Monday, February 22, 2010
Class Management
Hey Folks! After observing my teacher, I've noticed both positive and negative ways to handle classroom management. One strategy that my teacher uses is posting class rules. There are only a few rules, which helps keep things simple. The only problem is that they are not posted in a place that is easily seen. The middle school kids love to talk and be silly, but my teacher really likes a quiet orderly classroom. I like that he does not talk over anyone and demands attention when giving directions, but I think having more group activities and outlets for energy would help a lot in this classroom. Another suggestion I have would be to write directions on the board. A lot of time seems wasted at the beginning of class going over the day's activities, and I think the kids lose focus after a minute or two and forget what to do. My teacher is definitely "with it." The kids have a good understanding of appropriate behavior (whether or not the choose to practice it!) My only concern is that too much classtime is spent calling kids out or correcting behavior. I think it would make things more efficient if clear consquences were outlined for disrupting class. Overall, I don't forsee any major issues with classroom management during my student teaching. I am really trying early on to get to know the kids. They are already showing me they are beginning to trust me by asking for help! I think mutual respect and trust is one of the best thing you can do for managing a class, so hopefully things continue to go well.
Jess,
ReplyDeleteI understand that your teacher likes a quiet orderly classroom, but I agree that the students could really benefit with collaborative group work, esp. in middle school when they are very chatty. Like we learned, use those social skills to our advantage! Are you going to try to incorporate that in your unit somehow?
It's nice that your teacher demands attention when teaching. I think this could really help you when you take over the classroom. Students will already be aware of how they should respect the speaker, whether it is your teacher, you, or one of their peers.
I can see you getting along very well the middle schoolers; I know they will love your enthusiasm!!
I think we will get along very well! Yes, I do plan on incorporating a lot group activities into my unit plan. They will also be working on a group project and participating in some discussion. It should be exciting.
ReplyDeleteI also think my teacher spends too much time warning and/or correcting kids behavior. I agree that the consequences should clearly be outlined. That way, the kids know right off what will happen if they misbehave. I also agree that group activities would help the kids release some energy. They all seem very well behaved, just fidgety. I think your planned activities will keep them moving and focused!
ReplyDeleteYes, I definitely think having the directions on the board will help. My teacher does not put up the agenda for the day and every studnet walking into the classroom asks the same question, "what are we doing today?" So, I think having the list on the board will be much better than answering the same thing over and over again.
ReplyDeleteI agree that middle school students are very chatty. However, if you monitor them well, students will stay on topic, and I don't see anything wrong with talking about science in science classroom. Hopefully when you start teaching, the class will be a little more interactive :)
My teacher puts the daily objectives and agenda on the board every morning. Students walk in and do not ask what they are going to be doing. They know to look on the board and it will tell them their daily objectives. This is a great strategy that can be implemented at the beginning of the year with easy and students will quickly pick up on the concept. It also saves my teacher a tremendous amount of time because they do not have to waste time answering questions as well as they do not have to spend time going over the daily agenda since it is already up on the board.
ReplyDeleteI think you should try to implement this when you are teaching your unit plan. When your cooperative teacher is observing you they might realize the benefits of posting the daily objectives on the board.