The Objective
There are many reasons student’s shut down and quit wanting to learn. Feeling the teacher cares has a strong determination of their success in the classroom environment. The goal of these lessons: (1) In this lesson you will learn the level of how much a teacher cares is a determining factor of the achievement of a students success.(2) When student are provided with choices, tension is dramatically reduced and the power struggle ends. (3) The power to speak life into a child by creating a belief in them will cause them to soar heights unimaginable.
Number One Rule to Unlock Learning
- List several reasons why learning in the class at times may be difficult when you feel a teacher doesn’t care? Why?
- Infer what the quote means to you?
- As you watch the video write down several things that student out or impacted you.
- How did Rita Pierson make a difference in her students and provide an example?
- Billy never skipped 5th period, he loved being there and felt safe. At times when he made mistakes, Mr. Leroy would encourage him to keep trying. Yet in his 3rd period Billy would always look for an excuse to go to the nurse, bathroom or arrive 15 to 20 minutes late. Mr. Leroy would yell even if he tried his best to arrive on time. When Billy would answer a question wrong, Mr. Leroy would explode with a thunderous voice, “Think Billy, think! Conclude what you believe could be the difference and what was the evidence why Billy never skipped 5th period.
The Power of Choice
The ability to give choices drastically reduces the tension in relationships. In this example you will see a power struggle perceived after a demand and the calming affect after a request. Have you thought of the difference? How do you know when someone is demanding something from you? What is an example of a demand from your parents? What about a request? Take a look at the chart and compare the difference. What are some negative factors you can pull from the demand side? Let’s examine the video and compare the two.
- How will student react if the teachers demands his phone from him and confronts him after he was found cheating?
- How did the student react when the teacher explained and gave a request for choices regarding the use of his phone and making up the test?
- What was the difference between emotions or feeling between the demand and choices made after the teacher addressed the problem the second time?
- How does it make you feel when you have a choice when a request is made? Explain.
Your Not a Problem
Can you identify in your life a teacher that has been a hero to you and why?
During ages from 4-18 children and teens spend the most awaken time at school. Students can only give back what they have learned so the time to connect is critical. If students experience anger and frustration they will express that in the classroom. The role of a teachers is important because they are the conduits to reflecting love, peace and patience in the classroom environment.
The questions must always be posed, how can we look deeper in the lives of our students in order to understand their outward reaction is only a reflection of their inner struggles crying out for an unmet need? There must be a willingness to dive deeper into the hearts and souls of children in order to truly connect with their pain and empathize with their hurts. Anger and outburst are only a signal of an unmet need. These are some universal signals in order to recognize students have an unmet need that requires attentions.
- Fight: Strong reaction, pushing back. “Ugh, why are you always in my business? Just leave me alone!”
- Flight: Making a joke, changing the subject, leaving the room. “Is this therapy? I thought this was math class. Can I go pee?”
- Freeze: No response, shrugging, one-word answers. “I don’t know.”
- Fawn: Trying to placate you, make you feel OK. “I’m totally fine. Are you OK? Do you need anything?”
- What was the perception of the student and what was truly going?
- How did Mr. Jenson use what seemed to be a problem to most teachers and use it to become an amazing gift?
- Have you or a classmate experienced this type of frustration and wished that a teacher would understand?
- What impact did Mr. Jensen make in the life of his student and how did it make him feel?