I returned to my old Junior High School in Delavan, Wisconsin just a few days ago. It didn't seem much different than when I had left it. The only thing that was different was that I didn't recognize the students like I used to. Students were running around and yelling, and it was very noisy before the first bell rang. I could definitely tell that the end of the year was approaching, and that students were getting ready for summer. The teachers that I had were no longer there, and the new ones seemed to be quite frustrated and irritated with some of the students behavior. When I first walked in, a few of the teacher's were discussing one of the students and how his behavior has gotten out of control over the past month. Yes, indeed it was your typical Junior High setting, and it kind of made me laugh to remember the times I had here. The school was looking like it was in good shape, and not much had happened to the building itself.
I'm observing a teacher who teaches math and computer class. The classroom tends to be a little crazy at times, and the teacher has often gotten frustrated and upset and sent kids to the office. I'm not exactly sure how the whole year has gone, but it looks like the teacher is fed up with all the nonsense. This teacher tends to joke around with the students a lot though. I feel like that is part of his problem. He likes to joke around with them, but then when he wants to get down to business and do work..they aren't ready to. I think he has meet in the middle with how serious he is and how much he jokes around. It kind of confuses the kids which makes it tough. Other than that the students and the teacher get along very well. For the most part, they get a lot accomplished. They are a few students in each math class that you can tell really struggle. He usually has his aide or myself take them one on one and try to help them with their homework. He's really been pushing to get them caught up with the rest of the class.
I really actually think the students like having me around. I have two younger brothers who recently have graduated from there, so I am kind of known as their older brother. I don't know many of them, but a lot of them remember me from when I was in high school and from being around the area. It makes me feel pretty good going to help these students out, especially when I can tell that they like me. Some of them try and act a little goofy to try to get my attention sometimes. I feel bad when they do that, because the teacher gets a little annoyed. I try to ignore it, so they don't do it again.
One of the things that I feel is different, but it probably isn't is all the noise. It seems so loud and that students are real talkative during class. I guess I don't remember it, because it was a long ago, but I feel like the learning environment was a lot better when I was there. Overall, I am really enjoying it so far. The kids are great and a lot of fun, and it's fun being back where I first started school. I'm learning things that I could include in my classroom, but also things that I don't necessarily agree with. I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks.
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Jon, it seems like this could be a valuable learning experience for you. One thing to really take notice of is the teacher's attitude and how that plays out with the students. It can be a very delicate balancing act of being responsible, accomplishing learning goals, earning respect of the students, and then at the same time having fun and being able to take yourself less seriously at times. Some teachers have mastered this. If you notice any of these people really watch how they do it.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I get the feeling that this is a good placement. It is an environment that you are familiar with (to some extent) which will make things a lot easier. I understand how you feel going back to an old school and it feeling like a completely different setting than when you were there. The thing we need to remember is that a lot of things can happen in the 7+ years we have been out of junior high.
ReplyDeleteI do think that the problem your teacher has is that his management skills are a little out of context. It is okay to joke around with your students but THEY need to remember that when all is said and done, the teacher is the one who is in charge. They (the students) also need to realize that work does have to get done. I think that one of the bigger things playing into why the kids aren't completing their work and goofing around is that it is the end of the year. Everyone is anxious to get out school and enjoy summer.
It is good to hear that your students are enjoying your presence. That always makes for a good placement.