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Advice for teaching practice:1st and second class

  • 16-03-2009 04:56PM
    #1
    I_M
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭


    Hi, I am a student teacher and am doing my second teaching practice but did not do very well in my first. I find it difficult to control the class and to teach effectively. Any advice would be much appreciated.


Comments

  • #2
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    Any advise?

    If you cant to the basics, theres something wrong. Why did you go into teaching? Surely you had developed prior mechanisms of class control in your own mindset before you filled out your CAO form?


  • #3
    I_M
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭I_M


    'If you cant to the basics, theres something wrong.' NO there is not anything wrong, i want to teach and nobody is born a teacher, they learn how to be one


    'Why did you go into teaching?' because i want to teach and i feel it is a worthwhile career

    'Surely you had developed prior mechanisms of class control in your own mindset before you filled out your CAO form?' this is ridiculous, you are obviously not a teacher if you don't realise that classroom management is an acquired skill.

    I am looking for advice from professionals


  • #4
    E.T.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭E.T.


    Hey, don't worry about your first TP, they really throw everyone in at the deep end there! People who haven't taught have crazy ideas about how you should be able to just go in and teach effectively straight away - it takes time and experience. First and Second class are really nice to teach - they're still young enough to be interested in most things, but they're also fairly independent in comparison with infants. Just make sure you've the core of your lesson really well thought out, don't get too hung up on how perfect your posters and fearas are, when it comes down to it, it's how you teach the lesson that's important. Make the lessons as hands on and practical as possible, especially with Maths.

    Have you asked the class teacher if there's anything they'd like you to cover with the class? It's coming up to Easter now which is great as you can use the Easter theme for almost every lesson - Gaeilge, Easter poems and stories, bouncing and animal movements for P.E., Easter crafts for art etc. There's a website called enchantedlearning.com which costs about €16 (you pay in dollars, think it's about $25)to register on for the year, and they have brilliant themed worksheets for any time of the year, I'd really recommend it for some ideas. Also try www.educationposts.com for more help, it's the main teachers (and trainee teachers) website in Ireland.

    Good luck!


  • #5
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    I_M wrote: »
    'If you cant to the basics, theres something wrong.' NO there is not anything wrong, i want to teach and nobody is born a teacher, they learn how to be one


    'Why did you go into teaching?' because i want to teach and i feel it is a worthwhile career

    'Surely you had developed prior mechanisms of class control in your own mindset before you filled out your CAO form?' this is ridiculous, you are obviously not a teacher if you don't realise that classroom management is an acquired skill.

    I am looking for advice from professionals
    Its not rocket science. Seriously, we have both been in school for years. If you dont realise such things as gaining the respect from the children, ie 'getting them to like you', then your best go off and seek those 'pros' you speak of. Yeah, nobody is born a teacher, nor is anybody born a parent, but a common sensical approach does go a long way. Mind you, I had difficulty when I was a youngster digesting the fact that I wasnt treated as a human by my teachers, that was until I went into 5th class. See them not as objects, but as a miniature you. Imagine how you would have liked to have been treated back when you were in their shoes. Its teaching practise remember.

    Clearly you cannot think for yourself. Your thinking of the 'steady career' moreso than the little individuals who will rely on you in the coming years - typical B.ED student!


  • #6
    byhookorbycrook
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 12,560 Mod ✭✭✭✭byhookorbycrook


    Leif, that is what teacher TRAINING is for.I_M, when I think back to my own tps I cringe at how green I was and how silly things I did then, like letting a class of 42 infants straight out the door at break (pushing/shoving/lunch everywhere/no coats etc etc) I cringe even more. I soon learned to get them to line up ,put the coats on before they went out the door and give them a few minutes to eat BEFORE they went out.

    A lot of classroom management is experience. I would also say that children can chance things with the student they wouldn't even dream about doing with their own teacher.

    Firstly , I would think about how you look to achieve positive behaviour. Would you do a reward system?Plenty of info on this on www.educationposts.com.forum.

    1st/2nd still fall for the cuddly dog/bear that likes to sit with the children who are working nicely and doesn't like noise. The children behaving might get asked to give out books etc. make a point of saying "Anne is sitting nicely there, so she can give out the copies"

    You could have a student of the day each day,with a special badge (you can buy or make) to take home.


    Think back to a previous tp,where did it go pear-shaped? On the first day, draw up a list of rules with the class, stated in a positive way, e.g. we put up our hands to answer a question .We try our best always etc.Get the whole class to sign this and refer to it often(keep it hanging in the room)More to the point, keep to the rules!!Sounds simple but sometimes it is easier to just listen to the child shouting out the ans rather than to say, what is our rule (our, not the) about answerings qs?It will take a few days, but it will work.

    Transitions between classes can be a problem area,so think how you will handle this, especially with two classes.

    For getting silence we use a clapping thing, the teachers claps a pattern and the class echo it.This means they must all listen and be quiet. (Ours is to the pattern often used at football matches, if you clap out this sentence (saying the words in your head) you'll have it (oh to , oh to be , oh to be a, reb-el) (No prizes for guessing where I'm from)

    Best of luck!


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  • #7
    byhookorbycrook
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 12,560 Mod ✭✭✭✭byhookorbycrook


    ET, we must have crossed posts!Lots of free websites too, you'll find loads on educationposts.


  • #8
    byhookorbycrook
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 12,560 Mod ✭✭✭✭byhookorbycrook


    Andi Kind Nutmeg wrote: »
    Clearly you cannot think for yourself. Your thinking of the 'steady career' moreso than the little individuals who will rely on you in the coming years - typical B.ED student!
    He/she is looking for help to be the best s/he can be, a negative attitude like that isn't going to help.Also things have changed enormously since any of us were in primary,with revised curriculum,integretation of international students, better recognition/understanding of learning differences etc. etc.


  • #9
    E.T.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭E.T.


    Byhookorbycrook that's funny alright we must have been simultaneously thinking and typing!

    It still makes me laugh how some people think we just walk in, stand at the top of the class and talk until 3 o' clock, then run out the door!! There's so many things to think of and do every day, it's very hard to get your head around everything.

    One big tip for art - if you're doing painting, the best way to manage is to let a few kids at a time paint at a separate table, it saves so much time and makes it a lot less messy too! You can do the introductory lesson with the class as a whole and then choose 2-4 children to go painting together (maybe ask the class teacher's opinion beforehand on which children work well together and who will just end up messing!)


  • #10
    Imallin9989
    Closed Accounts Posts: 67 ✭✭Imallin9989


    Lief, obviously you haven' a clue what your on about. You can't just walk into a class for the first or second time and be excellent.It's called teaching PRACTICE for a reason you fool. If anyone could just walk in and be a teacher there wouldn't be three years of training, so your view is inaccurate and plain stupid.

    To that girl, i'm starting TP tommorrow and I'm absolutely **** and classroom management.. I'm not worried though becuase in time it will get better. Everyone has to start somewhere, don't listen to that idiot, he knows nothing:P


  • #11
    Nead21
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭Nead21


    Leif, if you have nothing constructive to say or able to give solid advice then why bother posting?

    Your post is insulting to anyone starting out in this profession.

    I M best of luck with your 2nd TP. As above posts have said, classroom management is a learned skill and remember what works for one class may not necessarily work for another, but you learn these things over time.

    If something doesnt work, you evaluate what went wrong and how to change it. This is what TP is all about, and you dont ever get the same opportunities to try you things as you do now, so enjoy it :)


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  • #12
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    Imallin9989 wrote: »
    Lief, obviously you haven' a clue what your on about.It's called teaching PRACTICE for a reason you fool.
    Andi Kind Nutmeg wrote: »
    Imagine how you would have liked to have been treated back when you were in their shoes. Its teaching practise remember.

    I Kind of gathered that darling. I think its you who cant fathom the idea of it being teaching practise. Therefore, sufficient room for maneuvre is being given, as is the scope for trying different approaches. All it takes is to think outside the box. A learning curve, its called diving in head first. The most effective way of learning in my opinion, although im sure you will differ greatly, seek 'professional help' like some other posters:rolleyes:

    Imallin9989 wrote: »
    don't listen to that idiot, he knows nothing:P

    Idiot on what basis now? Idiot is perhaps the first word that should be removed from your vocabulary considering your studying (or trying to) becoming a teacher. Really, really not the language of someone aspiring to be a teacher, I dont know whether to laugh or not


  • #13
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    byhookorbycrook wrote: »
    He/she is looking for help to be the best s/he can be, a negative attitude like that isn't going to help.Also things have changed enormously since any of us were in primary,with revised curriculum,integretation of international students, better recognition/understanding of learning differences etc. etc.
    The curriculum hasnt changed a whole pile now has it? Inform me if what you would view as significant change in it.

    Integration of international students - now thats a problem universal throughout education. Alienation until sufficient linguistic ability? I cant say its changed much since my time there, the schools I know of relied on teaching assistants to work towards improving the linguistic abilities of the non-english speaking children. Not trying to get ye lot annoyed, but in other words, its the teachers work being done by assistants, who, gladly, are being taken out of schools due to the glorious cutbacks.


  • #14
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    Nead21 wrote: »
    Your post is insulting to anyone starting out in this profession.

    How so? In a perfect world, teachers would be made up of those who had long standing vocations towards their line of work. Sadly, it doesnt seem that way from those Ive encountered. I had the odd proper **** of a teacher in primary school, some of which I met id be more than willing to give a piece of mind. It gets to me that that person is still in education. It really does. Also, when hearing the usual 'three reasons', I get a little vexd. Its like a young person going into medicine not because of an undying want, but rather for appearances etc.

    Safe, secure job? Ya, **** those people.


  • #15
    Nead21
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭Nead21


    Leif,
    If your only experience with teaching is as a bitter student yourself, you are clearly unqualified to be posting here.

    Go post somewhere else....maybe your unqualified, inexperienced opinion would be tolerated there!


  • #16
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    So, I guess having sat through the whole system for years doesnt count. Therefore, the opinion of the likes of me doesnt count simply because I havent thought. Im not saying I though, ive just maintained that those going on T.P. should relate to their childhood experiences in school, it makes sense really, dont you think?

    Thats your problem, you wont think outside the box. Do you need to be spoonfed everything? Remember your experiences in school, that would go a long way. But no, choose to ignore the opinion of an outsider, typically Irish. Your like a young guitar player whos opinion on music superceedes that of anyone else.....


  • #17
    E.T.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭E.T.


    So, according to your reasoning - if you drive a car regularly you're as able as a mechanic, if you listen to music all the time you're a musician etc etc. Why do people answer questions which are completely outside their realm of experience? Being a pupil is nothing like being a teacher!


  • #18
    byhookorbycrook
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 12,560 Mod ✭✭✭✭byhookorbycrook


    Andi Kind Nutmeg wrote: »
    ? Remember your experiences in school, that would go a long way. .....
    I presume you are a "grown up" and hence at least 6 years out of primary, things change so much every year that your school days would be much different from primary now.
    Six years ago,in our school, which is a forward-thinking and modern school, we did not have peer-tutoring, IEPs,extension programmes for the more ably and the exceptionally able. Interactive whiteboards and school broadband didn't exist either .
    The emphasis has moved to the individual child and their specific needs ,not just teaching to the middle ,hoping all those on the edges somehow pick it up.


  • #19
    g5fd6ow0hseima
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,787 ✭✭✭g5fd6ow0hseima


    byhookorbycrook wrote: »
    extension programmes for the more ably and the exceptionally able.

    Do you not think that would only end up generating discouragment amongst the middle and lower echelons? When a pupil of a young age sees amongst his class groups of talented children, wont that be a bashing on his confidence, from which she/she may never fully pick up from.

    Similarly, the kids who were in remedial when I was in school, well, I dont think any of them went on to college. Basically, is this segregation you are speaking of?


  • #20
    byhookorbycrook
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 12,560 Mod ✭✭✭✭byhookorbycrook


    Andi Kind Nutmeg wrote: »
    Similarly, the kids who were in remedial when I was in school, well, I dont think any of them went on to college. Basically, is this segregation you are speaking of?
    The use of the word "segregation" just proves how out of touch with the classroom of today . Support for children is often given in an in-class setting and it's a sad reflection on your school days if any of those children in need of learning support did not go to third level.

    The emphasis is on the child as an individual and the varying abilities, strengths or learning needs are much better recognised and supported.

    Hence the classroom of today is a more daunting prospect for any student teacher, how to cope well with all these aspects, never mind curriculum delivery in a group of 30+


  • #21
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 1,007 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Hi IM
    A few tips, - Smile and be friendly but dont try to ingratiate yourself with the kids, remember you are the adult and they see you that way. They will smell fear if you try too hard. Speak calmly and firmly, dont react to their responses if you feel they are testing you. Say what you have to say once, if you keep repeating it the kids dont bother listening the first time. Ignore a certain amount of classroom noise but have a signal, which you agree with them in advance, which emphatically means "Quiet Now". Have a few "tension-breakers" up your sleeve which you can call on if you think they are getting bored or restless, e.g a game of Hangman on the blackboard, or a catchy song they can do actions to, or a few good riddles or simple brainteasers. Dont talk too much, - young teachers often fall into this trap. Remember to presume they dont understand what you need them to do, so give instructions very clearly one step at a time and in simple basic language. Wait for the slower workers, - if you work at the pace of the brighter ones you will spend your day playing catch-up. Demonstrate when possible with examples, pictures, or blackboard diagrams , - the visual lesson is vastly more effective and interesting than the oral one. Read them stories, bring in your guitar if you have one, enjoy yourself. And remember, every good teacher has horror memories of TP. Its never as bad when you have your "real" class. Good LucK!!! Post again when its over and let us know how it went.:)


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  • #22
    BubbleWrap85
    Closed Accounts Posts: 592 ✭✭✭BubbleWrap85


    Andi Kind Nutmeg wrote: »

    Idiot on what basis now? Idiot is perhaps the first word that should be removed from your vocabulary considering your studying (or trying to) becoming a teacher.

    Perhaps you could have spent a little longer perfecting your post and using correct grammar than quickly jumping down someone's throat.....?? I thought your first post was extremely unhelpful and most definitely INCORRECT. It is teaching practice for a reason yes - to try things out, to make mistakes, to see what works/doesn't work. Classroom management is certainly something which comes with experience, and trial and error.

    OP try not to worry too much about your TP. When I think back to how I taught back then I cringe! It's unrealistic in a way as you generally don't have enough time to build up respect with the pupils that you do when you have your own class. It's a means to an end - perhaps have a raffle once a week where you give out tickets throughout the week for the best table, best writing, children being good etc. You can get a few cheap prizes like pencils or fancy rubbers in a €2 shop. Best of luck.


  • #23
    BubbleWrap85
    Closed Accounts Posts: 592 ✭✭✭BubbleWrap85


    Andi Kind Nutmeg wrote: »
    So, I guess having sat through the whole system for years doesnt count. Therefore, the opinion of the likes of me doesnt count simply because I havent thought. Im not saying I though, ive just maintained that those going on T.P. should relate to their childhood experiences in school, it makes sense really, dont you think?

    Thats your problem, you wont think outside the box. Do you need to be spoonfed everything? Remember your experiences in school, that would go a long way. But no, choose to ignore the opinion of an outsider, typically Irish. Your like a young guitar player whos opinion on music superceedes that of anyone else.....
    Ah sure that's right. We were walloped in school - yeah, think of those experiences and bring those into your teaching style.... Brilliant idea mate, brilliant idea.....

    PS it's TAUGHT not thought. Seriously, you clearly should have spent more time in school!


  • #24
    annie87
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39 ✭annie87


    It's 'teaching practice,' not 'teaching practise,' 'you're,' not 'your' and 'taught,' not 'thought.' If you were to employ what you learned from school you'd have some seriously stupid kids in your class.


  • #25
    thorny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭thorny


    OK Leif please tell me that you are takin the mick here and just tryin to wind up a bunch of teachers, sad and all as that would make you, it would be better than the alternative...............

    Which is, you have quite worrying issues with your childhood education which seems to be affecting you in a psychological way. You are also proceeding to now take these issues out on any teacher you come across. Bit of news for you- THE OP DID NOT FECK UP YOUR EDUCATION SO LEAVE HER ALONE. Please do not compare education systems of years ago and today as they are completely different and you are displaying a high level of ignorance by protesting otherwise.

    I would also hope that you are not passing this bitter twisted narrow-mindedness onto any innocent child in your care so that they can turn agsinst education also, as this would be an absolute crime.

    Now I would like you to go to GOOGLE and look up the word 'vocation' as you do not understand it. A vocation is a desire to to something with one's life. It does not provide a person with knowledge to follow the chosen path. If we were to follow your absurd logic, we would let somebody who has a vocation to become a doctor operate on us, regardless of whether they are trained or not. According to you they would already have the skills to be a doctor.

    Oh and by the way, teachers can use the word idiot, not when referring to the children they teach, but most definitely when referring to people like you.

    Speaking as a teacher, if you are takin the p**s, HA B****y HA. Now if you're genuine, then I'd suggest some professional help, as people with issues like yours are dangerously closed-minded.

    OP Good luck and all the best with TP. You will get there. It is difficult for everyone in the beginning and as a teacher you'll learn something new everyday which will help you with your job. Try to enjoy it and be very very well prepared.


  • #26
    BoozyBabe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,724 ✭✭✭BoozyBabe


    Folks, please look at the date of this thread: middle of March!!!
    Please let it die as it deserves to do.
    Lets hope Leif has moved on to share his ignorant ramblings with some other poor unfortunates at this stage.


  • #27
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,202 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    thorny wrote: »
    OK Leif please tell me that you are takin the mick here and just tryin to wind up a bunch of teachers, sad and all as that would make you, it would be better than the alternative...............

    Which is, you have quite worrying issues with your childhood education which seems to be affecting you in a psychological way. You are also proceeding to now take these issues out on any teacher you come across. Bit of news for you- THE OP DID NOT FECK UP YOUR EDUCATION SO LEAVE HER ALONE. Please do not compare education systems of years ago and today as they are completely different and you are displaying a high level of ignorance by protesting otherwise.

    I would also hope that you are not passing this bitter twisted narrow-mindedness onto any innocent child in your care so that they can turn agsinst education also, as this would be an absolute crime.

    Now I would like you to go to GOOGLE and look up the word 'vocation' as you do not understand it. A vocation is a desire to to something with one's life. It does not provide a person with knowledge to follow the chosen path. If we were to follow your absurd logic, we would let somebody who has a vocation to become a doctor operate on us, regardless of whether they are trained or not. According to you they would already have the skills to be a doctor.

    Oh and by the way, teachers can use the word idiot, not when referring to the children they teach, but most definitely when referring to people like you.

    Speaking as a teacher, if you are takin the p**s, HA B****y HA. Now if you're genuine, then I'd suggest some professional help, as people with issues like yours are dangerously closed-minded.

    OP Good luck and all the best with TP. You will get there. It is difficult for everyone in the beginning and as a teacher you'll learn something new everyday which will help you with your job. Try to enjoy it and be very very well prepared.

    Ok, because you are new, I will go easy on you.

    Firstly, take some time to observe the time and date of posts you are replying to. As BoozyBabe points out, this argument occurred some months back.

    Secondly, if you have a problem with a post, or a poster, then report it (use the little red/white triangle at the bottom of each post) and let me deal with it. Engaging in heated debate is all good and well, but when you start abusing people back, it only makes you silly and detracts from any legitimate argument you had.

    Finally, there is a newbies guide to posting on Boards.ie here. I strongly suggest you read it before you go any further.

    Any issues with this, please use the Private Messaging function, do not reply here on thread.


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