What Has Worked Well: There are several things that have worked well for me. The behavioral strategies, I would say, have helped me the most. I am more able to keep myself in control this year after the summer NTI. Some of my out of control students from last year are back, and I'm actually keeping them focused and on track this year. I originally thought "To you..., To me..." Wouldn't work, but it actually does. I've learned how to identify that "proximity" actually makes a big difference. Students that I have just walked near, or stood near by when they were disrupting instructions or group discussions, have said to me "are you standing near me because I'm talking too much". I am able to keep a straight face and say "Just say on track, and finish your work" and continue walking around the room without stopping my class. I am approaching individuals and speaking with them quietly, instead of talking to them over the class- eliminating a lot of the bickering/arguing back and forth from the student. I definately feel that the behavioral strategies have given me a huge lift in my classroom.
What isn't working very well: Getting my first year students through Safety! I am struggling with inventing new motivational activities to keep the students learning safety. They are not allowed to enter the shop, and that is what they are pushing for. I am having difficulties gettting my two first year classes to understand the need and importance of safety in the shop. I have done individual work, group work, activities, study guides and games......and very few of them are participating. I feel like I need to move onto Automotive Careers and come back to safety. Would that work? any opinions?
I think you should move on, but come back to safety right before the first lab activity. You may need to teach only what they need to know for that first lab as far as safety goes. Are you teaching too big of a "chunk" at once? Dr. J.
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