While watching the movie, I really liked how Mr. Thackeray turned around his classroom in terms of how they saw and interacted with each other. Before he truly understood how to reach them, his classroom was completely out of hand; the administrators probably had no hope of reaching these rude, crude, and rebellious youth. It was his recognition of who they were as people and what they needed from him in order to learn that really started their relationship together as teacher and class. By imposing rules and respect onto his students, he was able to get them to follow his rules and have them respect him as their teacher. I really enjoyed watching this transition happen because it is simply the work of a few deciding they will take the challenge and getting others to follow suit. Mr. Thackeray's respect for his students was what saved his classroom- they worked together as a united community in the end.
I think that all teachers must make this same realization of community at the beginning of every new school year with their students in order that the rest of the year be productive and successful for all involved. Since every class of students is different, it should be an individualized approach for each group of students to find what works best for them. This individualized attention can really enhance the classroom feeling. If a classroom has no idea who it is as a group, how can it be expected to function as a whole? Providing this foundation allows for progress to be made. Learning is very much a group activity, although it many times seems singular. Once a classroom has established its agreed upon standards, it can begin to function as its most effective. This link (http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/bluestein-building-classroom-community.shtml) gives a few suggestions to creating a classroom that is truly a community.
I totally agree! Personally, I would much rather go to a class that I already know the atmosphere and involvement. Establishing a sense of togetherness and 'community' as you put it can be essential in a person's education. As an early childhood education major I automatically think of making sure all the little kiddos coming into a classroom should feel at home and comfortable. I think the establishment of which type of community obviously depends on the age of the students but this movie gives a great example of how something like this is supposed to 'work'!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this post. Without everyone in the classroom feeling a sense of community it becomes near impossible to get things done. I strongly believe that it is a teacher's job to provide a safe and close knit environment for their students in order to have the best learning environment possible for as many kids as possible.
ReplyDeleteThis post explains very well exactly what teachers should do every new school year. Teachers do have to realize that all students are different so every class every year is going to be different. Since this happens, the teacher does need to gain the respect of the students and the students of the teacher. This will create in the long run a productive classroom for the school year.
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