Observation #6

Algebra II

Poster on the wall: “Profanity is a public display of personal stupidity.”

The warm up is simply copying the homework from the board.

He recognizes students verbally that are engaged in each task.

5 people came in late.

They are pretty chatty. Speak out loud.

Solving by substitution.

Refused to allow someone 15 minutes late.

Teaching while students are copying notes.

While asking for the opposite operations, 3 students gave wrong answers to which he responded with verbal chastisement. I don’t think you have to be nurturing and fill your room with butterflies and flowers but if you want a successful community of learners, trust is a necessary key. I doesn’t seem like a good idea to ever scold a student because of a wrong answer. Don’t confront ability, confront responsibility. That’s kinda catchy.

The class was interrupted by someone at the door (assuming a staff member) that must have said that the student he refused entry earlier had to be admitted. He explained to the person that he shouldn’t have to stop class to accommodate students that come late. He then went on to say that this conversation was just a further disruption to the lesson. I agree to a certain point that interruptions of a lesson could inhibit the effectiveness of the lesson but by first refusing to open the door for the student created a disturbance in the class. Students were focusing on the student at the door. Then, this choice led to another lengthy interruption by a staff member. Rules are important but only when they are necessary.

One female student is taking an active role in paying a attention and taking notes but is constantly being disturbed by the male student in front of her. He frequently turns around and talks to her. I believe it is a sorry attempt at flirting. Not only do I want to throw a book at him, but I think the female student is about to punch him.

The phone rings which is someone that is calling about the previous student that he wouldn’t admit. This is now a longer interruption because he is once again explaining that interruptions are detrimental to the lesson, not realizing that he holds a bulk of the responsibility in these interruptions.

There are a few students that seem to enjoy shouting out answers. These students seem to get most of the focus. It is almost like he is coasting; taking the easy way by allowing his questions to get answered by students that are overtly enthusiastic. These students, although enthusiastic, give answers that are frequently wrong. It seems as though you should attempt to foster an environment where students have time to think about a question and then formulate an answer. This is a procedural issue.

This teacher reminds me of my favorite teacher in high school, Mr. Shilingo. He had the same quirky personality. He was very enthusiastic and seemed to be just as knowledge able. He had almost a zero tolerance disruption policy. He seems to make it work and I think he is actually a very good teacher.