#module g

Module G:

NB: This posting has previously appeared on the 2011 PPLE Ning site. (Tutorial 2 Monday 11:30)

Module G The difference between a duck

1. How are your Observation Days going? Perhaps write about one particular event: describe it, and then reflect on its meaning(s). (Note the connection here with Assignment 2)

My observation days have been an enlightening, revealing, and somewhat stressful experience. However, the last point was to be expected.  I have been amazed how the behaviour differs between the various grade levels.

I have observed a class of students which were placed together for a particular reason – as this has been fascinating to observe and learn why they were lumped together.

Being able to observe the contrasting teaching styles of the various teachers I have seen and make note of their particular methods in which they try to control the class is almost a mystic revelation.

Yes, I had observed students blurting out profanities toward me, saying disparaging remarks under their breath towards me, and so on.  I take none of these outburst personal and realise many of these students are going through a very formative period in their lives, and this mist be considered.

2. To what extent have you been troubled by a growing worry that managing diversity in the classroom is an impossible task?

This simply comes with the territory.  I believe every class is diverse in its composition; student lifestyles and backgrounds.  It’s an element of classroom management that will always be present and attention must be paid to it.  As in our readings and lectures, we will not have time to know every student at a level we can tailor our lesson plans down to the ‘nth-degree’ – no matter how hard we may try.  I feel it’s important to realise the lesson plan(s) are our roadmap for the curriculum, and ensure whatever way or methods we deliver the stated curriculum; it is done in a way that best delivers quality learning which benefits the majority of the class.

3. To what extent are Steve’s four maxims convincing? Useful?  Reassuring?

The four maxims provide a good philosophical framework for us to keep top-of-mind the diverse nature of the ever-changing landscape in the classroom.

Maxim two is of particular interest – helping student understand themselves is important to reach the end-game of assisting their learning.  I also firmly believe some students think they cannot learn because of prior experience or failures, peer pressure, hanging around with the wrong crowd, etc.  These students need our attention, and as teachers, we must be cognisant of these students so they do not fall through the cracks and simply get pushed along the grade levels.

Managing and promoting diversity in the classroom (in my opinion) would be a huge challenge, and the creativity and imagination of the teacher is an important aspect of fostering and maintaining of level of diversity (in the classroom).  We should keep open-minds to our students’ behaviour and always expect the unexpected. I feel one of the biggest challenges in the classroom is thinking on our feet and at times, making snap judgments that may affect the outcome of our best learning efforts.

4. Were you surprised by the results of the Grad Dip survey?

The only area which furled my eye brows was the amount of time students revealed they are devoting to their studies.  To initiate this survey was a good idea, and its timing seemed appropriate.

5. What have you been reading this week?  Useful?

I have been reading a few books that are targeting ‘smart thinking’, metacognition and calamities that occur in the classroom.  It’s interesting to note the differing and wide-ranging opinions of education authors and what they’re on about.  But, then again, teaching is not an exact science and bears much contemplation on our part to keep the wheels on when things go pear-shaped in the classroom!