I have learned so many lasting lessons about educating and the students I have helped within my PDS. Very recently I learned how important it is to be with classroom time management in order to assure there is no lost time. I first saw this when I was coordinating my technology assignment, and had difficulty with load time and finding the website. Because I had no additional assignment or back-up plan for my students, they became distracted and less willing to learn.
I have also learned to be unbiased among the students when grading or disciplining. It’s very easy to assume a student who typically causes problems is the culprit for the actions we as teachers do not catch or see. After learning the term “halo-effect,” this problem is an important habit to avoid. Being unbiased is extremely important in order to give students equal opportunities for achievement.
Lastly, I have noticed that as the year goes on, fewer students see me as the young person within the class and more like a second teacher who will be just as attentive to behavior problems. Though I see why this is a good change, part of me feels disappointed that my status as their “friend” has disappeared. As much as I would like all the students to like me, I have realized that sometimes I must sacrifice this in order to maintain a hold on behavior problem in the classroom.
I really enjoyed reading about the many lessons you have learned in your PDS classroom. I feel as if I have learned many similar lessons. Classroom management/control is so important! I am glad that you included the lesson about the "halo-effect." I remember reading this in our textbook.
ReplyDeleteI also thought that your third point was very insightful. The goal of an effective teacher is not to be the "best friend" of his/her students, but instead to help the students learn and achieve.
Really nice insights and I can hear in your reflections that you are transition from student to teacher in your own identity. Your movement from friend to teacher is not a bad thing. You can still have compassion and empathy for you students and develop a learning relationship with them. Sounds like you are doing that well. One thing that really makes me think you are on that road is that you are looking at each child individually and working hard not to put them in "a box." Looking forward to seeing you teach.
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