Blog Posting #1

Description:  Mr. R, an AHS ESOL teacher, came to speak to our class this week.  He spoke about the benefits of a relationship-based approach to teaching.  He recommended that we discover the social groups in our class and try to pick out the leaders.  Mr. R says he uses this knowledge to exert influence over his classes.  He also recommends that we share our background with our students and ask them to share their’s with us.  Mr. R respects and treats his students like adults.

Analysis:  According to Mr. R, if I identify the leaders of the social groups in my class, I can use those students to help manage the others.  If one group is acting up, I can go to their leader and, assuming I have built rapport with that student, I can ask for his/her help in controlling that group.  Mr. R’s recommendations to share my background with students and to ask them about their’s will, indirectly, motivate them.  If they like me and feel a connection to me, then they will generally want to do a good job for me.

Reflection:  This semester, one of my main goals will be to get as much practice as possible at building relationships with students.  I will also hold on to all of the fun activities that Dr. B has introduced to us.  These activities will aid me in getting to know my students quickly, while also allowing them to get to know me.  I am not sure how much time I will spend trying to pick out the leaders of the various social groups in my class.  My goal instead will be to try to connect with all of my students and to motivate them myself.