One of the many strategies that my teacher uses to manage her classroom is through a seating chart. She makes sure that she places certain students next to others that can help facilitate learning. This is probably the most common way to avoid behavioral issues. This seems to work well for her class, and I can tell you that from a first hand experience. Today was my first day teaching at the school. It was the first time the new schedule was implemented since the situation at their old high school. My teacher had to leave during 4th period because of a previous engagement. Therefore, I took over today. I was really excited but I didn't really think about the seating situation. The new classroom doesn't have the same set up as their old room. When the students walked in, they sat down where they wanted to, next to their friends. I had a feeling this was going to be a bad idea, but I wanted to give the students a chance to prove themselves. There are 24 students in that class, with probably 15 having IEPs or 504s. I learned the hard way today, that having a seating chart is sometimes the only way for certain classes. Though I gave them an ultimatum, and told them that I would give the teacher a good report if they proved themselves, the students could not handle it. It was rough.
One of the best things my teacher does is to keep the students busy. She tries really hard to have the lecture be more of a discussion, bouncing ideas and cooperating. This way she can make sure that the students are engaged, and on topic. As for consequences, she is very lax. But there is a sort of unspoken agreement with the students and the teacher. They know that their privileges will be taken away if they act out. She gives the students the benefit of the doubt and the students know that this is a gift.
I know for me, the biggest deal is to lay down the law from the beginning. I need to be firm and demand respect and attention. It's so hard for me though. But today, I think i did a good job in class. I told them exactly what I expected and wanted from them. They seemed to listen, but I guess we'll see on Thursday when I have to teach that class alone again...
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I totally agree about laying down the rules early. This how respect and trust is formed between students and teacher. It seems like your teacher does this very well. How long has she been teaching?
ReplyDeleteI am sure you did great in class today! It is difficult for us to demand respect because we are not exactly the "teacher" yet. The students are still seeing what they can get by us. And we learn as we go! So now you know that seating chart is the answer. We are going to be learning every day what works and what doesn't.
I think its awesome you really got to be on your own! Good Luck!
This semester was the first time I observed seating charts in use and would agree with you that they can help manage a classroom. My cooperative teacher changes seats every week. I have not been there along enough to see how this will affect the students. I believe it offers the opportunity for teachers to try new things, such as placing certain students together to facilitate learning, but also ensures that nothing is permanent and the teacher can change the seats periodically.
ReplyDeleteHow often does your teacher change the seating chart? Is there any effects you have seen thus far?
alex, she's been teaching for 7 years now at the same high school. she's leaving at the end of the year though, to go to a different area in VA.
ReplyDeletedevin, I don't know if i like changing the seating that often. It's hard for students to feel situated and consistent. My teacher does not move seats around unless there is an issue. So far, the seating is going well. She likes to place students with discipline issues either in the front of the classroom or surrounded by people that could help them.
But it's also really difficult to keep track of all the issues in the classroom and accommodate for the trouble makers because we have so many students with IEPs.
it's quite a challenge.