When have you taken a risk on a new teaching approach or suggestion? Was it successful?
The tolerance for risk taking will differ from school to school, so use your best judgment with the example you give. Your example should be aligned with the school's values or something that you believe would be permitted at the school your interviewing with. It is best to provide an example that successfully boosted student learning and engagement (or parent engagement). Tell the interviewer what your idea was, how you implemented it, how it impacted your classroom culture, and what you learned from taking the risk.
If you haven't taken any risks, talk about small initiatives that you implemented and explain the results and your observations.
"I suggested that the teachers take the students to a park once a month instead of staying in the classroom because I noticed that the students were more lively when they were in the sun and breathing fresh air; I thought they might learn better this way. From what I saw, it was tough to keep students engaged at first, and the teachers wasted a lot of time getting them to settle down. So the first time we took them to the park, it wasn't exactly a success. But the second time we went, the teachers were able to keep order, and the lesson was a great success and huge hit with the students; they talked about it for days. It became a special memory for them, and the lesson stuck with them more because of that."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I took a risk on station teaching and it was very successful.
Cindy's Feedback
Great! Expand by explaining why you decided to take the risk? What were the pros and cons? Why was it successful?
Anonymous Answer
A few years back, I got the idea to do an escape room in my classroom. I was apprehensive at first because of the amount of preparation it would take to make it successful; however, I wanted to create a new learning experience for my students, and it was a great way to assess their knowledge of the concepts and standards we'd discussed in the unit. Long story short, it went well. The students enjoyed it. I was able to assess their knowledge and use the data for re-teaching, and other teachers saw what we had done and wanted to try something similar in their classrooms.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is an excellent response. You do a great job of showcasing a creative idea, showing how you brought this idea to life, and quantifying the impact. Good for you!
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