Classroom Management

What are issues that you encountered in the art room related to classroom management?

I honestly did not encounter too many issues with classroom management at UAY. I think it is because that we didn't have that many kids. Megan and I stayed on top of our kids and monitored them carefully. However, I did feel a power struggle between Rachel and I. There was also some times when her limited attention span made me frustrated, but I just had to constantly keep her on task. I do not know what I would have done with an entire class full of Rachel's.

What are the biggest problems for students in school that prevent them from succeeding and successfully completing an assignment?

I think that one of the biggest problems with students is themselves. I feel like they are so wrapped up in their own problems that seem so important to them right now that they can not focus on their future. I feel that the teacher should work to build a positive student-teacher relationship that involves trust and respect. That relationship can solve so many classroom management and self esteem problems. I think another problem is bullying. But, if you establish your classroom as a safe environment and continue to build strong positive relationships, I feel like they will be self-confident and not have such a big problem with bullies.

What are some strategies that you observed to be successful?

Proximity. It is amazing how kids stop talking or stop whatever bad behavior they are doing when I am around. It is an absolute wonder. Another strategy to keep kids on task is to give them a certain amount of time that they have to work on one project and then switch to another.