As a student teacher, I have to understand the power relationship in the classroom. I have to know each student individually. It is important to care and accept each student as unique individual. Children are very different in many ways. They bring a diverse range of abilities, skills, needs, interests, knowledge and capabilities. They are diverse in cultures, attitudes, values, beliefs and experiences.
Hence, I have to respond to these challenges of uniqueness and individuality of every student. From the first day of my observation, there are many ways I used to know the nature of my students.
1. Using getting-to-know-you activity.
I started the activity by introducing myself to my pupils. I have to show them the image of ‘Sir James’ they will respect and value as a teacher. I told them specific rules for behavior which will be observed at all times.
Some of the rules were: respecting the authority such as greeting the teachers and visitors and asking permission if you want to get out of the room, behave at all times, control your behavior (it is okay to get angry, but it is not okay to hurt someone), and so on.
When my pupils introduced themselves, they expressed their thoughts regarding a number of questions, such as ‘What do you want to be?’ ‘What are your skills?’ and so on.
Some responded: “I want to become a chef… engineer… architect… nurse… etc.” I had noticed that no one dared to become a teacher. (Shocking!)
2. Take advantage of opportunities to speak to children in a one-to-one relationship.
I spent time to approach them and let them share about their lives and studies. Some were sociable; while others were still shy. Such opportunities include individually greeting my pupils in the morning, saying goodbye after the class and talking to them informally before flag ceremony, during recess, etc.
Aben is always sharing to me his life experiences.
“My father is working in America while my mother is here taking care of us.”
“Do you have brothers and sisters?”
“I only had one brother. He is already in high school here in NCF.”
Sometimes, when I was seating at the back of the room, he will approach me and said, “You know Sir, we’re rich.”
When he was almost perspired after playing outside, he will tell me, “I have asthma.”
“Avoid too much play, so that you won’t get exhausted,” I advised.
“You know Sir; we had our field trip last week,” Layne shared me their field trip experiences.
Then, I gave some follow up questions like, where did you go… what have you seen… did you enjoy the field trip?
This interaction help me during my discussion of ‘In the Province’, I let them shared their experiences. Hence, my discussion was very interesting for them.
3. Conduct an interest inventory.
I conduct interest inventory where I can relate to their family life, hobbies, likes and dislikes, favorite TV show, favorite food to eat and so on.
4. Observe the pupils.
I observed my pupils during their learning activities and at breaks. I observed what they are doing, how they are doing it and with whom. My findings showed that children mingled as a group of homogenous student. Boys and girls play with the same sex. However, there are also instances where in boys or girls joined in the group of opposite sex, for example, I have only 21 students, hence; the group was mixed up with boys and girls when they played at breaks.
5. Share yourself evenly with the students.
I can easily memorize the name of those students who always approach me and those who were noisy and unruly. While I may find that some children appeal more than others, I make every effort to communicate with all the children in the class in an honest and open manner. I have realized that the more I give attention to some children in the class, others might fell that they are not as important to me. So, I make effort for all.
I approached Christian, a student who was always absent in the class.
“Christian, why are you always absent?”
“My parents and siblings left so I was asked to be at home.”
“It seems that you’re like a security guard.” Then, he laughed.
“Tell your mother, you’re too young to become a housekeeper. You have to go to school to study.”
“I always notice that you’re always late in the morning and you sleep in the class. What time did you sleep at night?” I told Joeven.
“I sleep at twelve or one.” Then, he shared so many reasons like he studied his lesson, played computer games, etc.
Sometimes I shared my life experiences when I was in elementary. Like, “You know class; I am also active in school organization when I was in elementary and until I became a college student.” Because of this, they may know that even I am a teacher; I have gone through to what they have now experienced.
6. Meet each child’s parents or yayas.
Some of the parents were very supportive to their children. When there is an occasion or program in the elementary department, they give their full support for their children. Example, when the children are one of the contestants for dance contest, their parents go to the school and assist them. When the parents are not available, they send caregivers. But, I have noticed that they make effort to show their presence as supports for their children.
It gave me chances to talk to their parents. Some were concern about how their children perform in the class. They asked me, “How’s my child in the class?”
7. Using class list.
I test myself by using a class list and writing down one special thing about each child next to the child’s name. It let me know this special thing next time I talk with him or her.
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