Okay I was thinking about not even posting this "rant" but I can't help myself. I know that I am not the only one who had the same feelings but I hope that Professor Kruse never has to have a sub again! Everything he has taught us so far about good teaching vs bad teaching we had the example right in front of us on Tuesday!
Let's begin with how our EDUC 107 class started and right away, I felt as if I was back in high school and that the only knowledgeable peer was the person in the front of the classroom. We were explained why we had a substitute but then the comment that followed was what got to me. The Sub told us the process of what Professor Kruse was doing and followed it up by stating, " I don't expect any of you to know this". Now I understand we may not be knowledgeable in the process, but you don't have to point that out as it makes it seem as if we are all unintelligent beings waiting on every word that is spoken to gain knowledge only from her, as if had no knowledge before we walked in the door.
As if this wasn't enough the entire class was taught off a power point and a laser! The sub mentioned how she likes to keep blanks in her power point in order to ensure that we are paying attention? I don't believe that one person in the class was as many were falling off their chairs sleeping or on the edge of sleeping.
I know that we had talked about not shooting down your students answers in the classroom and how we appreciated the fact that professor Kruse takes our ideas and we have built off of them to get to the point that he wants to make. On more than one occasion Joe had made a comment while the sub listened she responded with Thats a good point but lets think of it this way. She then continued her rant that had no reference to Joe's comment he made.
The activities we did seemed pointless and she referred to the chapters in the book which we have not even read. When we were asked to do the activities she put them on the elmo only to make marks across them and tell us what we did wrong. At my group even though we followed directions the sub walked over (WOW she walked away from her podium) and stated how we didn't follow directions and repeated what we had to do a bit slower, I didn't realize we had learning problems as what we did was exactly what she wanted.
So I say let's not be gone again Professor Kruse! We have used up our sick days and aren't looking forward to Thursday's class!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Keeping Students Motivated in the classroom
As each new teacher steps into their classroom on their first day on the job they wonder how they will keep all students motivated within the classroom. In this blog I will give a few examples of how I plan to manage my classroom, but I will always keep in mind that I have to be flexible and if it doesn't work, I need to be willing to change it.
I believe that if you build a sense of trust in your classroom and treat the Ss with respect, keep the content relative for easier understanding and continue to assess their understanding at least once a week in manners other than tests the motivation of the students will not be a factor.
As a teacher I will need to watch carefully the language used to ensure that it is not above my students ZPD, thus grasping a better understanding of the content. Making learning more relative can come in many forms, in doing this is where my background knowledge of each student will be beneficial. I will have a better understanding of my students ZPD's and work within those means so all students will be actively mentally engaged in the classroom.
To ensure all students are motivated I would portray a respectful, safe and caring environment that each student will enjoy coming to class each day waiting to see what we are going to be doing next. Sometimes I feel this may be a stretch to think I can pull this off, but I believe in seeing many classes firsthand I know what kids will respond to and in what ways.
I believe that the way the classroom environment is set up on the first day will tell wether or not your classroom management skills will work. Seating arrangements need to be thought out. A classroom that has rows vs pods. In the rowed classroom children who are seated further back from the teacher is much easier distracted and there is less stimulation going on as they are further from the teacher, although if you are a great teacher, you will not be in the front of the classroom very much as you will be circulating around the class.
One of the most important things to do on the first day of class is be organized!! This includes all of the following and then some! Always BE FLEXIBLE!
2. Model for your students what you want.
3. When you get what you want, acknowledge (not praise) it.If used to often praise will soon become devalued.4. When you get something else, act quickly and appropriately.
I believe that if you build a sense of trust in your classroom and treat the Ss with respect, keep the content relative for easier understanding and continue to assess their understanding at least once a week in manners other than tests the motivation of the students will not be a factor.
As a teacher I will need to watch carefully the language used to ensure that it is not above my students ZPD, thus grasping a better understanding of the content. Making learning more relative can come in many forms, in doing this is where my background knowledge of each student will be beneficial. I will have a better understanding of my students ZPD's and work within those means so all students will be actively mentally engaged in the classroom.
To ensure all students are motivated I would portray a respectful, safe and caring environment that each student will enjoy coming to class each day waiting to see what we are going to be doing next. Sometimes I feel this may be a stretch to think I can pull this off, but I believe in seeing many classes firsthand I know what kids will respond to and in what ways.
I believe that the way the classroom environment is set up on the first day will tell wether or not your classroom management skills will work. Seating arrangements need to be thought out. A classroom that has rows vs pods. In the rowed classroom children who are seated further back from the teacher is much easier distracted and there is less stimulation going on as they are further from the teacher, although if you are a great teacher, you will not be in the front of the classroom very much as you will be circulating around the class.
One of the most important things to do on the first day of class is be organized!! This includes all of the following and then some! Always BE FLEXIBLE!
- Brainstorm class expectations
- Arrange desks
- Pin up bulletin boards, notices, etc.
- Write lesson plans for the first week OVERPLAN to have something to fall back on
- Duplicate materials for first week
- Write daily schedule, date, and your name on the board
- Prepare files for parent correspondence, school bulletins, and sub teachers
2. Model for your students what you want.
3. When you get what you want, acknowledge (not praise) it.If used to often praise will soon become devalued.4. When you get something else, act quickly and appropriately.
I have had previous students from 7/8 years back that I taught with respect and nurturing environment and got to know their families etc. that still as they see me now come up hug me, thank me for being tough on them as we sit back and recall some of the things they did when they were with me. I think this is just one type of proof that I know how to handle the students as they walk in the first day Here you will find a few ideas for great classroom management that work in all classrooms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCuYH6b-o2E
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