My first ever teaching practice on a bunch of eight year old kids was tragic. "Tragic is just so negative. If I want to succeed in my career, I have to be more positive." That's exactly what I'm thinking of now and I bet whoever is reading this right now have the same thoughts but let me tell you my story.
I was so excited to go to an actual class in an actual school, and start my teaching journey. I prepared the lesson enthusiastically and practiced all my words thousand times. I remember I couldn't sleep that night from how excited I was. Soon as I arrived to school the next day, I ran to the playground looking for my students, smiling and welcoming them all. Then, I felt someone pocking me in the back. I turned and saw a mid height, blond lady with huge glasses smiling at me. "You are the new teacher I guess." she asked. I smiled and nodded. "Welcome to our school. How do you find it so far?" she asked. I told her it is my first day here but I'm looking forward to get to know details about it. "It is obvious that you are so excited but watch out. I mean these little angels can be devils in class. If you want to gain their respect and have them disciplined for the rest of the year, you have to be very strict. Now, go sit in the teacher's room and remove the smile." she added. I remember I laughed and nodded but deep I wasn't convinced. I mean I learned for three years how to control a class! I knew I shouldn't be that strict. It is just not what I wanted in my class. I did go to the teacher's room with that teacher on that day but I didn't stay there for longer than three minutes. I went back to class and stood in front of the class's door to greet every student when he/she walks into the class. As soon as they entered the class, t
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The Outcomes of Imperfection
Last year, we were given the opportunity to observe teachers in real classrooms. I loved this experience that I want to tell you more about ...
i passed through the same situation, it's harder when you meet some old teachers who follow the old old techniques in disciplining , saying that " you r new you don't know anything " which makes you miserable .
ReplyDeleteNovice teachers always get confused between theories and reality but as they told me you need some time to get used to everything. I'm sure you'll be a good teacher, never give up Rima!
ReplyDeleteA similar situation happened with me too, and for me, its better to sit with students and talk to them rather than to sit in the teachers room and listen to their inconvenience comments (sure not all of them). As you said, you don't have to be strict all the period to control student, you must show them some love, respect, smiles. You don't have to be all the time a very strict teacher. Don't listen to anyone, do what you love and what you feel comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteit's not about being strict, the idea of students being little devils if you don't watch out of them lies basically behind the environment in which they grew up with, i'm not one of those who like to take it all out on one side or the other, there are both sides in every story and saying that the teacher is only to blame or the other way around is explicitly wrong, there could be solutions stuff to sort out but being strict doesn't have to be the answer nor being naive for that matter.
ReplyDeleteBeing very strict teacher would drive your students to hate you and not achieve in your class. You should show them love and respect and also smile to them in order to build strong relationship with them so they feel comfortable. I agree with what Ola said which is to be yourself and to do what you feel.
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