On July 30, 2024, Tuesday, I had my second day of internship, and it was another opportunity to teach a class at 9C. This time, the topic was the equal division of any line using parallel lines. The experience was quite different from my previous day, and it gave me a deeper insight into teaching and classroom management.
To start the class, I introduced the concept of dividing a line segment into equal parts using parallel lines. I explained the basic geometry involved, such as the properties of parallel lines and the concepts of proportionality. The aim was to ensure that students understood how parallel lines can be used as a tool to create equal segments. I used a variety of teaching aids, including diagrams and visual aids, to illustrate the process. This visual representation seemed to engage the students, making the concept more accessible and easier to grasp.
Despite the content being straightforward, my primary focus for the day was on improving my classroom management skills. In my previous experience, managing a classroom full of adolescent boys proved to be quite challenging. They were energetic and sometimes easily distracted, which made it difficult to maintain order and ensure that everyone was following along. However, today, I felt a noticeable improvement in my ability to manage the class.
One of the strategies I employed was setting clear expectations from the beginning. I made sure the students knew what behavior was acceptable and what was not. I also introduced a system of non-verbal cues to get their attention when they were getting too noisy or distracted. For instance, raising my hand silently until they noticed and quieted down worked surprisingly well. This method was more effective than raising my voice, which I realized could sometimes escalate the situation rather than calm it down.
Another improvement in my classroom management was my approach to engaging students. I made a conscious effort to involve them in the lesson, asking questions and encouraging them to think critically about the material. This not only kept them engaged but also allowed me to gauge their understanding of the topic. When a student answered a question incorrectly, I gently guided them to the right answer rather than simply correcting them. This approach helped create a positive learning environment where students felt comfortable participating without fear of being wrong.
Furthermore, I noticed that giving students short, focused tasks helped maintain their attention. For example, I asked them to come to the board in small groups to draw and explain their understanding of dividing a line segment. This interactive component not only reinforced their learning but also gave them a break from passive listening, which can often lead to disengagement.
In conclusion, while the content delivery was an essential part of the class, my significant takeaway was the improvement in classroom management. The ability to maintain order, engage students, and create a positive learning environment is crucial for effective teaching. I feel more confident in my ability to manage a classroom and am eager to continue refining these skills in future classes. The experience today has been invaluable, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my upcoming teaching session.
