Now if you are looking at the title of this Blog and your brain has immediately begun to decipher the meaning of this acronym, then I am quite assured that I am talking to a teacher. When I entered the profession I was amazed at the language- IEP, IGP, ESL, AP, ILT, BED, ESOL, etc., with training most of these acronyms can be picked up within one’s first year. In my opinion, though, the more difficult type of communication is that with the students. The skill needed in dealing with students is staggering. I am not just talking about what they say and what we say, but how they say it and how we say it. The right word with the right tone can diffuse a volatile situation; the opposite will make it erupt in your face like Mt. Pompeii.
Due to the nature of my y chromosome, I have come to accept the fact that I am not inclined to speak good. On top of that I have also learned that I tend to be introverted unless we are close or I am writing. This makes it very difficult for me to make the move to communicate with students. However, one day I got the guts to “make the move.” One of my young ladies came in late and tried to turn in her homework, well knowing that my policy is no homework is accepted after the late bell. Well eruption ensued and she got into it with my inclusion teacher, with me of course playing the mute. When it had died down, and the quiz for the day was passed out, this student wanted nothing to do with the quiz, so I asked her to speak with me in the hallway. I expressed my concern for her and explained why I had the rules I did, and though there was now smiles, laughter and, “Hey, Mr. B you’re the greatest”, she did return and take her quiz.
I am currently reading a book entitled “Boys in Crisis”, one of the 7 books that I have been “required” to read this year. I wasn’t thrilled, but have actually found it quite interesting, and it really explains the behavior of many of our male students, and how their lack of communication leads to behavioral problems, and academic distress. Finally if you are wondering about the title, any ornithologist would know these acronyms as European Starlings, Lincoln Sparrows, and House Finches; do your new teachers know yours?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Yes, communication is a key with students. Often, we do not communiate in them in a manner that they can relate to or understand. For many students, we must speak in a manner that is authoritative and authoritarian. Also, the acronyms are insane in education. Thanks for reminding "us veterans" about the need to properly educate our new teachers.
Yes, properly informing new teachers of everything that is involved with the beginning of the year, the middle and the end of the year forms is extremely helpful. I started teaching last year in the middle of the year, therefore most of my forms for the students were taken care of. By the time I started this year, my principal, team teachers, and others were asking for forms I never knew existed. If there could be any advice I would give veteran teachers to assist in the ease of new teachers in to the education field, it would be to communicate, communicate, communicate!!!
Post a Comment