My cooperating teacher is great at developing rapport with her students; she makes it look easy. One of the first things I noticed was her classroom management style. She has different styles or “rules” with different students. Over time, she has developed an understanding about what each different student needs. For example, she allows some of them to carry on without intervention. She seems to know when it is productive to intervene and when it is pointless to do so.
One of her classes is loud and unruly; she seems to know exactly what will get them back on track, or when it’s better to allow them to blow off steam. She jokes with certain students and is firm with others. I think she knows their different learning and social styles and has a grasp of what works and what will just waste time.
She tells lots of personal stories; the students quiet down and listen immediately. They like hearing about her personal life and experiences. This also gives her the opportunity to turn the tables and ask them about their own experiences and ideas.
She frequently tosses out candy when she is reviewing material; most of the reviews are turned into some type of game. This works well with all of her classes. The students have tons of energy and they get loud and touch each other a lot. This is very different from my Catholic High School background where most classes were serious and reserved. She incorporates games where they shout out answers and play around while they’re learning. They seem to do well with this approach.
Every class includes some type of peer sharing and group work; she walks around and conferences with each group or individual (when they need it). I think this group aspect along with the conferencing helps the students because they get to be social and get individual attention when they need it.
Over all, she seems very laid-back and flexible; I think this is important: constantly changing up the approach to keep them engaged.
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