Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What I Would Change About My "Sorry"
The "sorry" that I am going to write about is becoming too familiar with one of my classes. Over the course of the semester I have gotten to be especially close with one of the classes that I have been teaching. Of course, this is not a bad thing; the problem is the way we relate. Lately, things have been on probably too much of a friendship and joking level. We can still get work done, but it takes me longer to quiet them down, and they are now more likely to try to get away with things. In the future, I will have to be more careful to keep that professional distance. Even when the class is composed of students who I genuinely enjoy being around; it is important to have a proper way of relating and joking around at the right times. Fortunately, this class is a good class, and I do not feel that I have gotten to a point where I joke around with them so much that I do not have proper control of the class. I think, if I had to teach them for an entire year, it would prove much more difficult.
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Dear Sam,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with me. I have the same frustrations sometimes. When I first started teaching my fourth block was my favorite and my third block was the worst. By the end of the semester fourth block was out of control and I messed third block. So I understand. I think it's important that you recognize this so that you are aware. Maybe think about what boundaries you will establish next time. I also think it's okay to say, I will joke around with you but I still expect you to quiet down the first time I ask you or do your work while we are talking. Something like that. Or to have a conversation that just because you are laid back you still have high expectations for their work. Then make sure you reiterate that through your grading. This is something that a lot of new teachers struggle with. I thought you did a good job with the class I observed so I think you will manage it in the future.