QTC 4
Lydia Zeller
Chapter 13 Response
February 24, 2014
1.
Based on our readings and
class discussion, how will you create a learning environment that is conducive
to learning?
The following are the three
things I found from the reading that are most helpful for my classroom
management.
·
Arranging the classroom – I have my desks
arranged in a “U” shape. I have tried several configurations and this one seems
to work best.
·
Establishing relationships – I find students work
better for you and follow your requests if they have a good relationship with
you. I ask them about their interests and we share stories with each other.
·
Planning activities that keep students on task –
I try to come up with material that will interest students in the concepts we
are learning. For example, we are currently learning about genetics. Each day I
pass out an article on a different genetic disorder. So far we have covered
albinism, color blindness, and the Kentucky blue people. This sparks questions
and engages the students in deep conversation related to genetics.
2.
(a) Write three things
that stood out to you from the three videos you watched on restorative justice
approaches.
·
I like the circles idea. I would love to try
this with the students at my school. I teach in an inner city school where home
lives of many of the students may be violent. Often, these students, although
not physical right now, do argue with each other a lot. I am sure most of it is
due to miscommunication.
·
Another thing that stood out to me is that this
approach works well with elementary through high school students. It can also
include parents.
·
A third thing that stood out to me was how
peaceful and happy people seem at the end of a session. The resolution comes
from something so simple…communication.
(b) What questions
do you have about the restorative way to managing difficult behaviors?
·
I would like to know how long a typical session lasts.
30 minutes? 1 hour?
·
Does it often only take one talk per issue or
does the subject need to be revisited?
Lydia, I would absolutely love to know more about the 'U' arrangement you use in the classroom. This is one of my weakest points as a first-year teacher. The problem is I have so many students and an oddly shaped room that grouping becomes very difficult. I'm curious about how grouping within the arrangement could be also.
ReplyDeleteI really am interested in those two questions you asked about legistical set-up of the restorative justice process. I think if I had to come up with a time it would after school and when the students and teachers felt the issue was somewhat tackled. Maybe there is no true time limit to these situations and that must mean that it should be revisited to make sure that the students needs are met that are involved in the situation and that there is constant conversation among the groups.
ReplyDeleteDo teachers at your school have any other interesting designs in their classroom seating? I have so many kids, and I wish I could do a U-shape, but I just do not see it as possible.
ReplyDelete