Reflection #2

As the semester continues, I am beginning to feel more comfortable in my placement. I have jumped on the opportunities that presented themselves to take control of the class and help my CT in any way possible.

One particular incident that I remember from a few weeks ago was when the class was refusing to participate, only one or two students would respond to questions and even then they were in monotone, almost silent voices. My CT become frustrated and at one point just walked out of the room, giving no explanation to either me or the students. I quickly jumped in front of the class and took control, leading the students through the exercise that my CT seemed to have given up on with the students.

Before engaging in the lesson, each of the students (there are only about 6-9 on any given day) began asking frantically why my CT had left the room. I told them that she must be frustrated with the lack of participation and I began taking control of the lesson. When the students realized that they had upset their teacher, they quickly straightened up in their chairs and began participating for me and following my directions.

When my CT returned, she appeared composed and ready to continue with the day’s lesson. After class, she and I had the opportunity to talk and she explained what had happened during class. My CT insisted that she never “gets mad”, and that she knew what type of behavior the students would respond to in class. My CT also explained that when she walked out of the room, quickly circled back and stood just within ear shot of the classroom and listened while the students began engaging in the lesson for me. She explained that she knew that type of action would trigger the desired response from her students, and she was pleased with my ability to quickly take control of the situation.