They say that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, my school (which will not be named here) did a poor job there. I have not had a good experience so far. First off, I have yet to witness a social studies lesson. During the social studies classes I have been in, all they have done is work on their portfolio writing pieces. On Thursday, my cooperating teacher (name will also be withheld) was out, and she left them a worksheet to do (half of the students wasted time and did not complete it).
Also, the student behavior has been less than ideal. They are constantly talking and getting off task, and I have seen a student get sent to the office every day I have been there. I have been there for a total of four days, have not yet taught a lesson or done much other than work with a reading group and help keep them on task, and some students are already being disrespectful to me. (they probably hate me because I am not as permissive as my cooperating teacher appears to be) Dr. Faulkner has also accused this school of a lot of wasted time, and I am finding that to be true. My cooperating teacher shows movies for half of her DI (Direct Instruction Reading time) time. One movie (Mean Girls) that they saw is, in my opinion, inappropriate to be showing in a school setting. Just because most of these students have seen the movie already is no excuse to show--in a classroom at a school--a movie that contains sexual innuendo and foul language.
Maybe things will get better--I hope they do--but the school I am at is not leaving a good impression on me. The way things are going now, I will not set foot there again after my practicum is over.
7 comments:
You should not have the mindset of not wanting to go back. You should be even more wanting to return to this school as a teacher so that you can change this class. Apperantly the teacher is not being professional about their job. You know what to expect, and what to do, if you get a job here, then you can bring those values to this social studies deptartment.
I see what you're talking about. Truthfully, it isn't the way the class is handled that makes me not want to go back: it's the environment. On our first day there, one of the assistant principals told us that some teachers are cut out to thrive in that environment, and some aren't. While I feel that I am not cut out for the environment, I intend to learn all I can during this placement, and use what I learn for when I student teach, and then when I get a teaching job. So although I likely will not be back there after this semester, I can still see this experience helping me a lot.
Unfortunately I know the feeling of thinking the school is not doing what it's supposed to be doing. I did not the enjoy the placement myself, at first. I realized much of my time was going to be spent on learning what not to do. I also realized the kids are good kids and they deserve a chance to have a great education. Hopefully things will turn around for you.
I agree with Sarah. I was at Two River last placement and at first I was not comfortable thier at all. I sort of dreaded going thier BUT I can promise you that it does get better. I look back now and find that I am grateful for being placed thier because otherwise I would have never set foot in that school. As you go through this semester you will learn a lot from your placement. Some teachers there have good ideas and techniques but you have to look hard. Like Sarah said the kids are really not that bad. Some are out of control but they are still good kids
Eric I have to agree with you that The enviornment isnt that welcoming at the school you are at. The school is very old, dark and it even has that antique smell! There isn't alot of windows, which tends to keep the building alittle dreary. When I stepped into this classroom it was a cultural shock. It was nothing like I have ever been exposed to. I never even attended a school like this, but after being there the kids really do need our help. Many students will put on a 'front' and try and act tough, but they really are good kids that have just been dealt some bad cards. In our class we were talking about Greek Columns and the students probably could have cared less, yet the teacher took the time to point out the bank across the street (that you can see from the classroom window) has ionic pillars. The students really enjoyed learning the culture in their neighborhood. While watching Schindlers List the teacher mentioned Steven Speilburg the director grew up in Covington/Cincinnati. These are just a few examples but the students responded very well. Just keep a positive outlook and your placement will get better. If you find out what the students interests are and relate it to the lessons you teach you will have a very positve outcome.
Eric hang in there and let me know when things get better. When do you teach your first lesson?
Sometimes some of the best learning takes place when you don't even know you're learning. Even if you are not learning much about what TO do, learning what NOT to do is extremely important! We spend time so much time talking about classroom management and time management, seeing situations that you may not find ideal at first can truly be beneficial later. I hope everything gets better for you, and just try to keep an open mind and try to see the good in your placement.
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