School Placement 2
Letterfrack
Student: Shaun McGee
Date:27/10/17
OBSERVATION
During this placement I
observed the teacher
implementing rules and routine
throughout her class. At the
beginning of class I noticed the
teacher had given each child a
specific job to do, for example,
opening the blinds and rubbing
out the board. The children did
not have to be told what to do
as it was routine.
Another observation I made
during this class was the
teachers implementation of
2017/2018
Class Observed: 3rd and 4th
Topic: The Importance of Rules and Routine in the classroom
CRITICAL REFLECTION
Routines are the behaviors and activities that are taught
in order to provide smooth, uninterrupted class running
of class. Routines can save a lot of time during the year.
I admired the teacher's method of assigning different
jobs to each student as it helped them to engage with
each other and I believe it would no doubt help with the
children's confidence. I noticed this engagement when
the student's collected homework and handed out sheets
etc. Each student had a good understanding of what their
roles where and when they were required to full-fill those
roles. This saved class time as the teacher did not have to
do all the jobs by herself, whilst also being fun and
enjoyable for the children. As much as I admire this
method of routine I believe there would be certain
difficulties of using it in secondary schools. I think the
children are being more programmed to do these tasks
rather than choosing to do them. I do not believe this
would be good especially for secondary school students
where 'critical thinking' learning is vital. The students are
not required to think during these routines as it
eventually becomes muscle memory.
"Students know what to expect and they understand the
learning tasks better." (Wentzel ,2006)
various classroom rules. The
teacher explained to me that she
gave warnings to students for
breaking certain rules which
were followed by specific
consequences if the rule was
broken a second time. I
observed the teacher giving a
few of these warnings
throughout the class, however,
she did not have to hand out
consequences as the students
had learned from previous
experiences not to repeat
offend.
Book
Academic Journal
This method of warnings followed by consequences is
definitely a method which I wish to use going forward in
my teaching career. However, I believe it is a method
which does not work without consistency. For example, I
dont believe in making rules for students which I dont
abide by myself. By taking a strong ethical approach to
such rules may be reflected in students echoing
behaviour. If I dont abide by the rules I make myself I
would be setting a bad example for the students and
would inevitably lose control of the class . I also think
consistent consequences must be given for each rule
broken. If you are not consistent with your rules and
consequences then your students will lose interest and
will not respect you.
Bibliography
Essential Teaching Skills, Chris Kyriacou, (2007)
Routines are Foundation of Classroom Management, Robin
Rawlings Lester etc. (2017)