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placement jitters!

Last post 10/02/12 at 21:40 by trout-mad, 16 replies
Post started by jreid43 on 26/01/12 at 22:01

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  • jreid43 avatar
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    Posted by: jreid43 26/01/2012 at 22:01
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    I didnt do very well on my last school placement and unfortunately failed my crit. This was mostly due to not having a 'teacher stance' in the classroom and subsequently led to behaviour problems and looked like i couldnt manage the class. I am really panicking this is going to happen again in my next placement and not to sure how to get a 'teacher stance' without having acting lessons or something! Does anyone have any suggestions for me as i really want to start on a clean slate! I know i have observed teachers, however all teachers are different in their approach to pupils in the classroom, i am finding it difficult to get my own.

  • gillian043 avatar
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    Posted by: gillian043 27/01/2012 at 19:39
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    It is quite difficult to say how you get a teacher stance, I think it is something that comes with experience. You haven't said if you are primary or secondary, this will help people offer advice. If you are secondary, what subject?
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    Posted by: jreid43 27/01/2012 at 20:58
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    Sorry i am secondary science.

     
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    Posted by: belimcfall 28/01/2012 at 21:49
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    By stance do you mean teacher presence? That's quite a hard thing to achieve on placement for all student teacher because it naturally develops from a confidence of familiarity and the pupils getting time to accept that you are a teacher there and therefore qualify for the respect they would afford other members of staff. Having said that, it's what your crit tutor wants to see so you'll need to find a way to fast-track generate it. This is only how it works for me, so feel free to take my advice with a pinch of salt, but it's all about how you project yourself. You have to be the ring-leader. You are in charge and you say what happens, when. You don't have to be a shouty person, but you do have to have a big presence. Kind of like Ceasar the dog-whisperer guy and packs... if you aren't the Alpha they'll start jostling for position to see which one of them it's going to be (I've had this happen with a bottom SG class when I'd just qualified and it wasn't pretty... but you learn from experience). You have to assume that they will do what you want, and they'll pick up on that air. It helps if you're more of an outgoing, loud person because then you can more easily hold their attention... but it really is all about confidence. If you're not feeling it (and let's face it, as a student teacher in a new school where you won't know the staff, you're probably going to feel a bit nervous - everybody does) then you'll have to brazen it out. They can smell fear... ;) At the same time as being the Alpha, however, you need to start building bridges with the pupils and creating relationships. If they like you, they'll be much more amenable to doing what you want. I don't mean being their pal... but if you're quite funny in your exposition or can exchange a quick chat with them when you meet them at the door (always a good idea!) or when they're packing up, that helps. But there has to be a very clear line. You are the teacher and you say when there can be a wee chat/ slight loosening of the strings, and when it's back to "I'm in charge and I'm saying we do this now". Anyway, hopefully that' s a little help.
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    Posted by: belimcfall 28/01/2012 at 21:50
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    Why the hell do my paragraphs never stay? Argh!
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    Posted by: gillian043 30/01/2012 at 18:58
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    I would suggest having a starter task on the board, get them settled. Having learning intentions helps you keep on track and the pupils know what is going to happen in the lesson. Don't talk over them, make sure they are quiet before you speak. As belimcfall said, stance is something that comes with experience and confidence. I'm sure you might have tried some of the mentioned techniques. Did your tutor not give you any pointers?
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    Posted by: MissHopefull 30/01/2012 at 19:36
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    Although I am about to embark on my PGDE Secondary Science in August, I have been tutoring for UWS for several years and agree with all the above comments. I find humour goes a long way with young adults and having set boundaries from the very beginning is crucial. Taking time to build rapport during the first couple of lessons is also important, get to know them, find out what life is like out with the classroom and you will soon be getting their respect. Good luck with your next placement. What uni are you studying at?
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    Posted by: jreid43 30/01/2012 at 21:43
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    i am at strathclyde just now.

    Thank you for the replies people. I have used learning intentions and starter questions etc... ive tried being humourous etc but for some reason my mentor kept saying i wasnt confident or assertive enough to keep on top of pupils and now im getting myself worried im going to go in with my guard down again and let the pupils and teachers walk all over me! i feel im really struggling to find the toughness in me to control the class. :(

    Unfortunately my tutor on my crit lesson picked up the same thing too.

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    Posted by: gillian043 31/01/2012 at 18:40
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    As hard as it might be, try to go into your new school with a clean slate. It is a new school, new pupils, new teachers etc. That is not to say you forget what you need to work on, but don't worry about it at the start. Focus on getting settled in and establishing yourself. If you ask a pupil to do something, make sure they do it. Don't back down. If needs be get angry at them to show them you mean business if they are not doing as you ask. Only use humour if it is appropriate as sometimes it can just be forced and awkward. Was discipline a problem at your first school?
  • jreid43 avatar
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    Posted by: jreid43 01/02/2012 at 22:59
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    Yes, well with me. I wasnt so great at being forceful and showing that i meant what i said. I guess it was down to lack of confidence so im aiming to go in full of confidence! Easier said than done but need to try!

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