To be successful, the authors say, students must begin each school year with expectations of success -- expectations fostered by the entire educational community. "Celebrating the 'First Day of School' must become a tradition of all educational systems," the Wongs say.
How do you see their advice impacting you as a teacher? Respond and comment on at least two other classmate responses.
In my oppinion it is very important to include parents, families, caregivers, commuty and school personnel in the education of the students. It is playing a big and crusial role because if we are working together our students are going to have a safe, healthy and motivating environment.To celebrate the first day school could be a very important day for our students because they are going to commit them self to work hard for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteFor me Unit B is about appearing and behaving in a manner than invites success. While many have said that it is the inside of a person that counts, how you a person perceives you [according to your appearance] within the first moments of meeting you does matter. Not only should you care how your co-workers perceive you it should matter to you how your students perceive you. Teachers are role models whether they want to be or not. Students take note on everything about you and draw conclusions on how much or how little they will respect you as a teacher. Teachers have a significant amount of influence over their student to show them how a successful person behaves and acts. Students want to know that their teachers care about their jobs and about them as students. Students will respond to a teacher who has manners, is inviting, and is a positive force in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI took notes on Unit B by chapter, so I will comment this way.
ReplyDeleteCh. 6: Know your A's- IT'S ALL IN THE ATTITUDE. Negativity seriously wastes energy; that's not a bunch of new age/ hippie mumbo jumbo. We literally bring our energy everywhere we go, and we waste loads of it by being negative.
There is a difference between expectations and standards. To me, this is the same as saying that expectations are different than intentions. Expectations (knowing what we can/can't achieve) are meta-analyzed. Standard or intention is what we're putting our minds to and the place we want to go. The book says "Student success is limited only by adult expectations." We all do this. We have our professors tell us year in and year out not to pick favorites and to believe in our students. But everyone inherently has an attitude concerning every student. This one talks too much. He never does his work. Teachers talk about her. etc. The hardest thing I've learned so far other than classroom management is how to maintain fair and positive expectations for everyone, everyday.
Ch 7: Point: Students bloom in an caring and nurturing environment. point done.
Ch. 8: Think about how many times a day you judge someone by how they look. Your appearance is the first clue someone has about you. Story time: Some time ago, a girl walked up to me downtown and asked me if I sold drugs because I'm "skinny". I was so offended I replied back (in language more fierce) "so I should assume you sleep around because of how you're dressed." Funny way to say how you look matters.
Ch. 9 & 10: Learn names. I know this is SO difficult. I'm terrible at learning names and it's hard when you teach classes in the community, work in the public, and have 180 students to remember. Make name tags, play games, make silly references or acronyms in your head...ask twice, three, four, five times if you have to. Just respect others enough to call them by their names. After all, every student addresses us by out names. Some studies suggest that 90% of what we say is nonverbal. Body language is everything. The main part of body talk is our face. I'm very guilty of making faces of which I'm unaware. I've checked this August!
[Flor]
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that including or exposing a student’s caregiver to the discussion and implementation of a student’s educational program is important. Even if we are “not” working together as is the case most of the time, I believe that at least informing all concerned parties to the roles, goals, and expectations we have for their student is a step in the right direction. I believe that social and academic success can be measured in many ways and from many perspectives and as you point out, when everyone has the opportunity to contribute (in any fashion) towards the creation of a safe , healthy, and motivating learning environment – then the student becomes just that much further self-committed to wanting to learn, and closer to achieving that goal.
Belinda,
ReplyDeletesuch a poignant statement: "Unit B is about appearing and behaving in a manner than invites success." I could not sum it up any better. We certainly want to invite success into all aspects of our lives, especially in our careers. We are certainly role models, and I'd like to think that it's because we want to be, otherwise, why are we going into teaching? That conversation aside, I think it's important to remember that students of all ages are extremely observant, and that we are role models when we want to be (or not) and even when we are not aware of it. This includes how we dress.
Flor,
The numbers are in: students whose parents and communities are involved in their education put more effort into that education. I don't know where our society lost the fact that learning is cool, but we need to remind students and communities that this is so! It is essential for our success as a nation.
In regards to the Wongs’ above quote, I see the statement helping me as a teacher understand that I set the tone for environment of the class. More broadly, I see the statement to “include everyone associated with and interested in the education of the future citizens of the world.” While I see that getting everyone involved in my first years of teaching as a lofty goal, the Wongs provide many insights into how to create an environment that will facilitate student success. First, the Wongs state that the key idea is that the more that parents are involved with education, the greater the child’s chances are for success. I agree with that point and I understand that the students that are most likely to succeed are the ones who have parents who value education.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I understand the importance of teachers and parents working together towards education. As a teacher that means keeping lines of communication open between myself and parents and stating clearly my expectations to both students and teachers.
The Wongs provide great insight into creating a space in which students feel welcomed and invited to participate in the learning environment. The most helpful part of this section was the discussion regarding invitational and disinvitational environments. I feel that their advice in this section can be one of the most eye-opening sections we have read so far. I feel as though most of my time in school and being involved in sports as bee n around unintentionally disinviting situations. I see the problem with this set-up as it frames statements in negative light. I also see the value of being intentional in inviting students to learn. As the authors state, this begins the first day with your first interaction with the students. I have the opportunity this semester of floating during my student teaching. It is definitely different to establish your procedures, routines, greeting of students, when you are in four different rooms and frequently the students are in the room before you. The one exception to this is obviously first block, where I can be there every day before the students. Without a doubt I get along better with that class than any other class (excluding electives). I get there and I greet them, ask how they are. And some of the classes that are further apart I can definitely tell the difference as it is difficult to establish that rapport when the students are already in the room. I see the Wong’s statement as essential to creating a positive environment. For students to be successful they must know that the teacher cares. If the students sense that the teacher cares and is excited about being there, then the student will be more likely to succeed. Not celebrating the first day of school can begin the year with the wrong type of energy and momentum. If I am not excited and interested in being in the classroom, it will be difficult to expect the students to be excited and interested about my teaching.
Belinda,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point. A teacher (or a person in general) gets to set the tone for how people respond to them. A teacher establishes how the students are going to act in the classroom by modeling appropriate behavior. A teacher cannot ask for the students respect and expect to receive the students' respect if the teacher does not respect them. Also, a teacher cannot expect the classroom to be safe, open, and free of ridicule and bullying if the teacher (even in good nature) demonstrates that type of behavior. It is part of our experience of developing that constant attitude of creating a learning environment of more, more engagement, more positive behavior, and more positive expectations.
Leah,
ReplyDeleteYou make very strong and interesting statements, especially in the first part when you talk about student expectations. I agree with you that this has been one of the most difficult aspects of student teaching, encountering students that other teachers talk about. It is especially discouraging when those students prove the other teachers right in how they act. Especially in the high school level, I get the feeling that many of these students have very low expectations of themselves (or they just do not want to do much). I am not sure if I had more solo time if a hyper-positive would rub off on them and they would have high expectations. I am finding the typical to reaction to any type of activity to be less than enthusiastic. However, that might be just how my classroom is. Perhaps given the right environment these students who choose to sleep, or miss tests, skip class, and cheat could be motivated to have high expectations for themselves. That is where my responsibility as the teacher of setting the tone of high expectations from day one is important.
I was pleased to see that a lot of the advice that the Wongs give in this unit are things that I already believe in and practice. First off, I believe that the way that you dress conveys a great deal of unspoken messages. There is a phenomenon in psychology known as the primacy effect, which refers to the surprising strength of the initial judgments that we make about a person. Basically, as the old Head and Shoulders commercial states, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” and the very first thing that we notice about somebody is physical appearance. If somebody conveys a professional and competent appearance, they are more apt to command attention than someone who looks disheveled and messy. I am often shocked when I walk into a school and I am one of the few males wearing a tie. My teaching attire is vastly different from what I wear in my day-to-day life as I am normally more comfortable with my hair down and a t-shirt and cargo shorts on. However, my appearance affects how students, administrators, and fellow teachers perceive me.
ReplyDeleteAnother area where I agree with the Wongs involves constant name recognition. I was perturbed at the beginning of this semester, as I was observing more than interacting and it took me a long time to learn names. Mr. R does not use names at all, so I would often go through the seating chart while he taught and try to memorize everyone’s name. We are innately attracted to the sound of our names. Even in a large, crowded room, we often take notice when our name appears among the background noise. I feel it is important to ensure that students know that you know exactly who they are. Not only does it provide an easy way to command attention, it also helps you form a more personal bond with your students. People generally like to know that someone knows who they are and cares about their success. If you can’t even remember your student’s name, you send the message that you don’t care enough to learn it.
Finally, I feel that positive expectations and recognition are crucial in the classroom. Even when a student is wrong, I thank them for contributing to class and praise them if they are anywhere near the right direction. Students need to know that it is safe and rewarding to speak up in class. Most of my teaching is discussion based. I like to constantly ask the class for answers and personal experiences and tie it into my lectures. I feel that class would be boring, both for me as well as for the students, if I was the only one doing the talking. I was pleasantly surprised that many students that I had never heard speak the first six weeks of school became some of my main contributors when I was teaching my independent lessons. My main challenge is finding a way to incorporate the students who do not want to speak in class. I hate to draw names at random and force them because that is a very uncomfortable experience for some students. On the other hand, I want to make sure that everyone is engaged and finding a personal connection to the material. This is one of many areas that I feel will improve as I gain more and more experience as an educator.
@ Leah
ReplyDeleteYou make a lot of good observations about the reading. You are correct that all of our students address us by name, so it is only fair that we learn theirs. Also, appearance is HUGE. I liked your story about the girl calling you "skinny". I once had a student ask me if I was a "pothead". I said, "Of course not, what would make you think that?" and the student replied, "Why else would you have long hair?" I have heard a lot of assumptions but that was definitely a first! Of course, in psychology this led to a nice, long discussion about the dangers of stereotyping.
@ Flor
As secondary teachers, we often downplay the role of parents. In elementary school, parents play a major role in the school but this often tapers off as the child grows older and becomes more independent. Teachers have to realize that children learn a lot from their parents, in both an active and a passive manner. If a child is from an environment that doesn't value education, that certainly has an impact on classroom behavior. One way to counteract this is to involve parents with what is going on in the classroom and ensure that they remain an active and informed party in their child's education.
The Wongs have a continued, powerful plan for success in Unit B. Modeling success is a key part of the formula for being a successful educator. A Lifelong lesson that was projected to me consistently as a student,was the fact that your ATTITUDE is your ALTITUDE! The Wongs state ATTITUDE as being an intricate part of success, one which has no boundaries when based on race, family background, financial status, or educational status. ATTITUDE is such a dynamic factor within success that it is essential to EVERYONE. We should exude a positive attitude in a way that students are immersed in its power. As stated, human beings WANT success. We must be mindful that we may be the ONLY positive role model that a child may see in their presence! Stating this fact , educators should be professionally dressed, keep a positive attitude, and have nothing less than HIGH EXPECTATIONS for learners.
ReplyDelete(John)
ReplyDeleteI agree strongly with the Wongs that "You do not get a second chance to make a first impression." There is great character in representing Educators, and Men in general, as we all should take pride in our appearance. I am also one who often likes to dress comfortably outside of school, because I have an active and athletic nature. We must keep in mind that our PROFESSIONALISM is our UNIFORM in school though. (That sounded so good the way I just put that I not only suprised myself, I'm copyrighting, "Our Professionalism is Our Uniform." (c)
(LEAH):
ReplyDeleteALL educators should remember this on a daily basis,"Student success is limited only by adult expectations." This is why the Wongs state that HIGH EXPECTATIONS are so important. I have seen ALL of the students who were labeled as "Slow Learners/ Reluctant Learners, be transformed by HIGH EXPECTATIONS in the classroom. HIGH EXPECTATIONS is our way of implying to our learners that "I CARE."
Belinda : Excellent observation on teachers being role models whether they want to be or not. I’ve already noticed a bit of an attitude shift in the students as they are taking on a bit more of my personality. It’s always been said that a sports team usually takes on the personality of the coach and I believe the same holds true for a teacher in his/her classroom. The positive and negative things that you allow to enter yourself will subsequently be reflected in the classroom at some point in time.
ReplyDeleteLeah: Attitude is very important and there is no substitute for a positive outlook on what you are doing. There have been days where I did not want to be here due to sickness or family problems, but I put it aside and came to school because I have a responsibility to these kids. That’s not to gloat, but it is to illustrate that we as educators can’t take our jobs lightly because the second that we do, the kids are lost.
I agree with most points in the book. I feel like if you expect the best, you will receive the best. The beginning of this unit stated a great quote “There is absolutely no research correlation between success and family background, race, national origin, financial status, or even educational accomplishments. There is but one correlation with success, and that is ATTITUDE.”
ReplyDeleteI notice that the students in my class that have good attitudes are the students that do well on their class work and their test. These are the students who are attentive in class and involved in classroom activity. The student that disruptive class and have low test scores are the student who express a negative attitude. I think that attitude starts first at home and then in the classroom. The parents and the teacher work need hand in hand and express that they expect success from the students.
Belinda,
I agree that teachers are role models. And yes we must always behave in a positive manner. But I also feel that some students come to school with a negative attitude, something could have happen at home to cause their attitude. It is hard to change those students when they come in your class not wanting to cooperate or be successful.
Brian,
We are on the same page. Parents and teachers should function as a single unit. We need each other to prepare these students for tomorrow. Because their our futures doctors, lawyers, teacher, and presidents.
I can definitely see how they view attitude as the one correlation with success. After student teaching this long, I have seen this with my own students. Attitude applies to me as a teacher as well, and I hope to exemplify a positive attitude with my students. Also, I like the quotes given in the book and may post some of these in my own classroom one day.
ReplyDeleteStudent teaching twelfth graders, I have learned that they are all focused on one thing: graduation. Like the book says, the first day of school is more important than graduation day, and I agree. The expectations of students must be founded those first few days, or they will not try to reach their full potentials.
Furthermore, I believe parental involvement is detrimental to student success. From my experience in the schools and just knowing people with kids, students whose parents value education seem to be more successful than those whose parents do not.
Also, I can definitely see the Wongs’ point about dressing professionally. On a daily basis, I generally wear a pair of slacks and a solid color shirt: very simple attire. I am not pleased by my wardrobe, and I hope to build upon it. On the other hand, I have been standing as straight as I can since beginning my student teaching placement when I once slumped over most of the time. I feel that having better posture shows I am confident.
Since I am a student teacher, the students tend to try to get away with as much as they can when my cooperating teacher leaves the room. Up until this point, I thought, “I shouldn’t have smiled so much those first weeks,” but now, I can see that the students need a “controlled, slight, disarming smile” to feel like they are in an inviting classroom (73). Also, “thank you” does go a long way with students.
Warren,
ReplyDeleteI love how you say “Attitude is Altitude.” I feel that is true with us as well as our students. Students are influenced by their teachers’ attitudes. I know that because my own perceptions of classes are influenced by the teachers’ attitudes. In order to set our students up for success, we have to exhibit traits that show we are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.
Kendra,
I agree that attitudes begin at home. A student’s perception of school is effected by his or her parents and friends. I have also found that students with poor attitudes often do poorly on class work and tests. So, we have to foster a positive attitude to ensure our students know we expect them to be successful in everything they take on and to help ensure they are successful.
After reading this unit, I realized just how important it is to set a positive environment on the first day of school. I remember the text saying that on the first day, teachers should set the expectations for the students and teach them the rules and procedures of the classroom. One thing I took note of was that a teacher should never play a game or do a “let’s get to know everyone” activity. I found this quite humorous because I have actually seen numerous teachers do this very thing, and their reasoning behind it... they say the first day is a waste of time, and they cannot really accomplish anything because the first day is so hectic. At first I wanted to believe them, but I then read the Wongs’ perspective, and I quickly changed my mind. I remember all of the years when I was in school, and I do recall all of my teachers going over the handbook and the classroom rules and procedures. I knew from the beginning what was expected of me, and looking back, I truly appreciate the structure my teachers set for me.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I will definitely use the Wongs’ advice and start my school year off with structure. I know I need to be prepared by having my classroom ready, my rules and procedures set in place, determine my standards, and do not place expectations on my students. Day after day, I need to come to school dressed professionally, have a great attitude, and ready to change the lives of my students. I want my students to exceed farther than anyone expects of them; therefore, I cannot judge them nor can I treat students unfairly. It is so important to treat all the students the same, because rather we realize it or not, students know when the teacher is being biased. Wong also states the importance of learning the students’ names, and I definitely agree. Names define who we are, and they are a part of our identity. Students feel more important when a teacher can remember their name, and I have always tried my hardest to learn my students’ names as quickly as possible. It truly does mean so much to a student when the teacher knows his or her name and a little something about him or her. While it is difficult learning so many names, I believe it is our job as teachers to make our students feel comfortable and important; therefore, we should do all we can to learn the students’ names and treat them as individuals.
Flor, It is very important to have everyone on board including parents and school personal. Our students will be sucessful if they know what to expect that very first day. Students want to come into a warm and caring environment and that starts with the teacher.
ReplyDeleteJaime Lynn, It is so important to let your students know what to expect that first day.I dont see anything wrong with a get to know your students activity but it most definitely needs to be done after the students know your expectations and what is expected of them in the classroom, a syllabus is a great thing to have for students that first day plus your classroom management plan.
ReplyDeleteIn reading Unit B,it gave me some great advice on expectations and how important they are on the first day of school. Our students need to know that we as their teachers are there to help them succeed in their education. They definitely need to have a teacher with positive expectations for all students. It is also important that they know what to expect that very first day in order to have a successful school year.
ReplyDeleteUnit B, for me, was quite encouraging because I feel that it touched on some of the qualities that are my best as a teacher. It is one of my most deeply held beliefs that this generation of learners has more intelligence and intellectual ability than any before it; however, I believe that this intelligence presents itself in different ways than previous generations. Learners of today are much more concerned with technology and the ability to communicate themselves through this technology. This has lead to a subsequent change in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax when school aged children interact via these technologies. I feel that the next generation of teachers should learn to harness this intelligence and make its presence known in our classrooms through positive expectations.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I have incredibly positive expectations for my students. I spend most of my day trying to figure out areas where they can succeed. I feel that I must spend the majority of my time trying to put ALL of my students in a position to feel success. Once they experience what it is like to succeed, I can count on them wanting to feel that way again, therefore, they will be more likely to work WITH me. I try to routinely communicate these positive expectations as much as possible. One of my favorite phrases to use with students is "you are much better than this work shows. You are a really smart kid."
I am also a big believer (and have tried as much as possible to exhibit this) that appearance is incredibly important to affective teaching. This semester was really good for me because I got a chance to become severely improved in the art of ironing. It makes me feel confident to look "put together" each and every day at school. Professionals in all fields go out of there way to look the part of whatever field they are in. This is somewhat superficial; however, adolescent aged children are quite superficial and they subconsciously respect me more if I am well dressed.
Belinda,
ReplyDeleteI agree that students definitely respond more to a teacher who has dressed and prepared for success. I think that they are subconsciously affected by things like how we are dressed and tend to be much more compliant and apt to succeed when they are in the presence of a well dressed and prepared teacher. I also agree that it is very important for them to feel as though they are in an inviting environment. It encourages them to become members of our collective learning communities.
Amy,
I agree that students definitely respond to clear, positive expectations, especially on the first day of school. I think these expectations allow them to understand what standards we have and subsequently attempt to uphold that standard. It is surprising how much students begin to follow our examples in our classrooms. Even if they are somewhat combative, they still look up to us as their teacher and follow our examples even if only in subtle ways.
It is important that kids have a confidence that they will do well. I think setting goals is a good things for kids to see. It is important we set them early and lay out a path for them to achieve those goals. Using both positive and negative motivation techniques can help bring out the best in your students. It is important to learn a students personality and find out what motivates them best.
ReplyDelete@flor I definitely agree that goals have to be set in the home. Those students who have parents that set goals and help their students achieve those seem to go better.
@leah I definitely agree that only positive energy is not true. Just putting energy and effort into a student can be a positive. Some students do not all need positive motivation.
Belinda, your ideas about being a role model for our students is so true. I definitly believe the way you pose yourself in front of your students makes an impact on how they will address you. Not only does your appearance make an impact on your students, but it can also impact the way other co-teachers view you. It is important to appear professional at all times. This can be done through your dress and your personality. Students need to feel welcomed in the classroom, but they still need to respect the teacher.
ReplyDeleteWarren,
ReplyDeleteI love your comments dealing with attitude. It is so true; if you possess a good attitude, then your more likely to be successful. Attitude can make or break your relationships with students and other faculty memebers. Not only does attitude effect your relationship with others, it can also better your overall demeanor as an educator. With good attitude comes professionalism.
Unit B showed me how the expectations I hold my students to can effect the overall outcome of the success of the students. It is important for teachers to hold students to these type of expectations. Even if the students are not taking honors classes or all A honor roll students, they should still be held at higher expectations.
ReplyDeleteIf students are held at low expectations this could cause a decrease in their self-esteem and attitude. It is important to understand that on the first day of school, students come in with a clean slate. They have no idea what you are going to be expecting out of them. Why not start them out positive? All students have the ability to succeed. Even if there are high expectations in place for them to meet.
Deacon, I agree that learning our students' personalities are extremely important, and it can also help us in giving them activities that will interest them. This also will assist the teacher in being able to set appropriate goals for each individual student. The teacher I am working with does a great job at getting to know each student. It does help that it is a small school and most of the students have been attending since kindergarten. I have realized that when we truly get to know our students and build an appropriate relationship with them, not only can we teach them better, but they are also more willing to learn and do their work for us.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I completely agree with your belief about expectations. I agree that all students can succeed despite their past. I have realized, however, that it can be difficult to not place certain expectations on a student due to their past. I have seen this done so many times, and the students realize what the teacher is doing. On the other hand, I have seen teachers have high expectations, and the students will meet those expectations. As teachers, we always need to encourage our students to do their best and give them goals they can meet. I want my students to be motivated and have confidence, and I love seeing their faces when they do.
ReplyDeleteDeacon,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you when it comes to setting goals for students. I also believe that through positive and negative reinforcements, students can achieve any type of gaols we as educators set for them. It is important for students to not only know when they are doing things correctly, but students must also know when the things they are doing can be better.
Unit B: First Characteristic -- Positive Expectations (How to motivate and inspire your students)
ReplyDeleteI thought that this portion was very helpful in how to foster positive expectations. I have heard millions times that “You only have one chance to make a good first impression”, and it is a very true statement. I think that it is especially important for an educator to appear and behave in manner that invites success for the students. Whether you like it or not the students are looking at you and how you behave and act. To some students you will be a role model to them, and will either make a positive or negative impact on their lives.
I also like the portion of the text that talks about attitude and how important it is for you to have a positive attitude. The students in your class will be able to see what kind of attitude that you come into class with everyday, and it will make a difference on how the students see you and behave. Your attitude can take you a long way in life, and that is something that the students need to learn. For the most part the students that have positive attitudes do well in class, and students with negative attitudes will struggle. The thing is that there are going to be some students with negative attitudes, but if the teacher has a positive attitude then the students are more likely to have a positive attitude as well.
@ Flor
As I have found out coaching this past semester at the high school level the support of parents, friends, and the community are very important to students. If the community, parents, and friends hold the school in high regard then the student will be more likely to sell out to the school, whether it is in the classroom or on the athletic fields. If the parents and the community have your back the situation will be a positive one. On the other had when the parents and the community does not support you then there will be a lot of problems. It is important to get the parents involves from the start and the students will have a better experience.
@ John
I think that how you dress also says a lot about who you are. If you are dressed the right way, and carry yourself in the right way you are more likely to be respected than if you were not.