Scenario 1: A student yells out, "This is dumb. I hate this class!"
Jane: "This is dumb. I hate this class!"
Me: "Well Jane, what exactly is making you feel that way?"
Jane: "This essay is hard. I just don't want to do it. I don't know how this is ever going to help me in my life."
Me: "Is anyone else feeling this way?" Multiple students raise their hands
Me: "Well, when you go to college or if you start working you will have to write. It may not be a persuasive essay on Shakespeare, but these assignments are meant to help you build the skills to become quality writers in all aspects of life. You may have to write a memo to your coworkers or an email to your boss. You would want to write these well in order to look like you know what you're talking about, right?" Some students mutter "Yes" while others nod. Jane just stares at me with a skeptical look on her face.
Jane: "But I don't know how to even get started. I just want to get a good grade on this paper."
Me: "Well, all you had to do was talk to me. I want all of you to do well in my class and to enjoy it. Is anyone else having trouble finding where to start their paper?" I hear many students say "Yes" and see more nods.
Me: "How about we change our plan for today a bit. Instead of free writing let's get into groups of two or three to brainstorm ideas. Help each other get started. If anyone needs more help or ideas let me know. I will be coming around to each group to help out." Jane and others look relieved and the students begin working together to start their essays. Scenario 2: The same two or three students try to ask all questions you ask.
Dear Teacher Diary,
The past week or so I noticed that a small handful of my students are answering all of my questions. They are really monopolizing all of our discussions and I think the rest of my students think they can just sit back and relax. I want to give everyone the opportunity to speak and I also want to hear from everyone to make sure they are understanding the material. So, I decided to create a discussion system in order to make sure I hear from everyone at least once a week. I went out and bought a pack of popsicle sticks, a sharpie, and some cute little cups to put each of my classes in. I then wrote every students name on a separate stick and separated them by class period. The next day in class I let everyone know that I would be picking who would respond to certain questions by pulling a popsicle stick at random. They would be able to respond to this person by raising their hands but when we move on to another topic or if the discussion is slow, I would then pick another stick and therefore another person to speak. It was a little awkward at first as the students were nervous about being called on, but after we all got the hang of it it really worked! I heard from people that haven't spoken once all year. Once these students found their voice it became easier for others who are usually shy to put in their ideas and opinions. After pulling three or four sticks the discussion really took off and I did not even have to use them for the rest of the discussion as it got more intense and in depth. I will definitely be using this method for a long time to come! Hopefully they will work as well with the rest of my classes. I can't wait to try it with 3rd period tomorrow!
Scenario 1: A student yells out, "This is dumb. I hate this class!"
Jane: "This is dumb. I hate this class!"
Me: "Well Jane, what exactly is making you feel that way?"
Jane: "This essay is hard. I just don't want to do it. I don't know how this is ever going to help me in my life."
Me: "Is anyone else feeling this way?"
Multiple students raise their hands
Me: "Well, when you go to college or if you start working you will have to write. It may not be a persuasive essay on Shakespeare, but these assignments are meant to help you build the skills to become quality writers in all aspects of life. You may have to write a memo to your coworkers or an email to your boss. You would want to write these well in order to look like you know what you're talking about, right?"
Some students mutter "Yes" while others nod. Jane just stares at me with a skeptical look on her face.
Jane: "But I don't know how to even get started. I just want to get a good grade on this paper."
Me: "Well, all you had to do was talk to me. I want all of you to do well in my class and to enjoy it. Is anyone else having trouble finding where to start their paper?"
I hear many students say "Yes" and see more nods.
Me: "How about we change our plan for today a bit. Instead of free writing let's get into groups of two or three to brainstorm ideas. Help each other get started. If anyone needs more help or ideas let me know. I will be coming around to each group to help out."
Jane and others look relieved and the students begin working together to start their essays.
Scenario 2: The same two or three students try to ask all questions you ask.
Dear Teacher Diary,
The past week or so I noticed that a small handful of my students are answering all of my questions. They are really monopolizing all of our discussions and I think the rest of my students think they can just sit back and relax. I want to give everyone the opportunity to speak and I also want to hear from everyone to make sure they are understanding the material. So, I decided to create a discussion system in order to make sure I hear from everyone at least once a week. I went out and bought a pack of popsicle sticks, a sharpie, and some cute little cups to put each of my classes in. I then wrote every students name on a separate stick and separated them by class period. The next day in class I let everyone know that I would be picking who would respond to certain questions by pulling a popsicle stick at random. They would be able to respond to this person by raising their hands but when we move on to another topic or if the discussion is slow, I would then pick another stick and therefore another person to speak. It was a little awkward at first as the students were nervous about being called on, but after we all got the hang of it it really worked! I heard from people that haven't spoken once all year. Once these students found their voice it became easier for others who are usually shy to put in their ideas and opinions. After pulling three or four sticks the discussion really took off and I did not even have to use them for the rest of the discussion as it got more intense and in depth. I will definitely be using this method for a long time to come! Hopefully they will work as well with the rest of my classes. I can't wait to try it with 3rd period tomorrow!
Until Next Time,
Awesome Teacher