Week 9: Reflection

Notice how Ms. Hall takes 10 seconds to review her expectations for participation:
I think by her only taking up that much time she is able to keep the student's attention. She doesn't harp on and on about what she expects. She just gets their attention and explains exactly what she expects briefly. Keeping it concise makes it easier for students to remember.

What is meant by the narrator's statement of "always show you mean business"?
I think that if you continually let things slide, students begin to lose respect for you and you slowly lose control in the classroom. If you always mean business, students will respect you as the teacher and will be more likely to follow rules and comply with what they are asked to do.

How does Ms Hall's positive approach encourage participation?
By continually verbally affirming the students she encourages them to participate. Like she said, for some students raising their hand and speaking in front of all of those people is a huge step so she wants to encourage them to continue to voice their thoughts. When she hands out stickers and cards, it is a physical positive response to students who are giving good answers. This is on top of the verbal praise she already gives.

How do you think this will or will not inform your practice as a teacher?
I am the type of person who learns by being positively affirmed so I will teach in this way, as well. Seeing Ms. Hall positively affirm her students verbally and through visible rewards gave me the idea of coming up with multiple ways to encourage students. For some students it might be the verbal praise that keeps them working hard but for others it could be a tangible reward. I think that by having multiple forms of encouragement I will be more likely to reach the entire class.