Tag Archives: Adolescent Development
The Value of a Safe Learning Environment
How may I serve you? This question is not being asked by educators, political reformers or parents. Yet, it is an integral question inside the arena of classroom culture and one worth pondering. With the ongoing heated debates over school reforms mimicking the likes of school bullying, cafeteria fights, and classroom brawls, those very blockages in school we are trying to eliminate, we must collaborate and stop competing. People are relational beings and we must nurture this aspect of human nature because early life for all of us begins inside classrooms. The question: “How may I serve you?” engages the mind and heart and opens up neural pathways inside the brain that are reflective while emitting positive emotion, instead of emotionally ignited reactive or impulsive responses. Continue reading
I Am Thankful for My Challenging Students
Dr. Allen Mendler recently visited Inside the School to record some online professional development seminars. During one of his seminars, Mendler said something that I couldn’t help but write down. Mendler said that he witnessed this kind of conversation between a teacher and a challenging student:
TEACHER: I just want to tell you that I’m really glad you’re in my class. I know that it’s not your favorite place to be, but I’m trying hard to make sure that I’m the right teacher for you. I’ve tried many strategies to teach you, but so far they haven’t been working very well. I’ll keep trying more so that you can learn. I want to thank you for being a part of my class. You are making me a better teacher.
Let’s be honest: you are making me a better teacher isn’t what I would say when talking to a challenging student.
But it should be, because it’s true. Continue reading
Classroom Discipline: Don’t Ask Why
Teens are impulsive. That spontaneity is part of their charm. And it’s part of the problem, too.
Picture this: Nick sees a cute girl downstairs by the lockers. He thinks that he can impress her if he jumps over the stair rail from the upstairs landing to the commons below.
Not impressive, Nick, when the paramedics have to haul you to the clinic for a cast. Continue reading
Students Online: Time Wasters or Innovators?
Your students are spending a lot of their free time online. Think of the number of hours you estimate they spend online. Double it. The doubled number is probably closer to the truth.
According to the Norton Online Living Report 2009, parents believe their children spend 21 hours online. The reality is that students in twelve countries reported spending 39 hours online. Don’t tell me these kids don’t have time to finish their assignments or clean their rooms. Continue reading
Call Parents Sooner Rather Than Later
Brad was a pill in fourth period. You talked with him, you moved his seat, and you kept him after the bell rang. That was yesterday. And today. It was last week, too. Brad’s behavior is disrupting learning in your classroom and you need to call home. Now.
No one wants this phone call, not you and Brad’s mom. The longer you wait, the worse the situation becomes, though, so don’t postpone parent contact. Continue reading
Student Praise: Public Acknowledgement or Private Pat-on-the Back?
Should we publicly praise students?
Many teachers believe that if they publicly praise a student that is doing very well, it will motivate others to be like that student.
In fact, often the opposite is true. Continue reading
