What else do Students need to know ?
WHAT ELSE DO STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW?
They need to know you genuinely care. So hear their concerns; Tune into their feelings; Show you really care with your actions.
They need to know you walk your talk meaning if you say it, you do it.
They need a daily dose of HOPE and HUMOUR. I know you have it in you! Try anecdotes and laugh with them. They’ll love it and connect.
They need to see flexibility. HOW? Say things like , whichever gets you to the goal. Just make sure you do everything.
They need to see open-mindedness. HOW? Say things like < Your ideas are probably as good as mine>. If I have any qualms or any objections, I’ll explain why this cannot be done in this particular case.
They need to see real attentiveness. HOW? Say things like < I’ll listen to you, hear you out, weigh your suggested alternatives and I’ll get back to you. AND let them vent individually when necessary.
Warning! Sometimes, they need to vent in group. If so, bring in a neutral observer as a witness. When too many students are disgruntled in a group, the atmosphere can become poisonous and explosive.
If you have a chaotic group situation, you need one or two observers and a facilitator so that things stay CLEAR and CALM. This way, they can vent but so can the teacher. In the end, both, the teacher and the students can reach an
agreement. When it’s done well and both parties commit to improve or change , they can move ahead positively.
Mediation is always an excellent option to explore! Read all you can on Mediation. Get training in it if you can. It will be the most useful tool you’ll ever invest in as a Teacher!
Little Wisdoms
1. Impose only when you have exhausted all other alternatives. Then do it well!
2. Start with choices, alternatives, and LITTLE freedoms.
3. When interrupting their work or discussions, do it with respect. Preferably with ways agreed upon together beforehand, and gently stating WHY first, then explain whatever you need to.
4. State expectations clearly.
5. Give models for better understanding.
6. Give examples of evaluation grids with clear guidelines.
7. Negotiate alternatives to obtain commitment.
8. Manage the behavior, both yours and theirs!
9. Be genuine, authentic and natural. Students see right through you!
When Teachers or School Boards hire me to give a workshop on Classroom and Behavior Management, it is a pleasure for me to share my documents and to ease the way, so that the Teachers may create their own. It is so very important to have TRANSPARENCY when you teach.
I put my 30 years of experience in this field at your disposition and offer support and follow-up by email as well as by phone.Have a nice week. Happy Trails,
Elizabeth McNally
Mentor & Licensed Certified EI Coach http://guidancequest.com
info@guidancequest.com
For details on my books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/infoatguidancequestdotcom
Comment on my Blog: http://guidancequestcom-eliprofesseure.blogspot.com/
In a nutshell, I am an attentive, compassionate person who wishes to make a difference in people`s lives.
Some 17 years of experience as a Mentor & Coach, pertinent Career and life experiences, a Master’s degree in Education and additional training in Emotional Intelligence and Compassion Fatigue enable me to better perceive my clients’ needs. Because of this, I know how to help my clients clarify their thoughts, pinpoint issues and take concrete, suitable action to solve the problem, in record time.
My clients then regain the appealing glow and spark of the keen, confident, energetic people they’ve always been. They walk away with the pride and triumphant joy of having overcome.