Observation #4

This class was an algebra II class with a young energetic teacher.

12:31 PM - Bell Rings. Class Begins.

The first 15 minutes was spent completing a practice test for the PSSA (state assessment exam). From what I understand this is a mandatory part of the curriculum. The idea is that students fail at taking state exams because they don’t know how to take the tests. Now, I am not wild about concentrating on content but concentrating on how to take a test seems ridiculous.

From the start, I could tell that he was very friendly with his students, constantly joking and poking at them. The class atmosphere was light and jovial. His style seems to contain a lot of his personality which works. He counters his leniency with a loud and commanding voice.

During the quiz, students were talking almost as if it was group work. As far as I could tell there was no cheating just casual conversations. Not very realistic testing atmosphere.

He started by announcing the agenda for the period. The topic was the quadratic formula.

Allows obscenities.

There is a lot of chatter but many students seem to be engaged.

When the teacher confronts a student about behavior, the student laughs and jokes with the teacher. If this works for him, fine but if students don’t take your authority seriously then there is nothing you can do if it gets out of hand.

As he makes rounds helping students, others scream his name when they need help. There is no procedure for them to get attention.

Overall the class was effective given the abilities of the students. He seems to make this style work because of his personality. I think he is able to relate to the students while still retaining some authority.