JOURNAL ENTRY #2

Throughout the past couple of weeks, I’ve had some experiences that have pushed me and helped me grow as a teacher. I had a specific moment with a class that I wasn’t totally sure what the best response would be. I’ve noticed the major differences between the dynamics of different classes. Some students are talkative and excited to be a part of discussions, whereas others are quiet and tend to stay away from talking during discussions. 

 

This is something that I struggle with. I want students to have a voice in my classes, and I want them to feel comfortable talking, discussing, learning from each other, etc. However, I empathize with students who only talk when there is something really valuable to say. I always was and continue to be a quiet and shy student. I understand what it feels like to be called on, and be scared because I don’t know what to say. I think oftentimes our society pushes being an extravert, there is often a pressure to be loud and outgoing. I think this is oftentimes perpetuated in school situations. My understanding of that situation is part of the reason why I wanted to become a teacher. So often teachers are outgoing and extraverted, and that makes them amazing at their job. However, I also think it is important for students to have role models that might be quieter. This helps teach students that they don't have to change themselves to be successful. They are valued no matter what. 

 

I try to create a balance in terms of this situation. I can allow for students who are quiet to talk when they would like to. This is difficult however, when the whole class is quiet. I want to make sure that we have active participation, and that students are engaged in discussions. Sometimes being engaged means being an active listener, sometimes it means talking and being a major component of the discussion. 

 

I think the best way to go about a situation where there is a really quiet class, is to ask that each student talks at least once throughout the class period. It can be whenever they want, whenever they feel that they have something they would like to share. It is also important to make sure to make everyone feel comfortable with talking, and give them specific questions if they aren’t sure what to say. For most of my classes, something along these lines worked really well. Some students talked a lot, some talked less, but we had the opportunity to hear from everyone without anyone having to be called on directly. There was one class that it didn’t work quite as well. I asked students to each participate at least once throughout the conversation, and there were two students that were continuing to stay quiet. This was a situation that I wasn’t sure what the best route would be. Looking back, I think it may have been helpful to ask one of those students to participate while we were looking at one specific image. This would still allow them some time to think, and they aren’t called out right away, but I am able to get them to participate in the discussion. It would also continue to allow the conversation to flow naturally, but at the same time makes certain that we will hear from everyone at least once. 

 

As I continue forward, I will continue to develop ideas of ways I can encourage participation in students that tend to be more reserved. I also recognize that as long as a student is engaged in the learning, and is being present, that is truly the core of what I am looking for in a classroom. As I continue to search for ideas and ways to continue to grow, I will keep this in mind. 

 

For me personally, this connects to my own understanding of the world. I tend to be a self reflective and internal processor and learner. For me, this means that sometimes speaking up in a situation where I am still processing new information can be intimidating. It reminds me that we all have different ways of thinking and different ways our brains process and think through situations. As a future educator this is important to keep in mind as I practice teaching and learning through teaching myself.