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Pupil behaviour in lessons covered by Gap Assistants

Last post 14/02/12 at 16:39 by Wenzle, 18 replies
Post started by DJS99 on 28/09/11 at 12:25

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  • DJS99 avatar
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    Posted by: DJS99 28/09/2011 at 12:25
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    Hi all,

    I have been working as a Gap Assistant since September 2011. The school teaches pupils in year 4,5,6,7 and 8.

    I have taken various lessons with the younger years in the school, but haven been having a few issues controlling the Year 8 classes thus far.  

    The classes start off quietely, but gradually build up from silent working to talking and don't really work very well from that point. 

    I am in my early 20s and want to teach.

    Does anyone have any behaviour management techniques that I could use? 

    Many thanks

     
  • phatsals avatar
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    Posted by: phatsals 28/09/2011 at 12:38
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    What is a Gap Assistant and what do you mean by 'taking various lessons'?
  • madenglishgirl avatar
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    Posted by: madenglishgirl 28/09/2011 at 14:25
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    What's a Gap Assistant?
  • Timberwolf avatar
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    Posted by: Timberwolf 29/09/2011 at 15:49
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    madenglishgirl:

    What's a Gap Assistant?

    Another cheap, free or unqualified person in a class teaching instead of a teacher. Would love to meet the Head at this school LOL
  • les25paul avatar
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    Posted by: les25paul 29/09/2011 at 16:43
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    I don't know what a "Gap Assistant" is either and rapidly losing interest in all these super duper new titles.Sleepy thought up by management consultants.

    But to be constructive, there is a whole forum dedicated to behaviour maybe you could find some useful tips there.
  • Pennyforyourthoughts avatar
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    Posted by: Pennyforyourthoughts 30/09/2011 at 12:37
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    DJS99:

    Hi all,

    I have been working as a Gap Assistant since September 2011. The school teaches pupils in year 4,5,6,7 and 8.

    I have taken various lessons with the younger years in the school, but haven been having a few issues controlling the Year 8 classes thus far.  

    The classes start off quietely, but gradually build up from silent working to talking and don't really work very well from that point. 

    I am in my early 20s and want to teach.

    Does anyone have any behaviour management techniques that I could use? 

    Many thanks

     

    .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................Did you not have training before you were allowed in the classroom on your own??? do you have a mentor???? You need support from the school first and FAST.
  • zimon avatar
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    Posted by: zimon 30/09/2011 at 19:23
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     Don't set your noise level expectations too high. They will probably get very bored of the cover work very quickly, and will be chatty. Don't expect them to sit and work quietly, they are teenagers after all.

     

    Saying this, I've never been a big fan of sitting and working in silence. It does have it's place, but I prefer at least a low murmour (as long as you keep on top of them to stay on task).


    Please don't think of this as having a go - I was a CS before I completed my GTP, it was fantastic classroom experience, but you need to manage your expectations.
  • Pennyforyourthoughts avatar
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    Posted by: Pennyforyourthoughts 05/10/2011 at 21:25
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    For noise levels in the classroom I use a variety of guidelines. Sometimes I request they work in chunks of silence... say 5 minutes at at time and alternate with 'partner talk'. This is manageable and attainable and they get work done. 'partner talk' is low talking to one another, if its table work then its' table talk' suitable for 4 of them to hear each other only. Again I might chunk the lesson up so 'table talk' converts into 'writing up time' usually in whisper talk but then again if the class is difficult 'silence' By chunking the lesson into a variety of 'noise level' 'working patterns' it keeps them on their toes, keeps them working and gives them the opportunity to chat quietly also when they are allowed. I also say if it is something that you really must talk about when you can in partner talk..... to jot it down on paper so you do not forget when the silence working is up.
  • ilovescience! avatar
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    Posted by: ilovescience! 08/10/2011 at 23:41
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    I still want to know what a 'gap assistant' is?  

    You need strategies along with sanctions for poor behaviour and rewards for good behaviour.

  • legricea avatar
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    Posted by: legricea 27/10/2011 at 15:38
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    DJS99:

    Hi all,

    I have been working as a Gap Assistant since September 2011. The school teaches pupils in year 4,5,6,7 and 8.

    I have taken various lessons with the younger years in the school, but haven been having a few issues controlling the Year 8 classes thus far.  

    The classes start off quietely, but gradually build up from silent working to talking and don't really work very well from that point. 

    I am in my early 20s and want to teach.

    Does anyone have any behaviour management techniques that I could use? 

    Many thanks

     

    Sorry this isn't going to be helpful but I was wondering how you got your job as I'm looking for the same thing next year. On a more helpful note A teacher I've observed claps her hands and counts down from 5 to 1 and anyone still talking at 1 is made to stay behind.
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