Blog Post #2

My experiences in my PDS have been very valuable to me as a prospective teacher. I feel that my host teacher has given me many opportunities to interact with the class as a whole and experience what it might feel like to have the responsibility of helping over 30 students learn. That being said, I've also gotten to see how hard it can be to form relationships with students by merely "teaching" to the whole class. Because I am only there for two hours per week, it makes it that much harder. I was surprised to learn how easily I remembered students' names; but, I often only remembered their names if they participated frequently in class discussion about the material I was presenting.

About a week ago, I had my first real disciplinary run-in with a student. He was the "ring-leader" in disrupting two other students while they were assigned to a group discussion. Instead of staying on task, he chose to make a point of doing anything but that, often leading to talking about very inappropriate things. When I confronted him, he made a show to the students around him, and tried to pick apart everything I said to twist my words and make other students laugh. Eventually, he crossed the line--my host teacher threatened to kick him out of the class. He turned to me, and said, "She won't kick me out--she doesn't have the balls to kick me out of class." I later relayed that message to my host teacher, who ultimately brought the issue to the principal and handled the situation by removing him from the class for good. Part of me wishes I could have somehow handled that student in a better way; though, I'm not sure what (if anything) would have made him stop acting the way he did. I hope I did the right thing in that situation.

So, as you can see, I've definitely had some experiences. I think the situation mentioned above could have perhaps been handled even better had I had a better relationship with the student or the other students who were just as disruptive. Perhaps they show me little respect because they feel I know nothing about them. I do try to get to know them with the opportunities I am given, but they almost seem to be more curious about me (a new face "teaching" them) and less concerned with letting me get to know them. I hope that makes sense.

My question is: Have you experienced any behavior issues with your students? If so, what would you suggest from your experience that may have been better than how I handled my situation?

Blog Post #1

I have used various blogs in order to stay in touch with friends across the country. We share updates about our lives, experiences (including photos), and comment on each other's stories. I find blogging interesting because it is like a public journal or diary--the writer is free to share advice, opinions, thoughts, etc. with his or her readers. The open-discussion format is also appealing; it allows the reader to have a "say" in the thoughts of the writer.

This is what makes blogging a good idea for teachers and pre-service teachers. The ability to post thoughts and experiences and allow other teachers and pre-service teachers to respond to your writing is very helpful. It allows us to bounce ideas off each other and give advice, tips, or criticism when appropriate. It also allows us to see what others experience in their schools and with students to see if we can apply their wisdom to our situations.

Because I have used blogs for years, I envision using a blog in much the same way as I have done before. If I have an experience that is noteworthy, if I need advice or suggestions, if I have developed an activity that is particularly successful with students, or any other worthwhile topic concerning educating students that would generate discussion, I feel this would be appropriate for a blog.

The possibilities for blog-writing can include the aforementioned ideas along with including pictures, personal experiences in the classroom, interactive activity ideas, technology questions and inquiries regarding other teachers' successful experiences, etc.

It is important to find others who may be able to share their experiences. Who better than other pre-service teachers and teachers? Blogs can be a wonderful way to communicate back and forth, ask questions and have questions answered, and show general support and encouragement for our efforts to teach students.