Observation in the Classroom

Only last week, I observed a typical classroom of Middle Phase learners. Six students' caught my attention, they were so disengaged, they were not even working on the same project as the rest of the class. They opted to sit on the side bench and disrupt nearby learners'. I asked my supervising teacher if I could oversee the learners and engage them in the lesson content.



After going through the initial design with the learners and talking through the process required, they engaged in the task. I stayed with this group all lesson and helped when required. The conclusion phase of the lesson , I was confronted with another lack of response from the learners. I had ask them to pack up, the reply was, can we finish this last bit. How can one reply to that. What a turn around, these students were so engaged they did not want to stop. They did pack up in time and were very eager to continue next lesson.

My reflection
Students who disengage in learning may only need to have a confidence boost. Instead of isolating these students, some one on one contact and guidence may be required. Effective teaching is balancing the group and utilising time management strategies to achieve the outcomes. It is not always the case, disengaged students do not want to learn, maybe, spending less time with the engaged students and working more effectively with the disengaged students would enhance their participation.

To hook students to continue in the Key Learning Area of Industrial Technology and Design, so they continue to senior and keep IT&D teachers in a job, we need to change our thoughts of the classroom structure, the delivery, content and the working relationships in the classroom.

Would the classroom work more effectively and effeciently if two facilitators work the classroom? Sometimes you wonder.