Join a Mailring at the
Teacher Mailring Center
http://www.teachers.net/mailrings/
abby - I seem to be having trouble getting the students to hand in work on time and completed at an approriate level
abby - I teach chemistry and anatomy and physiology
abby - So they are 11 th. and 12th. grade
abby - I finally got to the point of getting tough with them
abby - you know, don't hand in an assignment and lose total points for homework
abby - late labs lose big points
mentorwizzle - Well, that is one thing you have to remember. You should start off tough, then relax as time goes on.
abby - I feel like I'm either playing the role of good cop or bad cop
mentorwizzle - Kids that take those type of classes should be responsible already. You need to be consistent with consequences and don't give in or give extensions.
abby - I decided that I can't allow extra time for assignments
abby - So hopefully, I'll get them in check
mentorwizzle - Tell them it is their choice. You can't MAKE them do anything (which you can't) However, explain to them that if they choose to be late, they will have to suffer the consequences of a bad grade. It is THEIR choice. Then STICK TO IT!
abby - I also started handing out detentions for infractions but that seems to get their attention
abby - It's good to hear this advice from someone not in the same school
abby - While I was in the teachers lounge I noticed that teachers were complaining of students not being ready to handle the upper level courses
mentorwizzle - Oh my, I work with severely emotionally disturbed kids. My kids are terrible. However, I do the same with them. RESPONSIBILITY/Consequences of their own actions!
abby - It's pretty tough to try to be tough
abby - and i worry about those regents exams at the end of the year
abby - and students success is a measure of my success
mentorwizzle - Yes, but you just have to be. Once the kids start perking up and living up to your expectations, the toughness isn't so uncomfortable. Also, the kids will respect you in the long run.
abby - i sure hope so
abby - I know my content area and i have years of experience in the field
mentorwizzle - Also, tough does not mean being mean. I am a barrel of laughs in my classes, but I don't put up with any guff
abby - and i thought i could handle these kids
abby - well, I haven't put up with disrespect or disruption in class
mentorwizzle - Well, having experience in a field is very different than teaching.
abby - boy I know that now
abby - i think I'm lucky because I've had full administration backing
mentorwizzle - I see that all the time with artists who become art teachers. It is very, very different to have to deal with the kids as well as your subject area.
abby - this has been a very tough week
mentorwizzle - Abby, if you stick to your expectations and don't give in, you will get better and better at it. I promise you.
abby - ok I'll give it a try
abby - I have a nice weekend to get it all in perspective
mentorwizzle - Has anyone thrown a chair at you or punched you?????? or called you a nasty name????
abby - and get a clear view of what I want to accomplish
abby - no
abby - again, I think I am fortunate because I'm working at a private school
mentorwizzle - Well that stuff happens to me all the time, but I keep going and actully love my job. See, you have it made!!! LOL
abby - now as I'm talking to you, I realize that I'm putting too many high expectations on myself for the first year\
abby - I can't possibly get it all right in one year\
mentorwizzle - One of the big mistakes beginning teachers make is taking everything personally. When you talk to the kids about THEIR choices, you have to detach yourself a little. Remember, the kids have to put energy into their lives and school work. You just can't do that for them. So you tell them that.
abby - I think you're right about that
abby - for instance, I gave out three detentions today
abby - one was for a lab safety infraction
mentorwizzle - You tell them, "It is your life". I am here for you and I will be very anxious to help you, but you have to do the work and get it in on time.
abby - then afterwards I was reconsidering the detentions
abby - they deserved the detentions
abby - yet i think maybe i made a mistake
abby - but they are the ones who broke the rules
abby - I guess I forgot some important points I learned in school
mentorwizzle - Well, it is good you are reflecting and analyzing. Be careful not to swing to far to the right and go overboard with restrictions. Don't make it a tug of war. Let go.
abby - I let other things get in the way
abby - I don't want to restrict
abby - But I did notice a difference in the class after I handed out the punishment
mentorwizzle - Remember that if you tug, they will tug back. You have to let go of the rope so there isn't conflict. Relax, tell them what you expect of them, and let them make the choices.
abby - they were all more attentive and the class wasn't disruptive
abby - so what you're saying is that I just have to work on finding that fine balance
mentorwizzle - Well of course you want to get rid of those who disrupt your class, but think of alternatives as well.
mentorwizzle - Exactly and this balance will come with time.
abby - thanks, I feel much better
abby - It's good to have someone listen who isn't part of the school culture
mentorwizzle - Just don't get flustered or emotional. Try to take things as they come and try to be matter of fact. Teenagers love to get adults riled up. Don't feed into their desires.
mentorwizzle - Well that is great. I think they will have a session like this each month. Come back and tell me how you are doing.
abby - This is the first time I participated in any chat session Thanks.
mentorwizzle - If you need to talk, you can also email me. My email address is: wizzlewolf@aol.com
mentorwizzle - I have been teaching 20 years. I started teaching without any education classes because I was an artist. So I know all about going into the classroom without having a clue about classroom management.
mentorwizzle - Feel free to email me and good luck NEXT WEEK!
mentorwizzle - I have to go now. Remember email me if you just want to talk about your new career. I have a great shoulder to cry on. Good Night!
