"A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image."
~Author Unknown
I've come to realize becoming a teacher isn't easy. There are plenty of responsibilities that I am accountable for. It can be easy to give up on teaching, but in the end its all about them...so I'm not going to give up.
When referring to Kounin's theory withitness, I think its important for the teacher to be away of all the events, activities, and student behaviors in the classroom. Students will know that the withit teacher can detect inappropriate behavior. This can apply to my style of teacher. Because I'm the type of person that doesn't overreact over the small things. Children will be children and as teachers is our job to manage their behavior. With that being said the "withitness" is very important and crucial. Without it students will begin to walk over you all day long and make the classroom a living nightmare.
Group focus is important without it the students will be off task. Its the teachers job to maintain group focus. This means involving all students in everything. For example, group discussions are good for this type of theory. The teacher can call on a variety of students to keep them "on their toes." One way I can keep them accountable for their instruction is observe them and to let them be responsible for their actions in the classroom. Something helpful that can let the teacher keep track is by using a checklist or cards to see which student is doing this.
To approach a student who is of different culture, gender, or social diversity is to once again be consistent with the management. In the book, it says students appreciate consistency because it allows them to remember the expectations the teacher holds in the classroom. So once again withitness and effective instructional management plays a big role.
UNTIL NEXT TIME BLOG!
-Chris
