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.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
THE NEW YEAR
For this second year teacher, the second semester has begun a little differently than the first. I was expecting a group like I had at this time last year. Those students understood their role and place in the class and lab. These students are cut from a different cloth.( I am speaking solely of my "intro" classes. My "old hands" know the routine and structure.)These students appeared back in my doorway the 8th of January as if they had never seen my class before. Basically, I have had to start over with discipline,structure, etc. I do not get it. I am continuing to use my NTI training- class rules, lesson plans,etc. The main thing I am changing is my tendency to be "understanding". It appears that these chameleons have decided that they can behave in any manner they see fit. They are beginning to shape up ...2 weeks into the semester. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I understand your frustration Joe. It seems to me that the more seasoned students would know but they still have to push the envelope to show thier new classmates thier ability to be class clowns. The best thing Ive seen is to just let them have a day or two of glory and it usually goes away. If not, I take them to a private area in the shop and have a Mr. Cloer's special talk about thier behavior with them. But as stated, usually once they get thier 2 days of fame, they are fine.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing ive used is to put them in charge or give them a job of some sort. This gives them a feeling of importance and they wont strive as hard to impress thier classmates.
I thought it was just me. I have felt the same way since the beginning of school. The students are so different than the ones from last school year. They have no respect for the teacher or themselves. I have found myself providing so much more discipline. My student last school year were so helpful and very enthusiastic, but this year, they just show up to socialize with each other and not attempt to do anything. I continuously give them pep talks on expected behavior and how their current actions will affect them in the future. Can you believe these students are suppose to be our future leaders?
ReplyDeleteJoe my students did the same thing I just started back over as if we had never been there before. The students didn't seem to mind and they are starting to come around. With new students coming in these teenage boys seem to all have something to prove and I think the returning students get jealous of the new students getting special attention.
ReplyDeleteJoe, I think Shane has given you some solid advice. Stay consistent with your policies/rules, etc. It is common to have to spend the first two weeks of a new semester teaching procedures again. I don't know why; I just know it to be true. Dr. J.
ReplyDeleteJoe, I agree with the other comments. I find it's very important to stay consistent. Even if the students don't like some of my rules, they like the fact that I am consistent. They know what to expect. I had one student the other day do something, and she immediately apologized and said I'm sorry Ms. Dial, I forgot whose room I was in. She didn't say it in a sarcastic way, she was truly aplogizing for what she had done.
ReplyDelete