As student teachers during our teaching practice, we are required to go to different schools. In some schools, we come across different challenges; one of these challenges is teaching in overcrowded classes. According to Motshekga (2012), the maximum recommended learner educator ratio should be 35:1. However many schools in South Africa have doubled the maximum recommended number of learners per classroom. Mustafa et al., (2008) state that classroom size limit seems to be an issue, which raises an argument in the education field. They further explain that due to overcrowded classrooms, student teachers end up putting more of their effort outside the classroom, grading more assessments such as exams, tests, and homework.
During our School Based Learning practical in Port Elizabeth township schools, we experienced difficulties in the teaching-learning process in overcrowded classrooms which include discipline, behavioural problems, poor health and poor performance of learners. These conditions put stress on student teachers and increase the dropout rate of learners (Khan & Iqbal, 2012). In addition, Marais (2016) reported that student teachers complete their school based learning practical in these schools with overcrowded classrooms as required by training institutions. As student teachers, we get easily frustrated when we experience problems that inhibit us from achieving educational outcomes.
In any classroom, there is diversity and learners have different needs.
Classroom sizes are generally smaller sized (with an average of 26) which is the size that I have been used to in attending high school and community college. I think this size is optimal because it allows the students
During Dr. Lauri Kirsch’s presentation, she discussed one of the professional development strategies where she conducted a simulation of students that have resources along with students that do not have resources. The professional development titled “Four Corners”, paired teachers together, rationing out supplies, and asking all the groups to produce the same outcome. This analogy resembles what students from impoverished areas face, daily. They are not as equipped as their counterparts yet they are asked to perform at the same
Although Harry Wong focuses more on classroom management and not the demographics of the classroom, him and Gary Borich both equally emphasize the importance of a positive and supportive classroom environment for all students. Wong declares,” It is the teacher – what the teacher knows and can do—that makes the difference in the classroom.” (81) Effective teachers provide all students with equal opportunities for learning by utilizing culturally responsive direct instruction, questioning and classroom management. Caring for students and building a nurturing environment that accepts all students and allows them to engage in profound learning experiences are fundamental characteristics of effective
It is very important to successful students that their classroom functions well and that their teachers are present as much as
There are 340 teacher vacancies and ninety-seven special-ed vacancies. Furthermore, the teacher to student ratio is roughly 1:18. Teachers take days off to protest against the school conditions, which hinders students learning more. The students don’t care enough about school and look up to bad role models and follow in their footsteps. This is why violent crimes main causes are poverty, blight in neighborhoods, and the school
A child’s education is affected by various elements such as gender, race, environment, economic factors, privilege, and more. These elements shape the outcome of a student’s educational experience and learning. They also determine what and how students will learn. In order to create an appropriate learning environment, there should be a sense of community. In other words, the common goal should be helping students succeed and reach their maximum potential.
At Frist Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown I learned while observing and interacting how some of the different set up of areas impacted a student’s learning and space. Some of the areas were used for quiet time, noisier activities, and more active learning. This related to the (Component 2e) because organizing physical space around the classroom provides the student a variety of ways to learn together or alone inside the classroom while also developing their social skills and working through any academic or social difficulties (Component 2d). Lastly, at Head Start the lead teacher provided the students with daily duties inside the classroom. For example, some of the students had the responsibility to clean up stations, and prepare the snack/lunch for the class.
The diversity of student backgrounds, abilities and learning styles makes each person unique in the way he or she reacts to information. The intersection of diverse student backgrounds and active learning needs a comfortable, positive environment in which to take root. Dr. King continues by explaining, “Education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.” From back then to today’s society, kids are failing because they lack those morals that they need to succeed.
We must be consciously considering our existence amongst other people and nature. Problem-posing education will only succeed if the teacher-student relationship is amended (Freire 323). That being said, teachers must realize that they can teach and be taught while the students can learn and teach through current
Preparing the music teachers philosophically, psychologically and competently brought about many changes in the United States Education curriculum. While it is a fact that a music teacher must be equipped about music history, theory, literature, and the will to perform, it is also a necessity that they will give emphasis about the contributions of contemporary music and world music. Music have undergone decades of transition that greatly influenced the legality of music instruction. Bennett Reimer's 1971 clarified the relationship between aesthetic principles and music education and his subsequent monograph broadly influenced music teachers to legitimatize music instruction that was based on more deeply felt beliefs regarding the nature and importance of musical experience.
All students deserve to be treated fairly as individuals. When considering the diversity of the class members, we will celebrate the uniqueness that the differences contribute. Because I have high expectations that all my children can be successful, adjustments may be necessary because everyone is not the same (Burden, 2017, p. 115). It is vital that a spirit of understanding and edification is active amongst the students and from the teacher (Romans 14:19, King James Version) to produce fruits of mutual respect: reduced bias, positive academic outcomes, enhanced problem solving, and healthy group dynamics (Cousik, 2015, p. 54). For differences that stem from culture, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, the adjustments will involve bridging the cultural gap between the students’ diversity and the curriculum.
Educators have always rated discipline as one of the most serious obstacles to promoting effective teaching. Proper Classroom management leads to class control and conducive teaching learning environment. According to Evertson and Weinstein (2006) Classroom management has two distinct purposes: “It not
Classroom management is a term used by teachers to describe the process of ensuring that classroom lessons run smoothly despite disruptive behavior by students. It also implies the prevention of disruptive behavior. It is one of the most difficult tasks or aspect of teaching for many teachers. This single skill has heavily contributed to teacher stress and burnout (Gordon, 2002, Jepson & Forrest, 2006), overall teacher efficacy(Caprarait al., 2003; Edwards it al., 2002), students achievement and teacher performance in the classroom (Edwards it al. ,2002; Milner, 2002; Pavlov, 2007), and has commonly been a major concern of principals regarding new teachers (Principal Perspective, 2004; Williams).
Throughout my training, I implemented various strategies for engaging students in small groups and rigorous lessons. My role as a teacher is to communicate effectively, be respectful, and have self-worth and confidence. I did fear making wrong choices throughout this field experience. I set high expectations the students to achieve high goals. Teaching to me opened doors to many students’ lives.
Schools are the second place after home where students’ behavior and future educational success are shaped. At schools there are many elements or factors that can influence the teaching and learning process that may take place. Rasyid (2012) stated that there are four perennial truths that make the teaching and learning process possible to take place in the classroom. If one of these is not available, there will be no teaching and learning process, though the learning process itself may still take place, they are: (1) Teacher, (2) Students, (3) Material and (4) Context of time and place. All of them are related to one another.