to put it all off because I was nervous about not passing. Finally, I settled in and did the prep work by going through the lessons. I used what I know about how I learn to help me prepare. I put in the time, but I still had to talk myself into just getting started on the test. I found a comfy spot, took a deep breath, and started. I had to remind myself to do the things we always tell the kids: slow down, read carefully, don't worry about the time, answer those you know first, and then go back to those you need more time to answer.
I went through the test checking my work a few times. Finally, I took a deep breath and submitted the test. I was holding my breath waiting for the screen with my results. I passed and did so with a very good score. I do wish that I could see the few I got wrong. I always want the feedback that gives me the chance to learn from my mistakes.
When I was done, it made me realize a few things. It is good for us to be in the position of student, learner, and test taker. It is so easy to forget the anxiety our kids can feel in the classroom. It is important for us to remember what it feels like to set goals and work toward them. Working towards a goal can also mean experiencing failure at times. How do we help our kids to deal with these feelings? My students just finished exams which is always an exhausting and stressful time. I am glad that I continue to try things that push me back into the role of learner. It helps us to be more empathetic. As teachers, we need to remember what being a learner feels like.
I went through the test checking my work a few times. Finally, I took a deep breath and submitted the test. I was holding my breath waiting for the screen with my results. I passed and did so with a very good score. I do wish that I could see the few I got wrong. I always want the feedback that gives me the chance to learn from my mistakes.
When I was done, it made me realize a few things. It is good for us to be in the position of student, learner, and test taker. It is so easy to forget the anxiety our kids can feel in the classroom. It is important for us to remember what it feels like to set goals and work toward them. Working towards a goal can also mean experiencing failure at times. How do we help our kids to deal with these feelings? My students just finished exams which is always an exhausting and stressful time. I am glad that I continue to try things that push me back into the role of learner. It helps us to be more empathetic. As teachers, we need to remember what being a learner feels like.
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