Reflection 2

If only he knew...

On thursday, we (the four of us attending at Ferris) went to a Social Studies Class. In this class none of the students were native English speakers, although they had a good level of the language. We had met the official or permanent teacher (Mr. B) and been in his class the day before. He was not going to teach the next day, so he invited us to help the substitute teacher..
When we arrived the following day to the classroom, the substitute teacher (lets call him Mr. S) was already there. He already knew we were going to be in the class.

Mr. S was sitting at his desk while the students were doing whatever they wanted. He wrote some instructions on the board and kept on doing something on the computer. It was an easy task, so the students did it in a couple of minutes and then started to talk, distracting the class. One of the students was playing on the computer, some others were playing with their phones or listening to music. One student was playing with a spray; it smelt terrible!. But the teacher didn't move from his seat, he didn't even say a word, he just pretented that nothing had happened. After that, he didn't even check the assignament and went on another activity.

in this activity, They had to check the answers of a reading comprehension homework. Mr. S made me check the answers. I didn't even know what the reading was about; he just gave me a sheet of paper with the correct answers and I had to checked them, meanwhile he was typing on the computer. He wasn't even paying attention to what I was doing. I just tried to do my best; but I think that wasn't correct. He should have explained to me something about the activity or asked me if I wanted or was prepared to do it.

I was really dissappointed. As a conclusion, I can say this is the perfect example of what a teacher doesn't have to do. First of all, you have to be aware of what your students are doing, you cannot pretend that nothing is happening when they are misbehaving and distracting the class. He should know you have to monitor your students, trying to find out if they understood the task, or if they have any doubts; specially if they are not native English speakers. Another important thing when learning a language is to create a comfortable enviroment so that students can express freely.

There are many important factors in the process of language acquisition this teacher should know, such as knowing the students, having high expectations, etc; but I think it is difficult to analize this particular case due to the fact that he is not the regular teacher of the class. However, I believe a good teacher always has to do his or her best no matter the circumstances.

Some tips and websites that might help Mr. S:

Characteristics of a good teacher:

Here he can find some characteristics of a good teacher, such as good sense of humor, wiling to listen to the students and motivate them, he or she should always be searching for new theories and prepares the class in advance.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/381389/characteristics_of_a_good_teacher_what.html?cat=4

He should also work on leadership and classroom management. Every teacher should be a leader among their colleagues, get to know and guide his students, provide constructive ideas and be a critical thinker. He should also have a good classroom enviroment and relationship with the students. He should be friendly, but at the same time state clear rules.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/206127/the_evolution_of_leadership_a_comparative.html?cat=4

I tried to search some web sites, but I really think that all what he needs to know is in these two books:

“ESL/EFL Teaching. Principles for success”
Yvonne S. Freeman, David E. Freeman.

“What Works in Schools, Translating Research into Action”
Robert J. Marzano

Mr. S should reflect on his teaching and try to incorporate these theories and strategies!!!