This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Friday, September 26, 2008
A little attention goes a long way!!!!
I must say this has been one of my best weeks of teaching. I'm sure you all can relate to those students that just want to talk, walk around the class, or just do absolutely nothing during class. Well I share you pain but this week I seen that a little attention goes a long way. I have three young men, not all in the same class but each one share the same challenge for me each day. I must say this week I decided to take a different approach to handling the situation. I'm a firm believer in letting the problem kids become your class helpers but this week I tried something new. I allowed each of these young men to lead their groups during lab. When I decided to do this I had to question myself. After announcing the news to the groups they wanted to know if I had lost it. Well I must say they ALL exceeded my expectations, each one of these young men done exceptional jobs. In each of the labs this week they made sure there group stayed on task, cleaned properly and completed each activity in the time required. Also the products that they each produced was absolutely wonderful. I made sure I commended each one of them in front of the class. They were smiling from ear to ear and the best part for me was they stayed on task the entire class time. It was the best!!!! They enjoyed the attention they received from their peers and comments from me. I had to one to come to me to ask if he could take pictures using his cell phone, of his work, so that he could show his mom and dad. I must say this week ended on a very good note!!!!!!
I can definitely relate to this. The first month of school, I allowed the students to volunteer for positions such as classroom manager, public relations manager and team leads for group activities. Since everyone in my class has to participate as a team leader and as a manager, I decided to select my quietest and challenging students to serve as team leaders before serving as a manager. I was totally surprised at how seriously some of the students have taken their postions and run with it. I even took time one class period to have the students write on the board their thoughts of what a leader should be. This gave the leaders a good idea of the characteristics they needed to work on or develop while in the position. My classroom manager is so good that he even flips the light switch and reminds the class that their 3 minutes of class preparation are up and to be on task! I think the delegation of duties is a great way for students to see how an organization really works and the chain of command to follow. Besides it takes some of the extra work off of us as teachers!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your story Keio of how difficult it can be to connect with some students. It is a good reminder to me that students respond to positive affirmation. When we give students the opportunity to excel they frequently do far beyond our expectations of them. It also reminds me of how my perception of a student can get in the way of that student learning and growing. Thank you for sharing your success story. It sounds like you took a big risk and it paid off in big dividends. Your story has inspired me to try your strategy the next time I have a student that seems to be having difficulty participating in class. It may be just the thing that shifts the students’ perspective from being a spectator to a participator in his or her learning.
ReplyDeleteI must try your technique Keio. I too have a couple of young men that like to walk and talk and complete work when they want to. Your idea is just what I needed to hear this week. I've used that technique in the past when dealing with younger children to enforce good behaviors but totally forget about the strategy. You are certainly right, the concept is a good one. All of us feel more important when we receive a little attention. Thanks for sharing a good week... I am planning on having a good one next week.
ReplyDelete