I read this article because I was interested in reading about what a school would be like that invites teachers to stay more than other schools. I found that the author, Deborah Meier, put a large emphasis on building communities within the schools and being a place where teachers and students had good relationships.
Anaylzing this article, it makes me think about all of the teachers that might have been scared out of teaching because of bad school environments. I wonder what the percentage is, but also, if this is what separates the weak from the strong. Of course, another angle to look at from is the fact that good teachers might leave and find better paying jobs in new fields if the school environment is not a hospitable one. I think, however, that the argument this article makes is a valid one, but kind of a nobrainer, espcecially with new ideas companies like Google put into place in order to create a hospitable workforce. I mean who does not want to work in place that is fun and hospitable?
I always approach work with a positive attitude and will take community building skills with me to future places where I teach. I think that if you are able to build community between faculty, staff, and students confrontation will be far less in frequency. The only problem that I see is trying to get through to others teachers who are not in it the whole way.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Discipline Plan
Five Expectations I have in my classroom as far as a disicipline plan is concerned.
The first is respect in the classroom. I think all students should respect other peoples comments and opinions as well as be able to listen to their opinions and take into account their ideas and analyze the values of the opinion. This being broken has quite a few consequences that are both natural and logical. For example, the natural consequence is that this undermines the safety and productivity of the class. The logical consequence is that I will have to talk to those students who constantly disrespect other students on a one on one basis after class.
The second is the use of cell phones and other electronic equipment that does not pertain to the class. If students continue to break these rules, then the natural consequence would be that these devices distract the class while the logical consequence would be to take away these devices after a certain amount of violations.
The third expectation is that students will be on time and ready to learn. The lack therefore to be punctual naturally distracts the class and breaks the first expectation by no respecting the rest of the class's time. The logical consequence would be a tardy slip and detention.
The fourth expectation is that students complete homework and assignments on time. The natural consequence is that these students are not learning the content and failing the class. The logical consequence would be a discussion with students on why they are not completing the assignments.
The fifth expectation would be that students participate in class regularly, engaging the material. Consequences (natural) would be poor discussion in class and a dry working environment.
The first is respect in the classroom. I think all students should respect other peoples comments and opinions as well as be able to listen to their opinions and take into account their ideas and analyze the values of the opinion. This being broken has quite a few consequences that are both natural and logical. For example, the natural consequence is that this undermines the safety and productivity of the class. The logical consequence is that I will have to talk to those students who constantly disrespect other students on a one on one basis after class.
The second is the use of cell phones and other electronic equipment that does not pertain to the class. If students continue to break these rules, then the natural consequence would be that these devices distract the class while the logical consequence would be to take away these devices after a certain amount of violations.
The third expectation is that students will be on time and ready to learn. The lack therefore to be punctual naturally distracts the class and breaks the first expectation by no respecting the rest of the class's time. The logical consequence would be a tardy slip and detention.
The fourth expectation is that students complete homework and assignments on time. The natural consequence is that these students are not learning the content and failing the class. The logical consequence would be a discussion with students on why they are not completing the assignments.
The fifth expectation would be that students participate in class regularly, engaging the material. Consequences (natural) would be poor discussion in class and a dry working environment.
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