The classroom management workshop I went to this week was so inspiring that I was almost (almost) disappointed that my classes were actually pretty well-behaved this week. I kept waiting for a moment when I could try out one of the shiny new routines Scott (classroom management guru) guaranteed would quench the majority of the problems I'm facing as a hapless student teacher. Right now, I anxiously anticipate the next time I vainly attempt to capture the class's attention--only to be defeated by a roomful of 15 year olds intently focused on chatting their ways up the all-important ladder of social hierarchy.
Ever since I left the classroom management workshop, I've been fantasizing my reaction to this absurd adolescent absorption: As the students continue to chatter, the small smile on my face will slip into a look of withering boredom, and my perfect facial expression will effectively communicate to the class the severity of their transgression. Once they have quieted down, I will say, quietly (but with great authority): "We need to try something new. From this moment on, whenever I say 'I need your eyes on me, please,' you WILL stop talking and look at me. In order for this to work, we are going to have to practice this several times..."
..and then I will drill, drill, drill the class on our new routine until they get it. Maybe it's a residual effect from my piano days, but I LOVE the idea of drilling a new routine to perfection. Scott recommended drilling 2-4 times, but I daydream about drilling to the point where I have absolute dictatorial control. While I was doing my classroom observations, I saw a class so well-trained that the teacher controlled them with a squeaky toy. In my wilder fantasies, I aspire for that type of power.
No one goes into teaching because they want to manage a classroom. Discipline is kind of like instruction's evil twin--or at least its ugly sidekick. However, discipline also sets the groundwork for effective instruction...and after this workshop, I'm almost itching to get my hands dirty.
Lilly,
ReplyDeleteI still have that same fantasy! Each time I read about a new idea, really an old one dressed up in fancier clothes, I revive my hopes of keeping their “eyes on me” and seeing “light-bulbs” flashing. My guru is Fred Jones and his facial expression model is “Queen Victoria.” You have inspired me to remember this…I can hardly wait until Tuesday, but the trick for me will be to remember it under the duress of the moment!
Your blog is wonderful.
Aunt Pam
Hi Aunt Pam! Guess what--Fred Jones was the inspiration for Scott, the guy who ran our classroom management workshop. He showed us a picture of Queen Victoria and made us practice modeling her expression. So funny! Between that and your comment, I think I'm going to buy Fred Jones' book. =)
ReplyDeleteLil, I can just see your stern look of determination while drilling those students! Although I have a hard time not also imagining you giggling in your mind behind it all. I'll be curious to hear how it goes. Good luck this week!
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