Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Post 3
Something that really caught my eye during my field experience was how different the students were when there was a substitute teacher. I had the privilege of being there the first time the kindergardeners had a substitute and they really didn't know what to do. They were very disorganized the beginning of the day and very quite to the teacher and their peers. They came to either me or Kayla for questions and avoided the new teacher at all costs. The substitute in my opinion was very standoff-ish with the students and almost unapproachable which could have been a huge factor in the students behaviors. With all the technology they used the sub was quite lost for most of the morning which really threw the students for a loop. The students knew more about smart boards and computers then the teacher did which surprised me. I feel like if you are going to be employed as a substitute teacher for a district you should have to go though some formal training into how to use technology in the classroom. Since most of their curriculum is on a smart board the fact that she didn't know how to use it was a huge set back. I found it quite stressful how much the students needed to stay on a schedule. Many students were upset and clearly stressed that the sub wasn't doing EXACTLY the same thing that their teacher did. I feel it would have been beneficial for the teacher to do things different sometimes just so the students can see that its okay to switch things up and not have such a set permanent schedule.
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LOVE THIS! I think you made some very good points here. If curriculum in a district is all on smart boards then there should totally be some sort of training that everyone needs to go to so that lessons can go on as planned. It must have been interesting to be there for kindergarteners because it is not like they have experienced substitute teachers in other grades. I am sure you loved the fact that your students came to you for help because that shows they got comfortable with you and they trusted you!
ReplyDeleteI also got to see how my class runs when there is a sub in the room and it was very different then what you observed. I am in a second grade classroom so the students think when they have a sub that they should test them to see how far they can push them. They did not listen nearly as good as when the teacher is present. It almost felt like chaos. The sub however did know how to work a smart board which was very helpful because my class also does a lot of their work on it each day. I agree with you that all substitute teachers should have to know that kind of technology stuff. It is a disadvantage for the students if they do not know how to work certain things. I’m glad to hear that your students trust and respect you enough to go to you for help and questions! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI think that is very cool that you were able to experience this. I agree that substitute teachers should have to go through some form of training. Students need strong classroom management and are very used to having a routine. It just goes to show how important it is do have a schedule and stick to it to the best of your abilities as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same in my kindergarten classroom. Students often follow teacher's direction when our cooperating teacher is present, That's why my partner and i make a contract for our children together to improve your class management, so when they do not perform well, we can remind them of the contract.
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