One of the most difficult parts of teaching for me is classroom management. What kind of teacher should I be, whether to be a "strict" teacher or a "kind" teacher? Should we "demand" homework from students or just "ask" them to do it? Should we be in touch with parents all the time or try not to contact them until they need to talk to us? Should we smile or put on a serious face? Should we try to make students think that we know everything or should we admit that we are not very experienced teachers yet and we are learning things exactly as they do? Should we write letters to their personal files at school or try not to do that? We, as teachers, face many challenges that make us ask ourselves many personal questions about our identity.
I know what the right answers to all my questions (dilemmas) are. You will probably say: “Be yourself” and do what you think is right thing to do according to your personal worldview and values. I definitely agree but sometimes it does not work like this. Students do not understand that you try to help them and make them like the language as much as you do. If you demand much homework all the time, they will probably hate your subject and you have failed, or not?
I will ask even more abstract question: “What way do you assess your success with a certain class?” What are the signs that show that you have done a good job?
I would be happy to get your comments concerning the above questions.
I would say the only thing. We should be very flexible. There cannot be "or"-"or". There are so many colors in our work. So, it really depends...
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you there is not one answer to your questions. I think that with time and experience you will find out what is best for you, what is certain is that perseverance and hard work will eventually pay off. I t also depends on the age group you are working with. Some things may work with younger students better than with older ones and vice versa . I have realized that with junior high school students one has to set clear boundaries in order to be able to break them from time to time.
Love and passion for what you do also permeates to your students.
Finally don’t loose hope and remember our students are what keeps us going ,improving and learning!
Good luck!!
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you there is not one answer to your questions. I think that with time and experience you will find out what is best for you, what is certain is that perseverance and hard work will eventually pay off. I t also depends on the age group you are working with. Some things may work with younger students better than with older ones and vice versa . I have realized that with junior high school students one has to set clear boundaries in order to be able to break them from time to time.
Love and passion for what you do also permeates to your students.
Finally don’t loose hope and remember our students are what keeps us going ,improving and learning!
Good luck!!
Definitely agree we should be flexible, but "never smile until Christmas", they say:)
ReplyDeleteThese questions will always accompany the teacher and the indecision will continue as long as we teach. However, each teacher should see that he flexes himself towards each class and adapts himself to the "wind blowing in that class". There is no one policy for everyone, but rather "educate the youth in his own way." If we deal with the subject of homework, I can ask my students to do homework and reward the student, but I will never force a student to do homework without motivation. Regarding the relationship with the student - sometimes the "salary" will come immediately and sometimes only when the student will examine his studies from a distance of time. It is good from time to time to hesitate and ask ourselves, but we will not get one answer!
ReplyDeleteHi Michael!
ReplyDeleteYes,so simple and yet so complicated..
One classroom, many students, one teacher, many theories..
I go with the the principle of kindness- be kind and it will bear fruit.
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteI hope Naama's inspiring talk today gave you some ideas.
L
A wise person once said to me that we know we have done a good job when our pupils need us less.
ReplyDeleteBeing a teacher is always challenging. One of the best quotes presenting the whole process is "
ReplyDelete“...the job seems to require the sort of skills one would need to pilot a bus full of live chickens backwards, with no brakes, down a rocky road through the Andes while simultaneously providing colorful and informative commentary on the scenery.”
― Franklin Habit
Here are some tips from my experience:
- be clear, firm and consistent;
- be human and fair;
- keep them busy, make them work hard and give them constant feedback on what they do.
- build positive teacher - parents relationship.
Here is a link to a great site on classroom management. https://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/