This week we observed a middle school classroom. The differences in setting and tone of the classroom were very obvious as I sat in the back of the class to observe. There was two main things that I took away from this visit, I want to encourage my students to stay excited about learning and I want to encourage organization. This was something I felt lacked in that classroom. I do not think it is fair to blame that specific teacher nor the students in class. However somewhere along the line the excitement for learning disappeared.
Even though I am not future middle school teacher, I truly valued this experience because it helps me set goals for my students. In this case I do not mean I want my students to achieve middle school level work but rather that I want to prepare my students for middle school. This means not only making sure that they know and understand the content I teach, but also their behavior in the classroom. I as a teacher should help them with things such as organization or staying task without being monitored constantly. Middle school gives students more freedom and with that freedom comes much responsibility. During my observation I saw students with papers crammed in books and wrinkled and I also students with well organized binders and could find what the teacher asked for very quickly. This skill may not be viewed as vital to some but in my opinion even an elementary teacher can impact their future career in this way by helping students learn the importance of staying organized.
Another thing I saw as I observed this middle school classroom was a lack of excitement for learning. Often students would moan and complain at the thought of having to write notes or being assigned homework. As I said this blame does not fall on that particular teacher nor the student. But, as future educator this encourages me to instill this value in my students. When excitement for learning disappears often does the amount students retain. When students are disengaged they do not remember as much as they would if they were interested about what they are learning about. This supports the fourth standard, facilitating learning, by facilitating learning in an encouraging and exciting way.
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your attention to details within your classroom. I didn't spend too much time paying attention to the organization of my students. However, organization does play a huge role in their successfulness. If they are constantly scrambling to find their homework or notes, they can end up missing important parts of lessons or may be completely frazzled because they "swear they put it in their bookbag." This especially comes into play in middle school as they're beginning to truly take care of their own work and forming habits that they'll keep for the rest of their lives? How will establish the importance of organization in your future classroom?
One thing I have considered in the respect of encouraging organization is things such as surprise notebook or desk checks. I previously worked as an intern in a 4th grade class and the teacher did binder checks every two weeks however I noticed this did not encourage the students to be organized the entire two weeks but rather quickly get organized for the check. I hope to avoid that by doing things such as surprise checks.
DeleteI've seen some teachers that did desk and notebook checks and from what I remember it was not successful. The teacher instead checked notes to see what the student had written down and would get upset and take off points from their agenda if they had not written down exactly what the teacher wanted and how she wanted it. Different students learn different ways, For me I will write down usually only four small phrases or a small diagram for the entire class because I only write down what I did not already know and know I will forget.
DeleteColleen,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting in how the level of excitement decreases from elementary to middle school. The more important question is...why does this happen? Why do middle school teachers decrease the level of engagement from elementary to middle school? Do the kids in middle school not still want their teachers to be engaging?
Keep making those great connections!
The middle school trip really was a good experience for you I see. It's a different environment and im glad you notice certain things that are different from elementary school. Organization is really important and those students really have it together. And too, there is more freedom. Not so much stress.
ReplyDelete