I've found it very fascinating to watch how students behave in different classrooms according to what teacher they have. The cell phone issue is one that becomes very obvious: I observed one class where the teacher wasn't very strict about cell phones and as a result, had more than 50% of the class texting (and some actually watching movies on their iphones!). He has a very relaxed and easy going teaching style -very sarcastic and jokes around with the kids perhaps a little TOO much. The student's seem to really like him. HOWEVER, I'm not sure how much they're actually learning... the student's behaviour and lack of respect seems to be a very clear reflection of the teacher's attitude and standards.
I also observed a class where the teacher had a warning rule for the cell phones: first time's a warning, second time it goes on the teacher's desk, and the third time it goes to the office. However, although the students are aware of this policy, the teacher doesn't actually follow through with it! Even as the policy was being described to me, she turned and asked the same student several times to put their cell phone back in their bag... it became very clear that without consistency in the rules, the students are aware that they can get away with it over and over again.
Today I observed a class where there weren't ANY cell phones out; I was shocked! I mentioned it to the teacher and she said it's because they KNOW if she sees it, she'll take it- no warnings. Another student overheard and commented, "oh no-in this class you don't even try..." I also noticed that, unlike the first teacher I described, she had a professional manner and treated her students like adults. It became very apparent that the teacher truly does set the tone for the classroom; the student's behaviour will clearly reflect the attitudes, energy, tolerance, and standards of the teacher.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Cell phones haven't been an issue in any of the classes I've observed, I'm not sure if it's more of a school policy thing or just good classroom management. I asked my sister (she's in grade 10 at a different school) about it and she said her best teacher said "set your phone to vibrate and if you get a text send them a quick 'eff you I'm in science' and put it away." I just don't understand who they could be texting, aren't their friends supposed to be in class too?
ReplyDeleteWhat I've noticed as general policy is that if it becomes a distraction (frequent texting, it rings, etc.) it goes on the teacher's desk and they pick it up on their way out at the end of class. That will probably be my general strategy when I get in there. I think it's important to give students some freedom while still making them respect the class and your teaching.