Yesterday for class we went to a junior high school to make observations. It was very interesting to see teaching in this way. It put me in a different perspective, as an observer, rather than as a student participant.
As I watched the goings on of the class I noticed the level of effort it must take to keep control of a jr high class. It seemed like the students always wanted to be talking and making jokes and certainly not paying attention. When the students actually began paying attention or doing work, it seemed they all simultaneously needed attention and answers to their questions.
Several students I noticed simply stopped working if they got stuck, or would not even make the attempt to solve the predicament in which they found themselves. This poses a problematic situation as there is often a classroom full of several needy students, and only one teacher.
Also, many students were disrespectful in action or words. Little note was usually paid to these inappropriate jests. Maybe they just didn't understand how this could affect the people who they were disrespecting.
Reflecting on this made me want to be a better teacher and explain material more clearly to avoid these problems. It also made me realize that if I taught jr. high school I would come off as a very strict teacher, because in my classroom rules would be rigid and respect would be required.
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