As I was browsing through the different blogs that were
posted on the websites, I came across a blog that talked about setting
classroom expectations. I started reading the article because it related to the
daily trouble I encounter in my 5th grade classroom. Considering
that I received the class two weeks after school started, and I had to adjust
to the grade level change, every time I have given my students an assessment or
a quick review, they are completely lost. It wasn’t until I started reflecting
and reading this blog that made me realize that maybe with all the changes that
we went through, the students and myself, I did not deliver or stated the
classroom expectations efficiently with the students. As I am teaching, I have
to be constantly stopping in order for the students to stop their talking and
pay attention. Having to do this every day in the classroom gets to be very distracting
to the other students who are engaged and I have noticed that it stops or
disrupts the learning process for all students. Then, as I was reading the
blog, it reassured me that establishing the classroom expectations is a very
important step and thing to do in order for the learning to happen and run
smoothly. I like how the blog talks about the two kinds of student
expectations, which are behavior and learning expectations. Honestly, this was
one of the biggest confusions I have had for these past 4 weeks inside the
classroom as a teacher because I have mixed my behavior expectations along with
me learning and it seems to be quite confusing for the students because they
see it as one. As described in the blog, as I understood it they are two
completely different sets of expectations. Yes, they complement each other in a
high way because without one another, they are very hard to achieve alone. It
is crucial to have students follow the behavior expectations as introduced by
the teacher in the classroom so that the environment can be controlled and the
learning expectations can be met. The blog also states different statistics as
to how students in a classroom that has well established behavior expectations
do an awesome job and are more highly to achieve the learning expectations
because there is less interruptions as to a classroom that has more
interruptions. After reading and learning the expected
behaviors, each one go hand in hand in a more specific way. Learning how to
implement video games that are played in the classroom setting or at home, I found that blog very interesting because by adding the video games templates as lesson plans and incorporating it into the classroom, then it gets the students engaged and ready to learn with all their focus and attention on you.
http://www.edudemic.com/computer-games-as-lesson-plan/
Lorena,
ReplyDeleteI could hear the frustration in your voice as you were writing the words. A classroom is like a jungle; you need to find three non-negotiables concerning behavior. Maybe they can be your top three, but the students can never break them without suffering a consequence. Swinging from limb to limb trying to implement strategies and procedures can be overwhelming. Find the rules that match your true personality and belief system. You will never reach a child academically if you can't reach their character. It is a tough job and you may not be popular all the time, but hopefully you will be remembered for wielding punishment and grace when appropriate. Too much grace at the beginning gets you nowhere. It is wonderful that you recognized the difference between the two in your blog reading.
Linda
Hello Lorena,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your blog it made me make connections to how in pre-k the expectations are set from day one. As little as our students are they become leaders of reminding those who don't follow them. I have never taught higher grades but I think the fact that you and the students started a bit late is a factor. However, now that you all are in the class it is essential that they know what the expectations are and that you are consistent. I would also propose that you involve them as much in the learning process to prevent from them having side conversations. May be lesson plans in where they become active participants of the learning and activities where you address different learning styles. Perhaps pairing them to talk about the concept you are teaching or having them work in groups to create a project. I think once they know you mean business they will focus and most importantly would be to establish the student centered classroom to minimize behavior issues. I understand your frustration and I hope it gets better as the year progresses. Thank you for your reflection
I have only experience as college professor. However, I can notice that it is not too different from elementary schools in some aspects, like this. I have been frustrated sometimes when my teaching strategies fail and I am unable to get my students engaged to my course as I expected. Nevertheless, reevaluating the situation, taking time to reflect about, and consider some changes have been useful for me. Changes are very important. So, congrats because you have taking time to learn about this and looking for new strategies to your class. Keep calm and be positive. Everything will be find. I wish the best for you,
ReplyDeleteMaria
Lorena,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have had an extremely rough start to your year. Perhaps it would be helpful to start fresh on Monday. One way I am able to get my students engaged in the learning process is by listening to their expectations and then as a group coming up with behavioral expectations that will help us to get along and reach our collective educational goals. Involving the student's in the process of establishing rules helps them to take ownership of their behavior.