Reaction to Wong

Two Wongs don't make a right!! Haha. I love this guy so far, and I can't wait to hear more about his thoughts on classroom management. I think his ideas are going to be very beneficial for all of us during our student teaching experience. 

Since we have been visiting for the last few weeks I have been fortunate to discover which students could potentially be problem students for me! The reason I say I'm fortunate is because I have to chance to see what causes them to act out, who causes them to act out, and how my co-op handles the student. Although having a classroom of our own won't be so accommodating to our needs as a new teacher it is still going to ease us into the process of classroom management. We won't be going into battle unprepared! 

The section I was assigned to read talked about the importance of using research-based practices in our teaching. It is believe to be an effective teacher on must believe it is the teacher who makes the difference in the classroom. Without good teachers we cannot expect good students. 

My section also addressed why positive expectations are so important. This goes along with what Wong was talking about in the video on Wednesday night. An expectation is what you believe will or will not happen. This is such a powerful word. If you are a positive teacher who expects a great level of achievement out of your students, the odds are greater that what you want will happen. It is important to stay optimistic and have a positive ATTITUDE, the students WILL pick up on these things. That's all! 

Reaction to Wong

I think it was Jenn who was saying that had he not been an entertaining, humorous man, he would not have had much credibility. But, since he did, he was much more believable and easy to pay attention to. I think that in order to be a great teacher, individuals ought to possess a sense of humor, just as he did. Also, if you're not going to make jokes and laugh about certain situations, you will never get out alive...and I think the students will realize this.

After reading my section of his book, I realized even more so that this profession is about who you know and what resources you have. If you do not make friends with your colleagues, it is going to be a very bumpy ride. I think after years of hearing to not sit in the teacher's lounge because all they do is break down students, I realized that I should not dismiss this idea so quickly. The other teachers in there may not be dissing students...and if not, it's a great way to build camaraderie with them. Also, about resources--as students we have basically been told to never be resourceful...teachers want everything to be your own ideas, etc....which I understand. However, now, we have to realize that is absolutely OK to be resourceful. In fact, we NEED to use our resources.

K, that's all :) See you guys Thurs.