Discussion Prompts:
Discussion Prompts How can I make sure to provide a productive learning environment for students who need to talk their way through the material as well as those who need quiet time to think? What strategies do you use to make sure you are getting to know your students? CT allows her students to speak out during class discussions, often several students at once. This is because she knows that these students need that time to talk their way through what they are thinking about. What is your opinion on this strategy and how do you think this might affect other students in the class?
Being Authoritative:
Being Authoritative My Problem: I don’t have the confidence CT: “Okay, I’m not going to be able to dismiss you guys on time if we can’t get through the things that we need to.” Stu: “Don’t be strict because that can make students rebel.”
Developing Relationships:
Developing Relationships My problem: There are so many students, I am having a hard time just remembering their names CT: Watch/read about football, Survivor, American Idol, etc… Stu: Just talk about math
Chaos-Free Lesson Plans:
Chaos-Free Lesson Plans My problem: I don’t always think of all possible opportunities to be off task, confused, or disengaged. CT: Mix up activities, pretend you are the students, create a visual of all instructions Stu: Becomes frustrated when lesson allows students to speak out.
Classroom Atmosphere:
Classroom Atmosphere My Problem: I can’t handle too much noise in the classroom, but some of my students need to process information out loud. CT: “I’d like students to be engaged with each other, so I don’t mind some noise.” Stu: I work best when the room is quiet and doesn’t have too many students
CT’s Classroom Layout:
CT’s Classroom Layout