Friday, October 28, 2011
Unit Plan
While working on the unit plan Dallas and I are creating for "The Great Gatsby" on identity, I can't help but think about my own identity in front of the classroom. One of our "big ideas" is the idea of perception vs. reality or, how people see you versus how you see yourself. Then there's the added factor of how you try to come off vs. how you actually appear. I think my biggest challenge with teaching is going to be relating to the students on a professional level. I mean, I'm not completely helpless (I obviously know to keep the glaringly obvious boundaries between us...) but I struggle with that delicate line where friendly meets professional. By nature, I have a pretty laid back personality. I like the freedom to be laid back with people, and I like when people are laid back with me. I'm a bit concerned about how this transfers to my position in front of the classroom. I have noticed with myself (my co-op agrees) that I tend to be too laid back, but I'm not sure how to fix it. I mean it's nothing awful. I don't curse in front of them or talk about my personal life or anything ridiculus like that. It's more subtle. The way I talk or carry myself. I guess I don't see myself as some big, important person who knows so much more about life than they do. Honestly, I don't want to come off that way, either. I think coming off as thinking I'm superior to them is the wrong approach and closes doors that need to be open for great discussion and collaboration. That being said, I know there is a need there for at least some barrier in conversation and interaction that puts me at a different "level." Any suggestions as to how to create this without coming off as elitist or cutting off open communication?
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To be honest, I think you shouldn't worry about this too much. I tell my students a ton of things about my personal life. However, I immediately draw the line when I feel things go a tad too far. In 9 weeks, I would say that all of my students, except maybe two, have figured out where they can go and where they can't in terms of what I will talk with them about.
ReplyDeleteFor example, I talk about my wife, my previous career, and so on. The kids love it. I think it shows them respect. The funny thing about respect is... you have to show it before you can receive it. So the more I tell them about me, the more they let me in on who they are. But they know that they are not allowed to ask me really personal questions. But if they want to know how I proposed to my wife (which is the focus of their attention for like a week now... dont ask me why), they have to earn it. I don't tell them that they have to earn it, but they understand that me telling them something personal like that isn't something that happens everyday. So, they have been on their best behavior with me lately in hopes that I will tell them (which they 100% know that I will.)
Look, I barely know you. But you are very genuine in class when you share your thoughts. My two cents is go with that. Kids love authenticity. If they see you opening up, then eventually many of them will too. The added bonus in all of this is you will be surprised how many of them will not only respect you, but will actually support you as a result.
I have students now who jump on their classmates' sh*t when those students give me a hard time. I am convinced it is because of my demeanor.
I really hope you don't see this as a means of patting myself on the back. I am just trying to illustrate why I think you shouldn't get caught up in the self-questioning game.
I am not sure that there is such a thing as TOO laid back. What the heck does that even mean? Are we measuring this versus the concept of being strict? Kids don't need any more pressure than what is already put on them daily in their lives. Just be genuine with them. Hell, you could always try saying "Listen up ladies and gents, I am trying a new approach here. I don't want to be your typical teacher. But I need your help. Let's prove that there is another way to learn." This way, you get to still be yourself and yet let them know there is something at stake. Let them share in the accountability of their education.
Does this make sense? I feel like I was pissing in the wind for a little bit.
Totally. I 100% agree with you Steve. But here's the problem. I feel like, while I will certainly be laid back but respectable in my own classroom, I don't feel like I have the luxury right now. I don't want to make enemies out of the people who are going to end up being my professional contacts, you know? It's so frustrating.
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