Student involvement is key within a classroom setting. If the students do not feel welcome, included or just don't feel like they are needed, they will just sit there and focus on the time going by rather than the material they are supposed to retain within that lesson. Every teacher should do their very best to make sure that every child, no matter what race, religion, ethic background or disability is included. If you have a child who has a hard time working alone, pair them with a student who is excelling in that particular area and have him/her help the hard learner out. If you have a child who is always the leader in group work, pair him/her with someone who doesn't speak out as much and encourage them to switch roles for this particular assignment.
It is very important that students feel included and involved with everything going on within the classroom to ensure that every child is learning and feels welcomed. If a child does not feel included or welcomed, they are more likely to stray behind with the assignments etc.
Great post Ali! Every child should be included in the classroom. This is why I love group work because everyone is usually engaged. I loved your ideas with pairing children up according to their advantages, which will ultimately help other students as the outcome. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jacqi! I think it is very important for kids at a young age to be introduced to group work because it allows everyone to be fully engaged (even the ones who are shy and don't want to participate). Also, at this age, it is nice to have them begin to socialize outside of their normal groups, so that way later on down the road, they are comfortable to share their opinions, which what you said, will ultimately help other students as the outcome!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! In EDU 200, we had foreign exchange students come in and talk about their experience. They said that classroom involvement was a big deal to them. When they started off at their high school, they were left out and wished their teachers would pair them up with someone. It was very interesting to hear that and a good tip to incorporate into my future classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think we have all been a part of a classroom where one student sits in the back and does not actively engage him/herself in the lessons. Some children are more shy and have difficulty making new friends. Your idea about pairing up children to encourage socialization is awesome! I've made countless friends in earlier grades by being forced to work with them during an activity!
ReplyDeleteEmmarose, that is pretty interesting that your EDU 200 teacher had some foreign exchange students come into your classroom to talk about their experience. Students should not feel left out, so I can see why they wished that their teacher paired them up with students so they had someone to be involved with. You bringing that point up, I think it is also a good tip to incorporate into my future classroom as well. Thanks for your feedback :)
ReplyDeleteSavanna, it's true! Every classroom has one or two students that are more shy and have difficultly making new friends so I think it is a good idea to have the teacher take the lead and be sure to pair students up to avoid them feeling left out. Like you pointed out, I have made friends, as well, in earlier grades by being forced to work with them during an activity and still friends with some to this day! Thanks for your feedback :)