Who doesn't like knowing exactly what is expected of them?
As a teaching professional I like to have a clear idea of what is expected of me as well especially as the Australian Curriculum continues to be rolled out for us all to comprehend and implement.The same can be said of our students?
Clear expectations of the behaviour and clear expectations of the learning are truly a marriage made in heaven. When you are doing a relief teaching day or week it is certainly no different.
The simple way to outline the learning is in the
WHAT? ... What we will be learning about.
HOW? ......How we will go about that learning.
WHY? .......Why this learning is important.
Simply have the headings of LEARNING EXPECTATIONS and BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS on the board. If you are using this regularly you may like to laminate and attach some magnet strips for ease of use in each classroom. I list the question words and discuss the answers, adding the key content words as visual reminders of the learning expectation.
Under the behaviour expectations I list my focus rule/s in a symbol form/s, again as a visual reminder. It is then I start the lesson and affirm the learners as the expectations are met. I have always found when the students understand exactly what is expected of them the behaviour management issues are totally minimal. If issues do arise it is only a matter of clarifying what part of the task do they not understand and then redirect with positive affirmation. It is also so much easier to offer accurate feedback on the students work which assists you as the educator to make more informed choices about the teaching and also build genuine relationships based on respect.
Have a go and let me know how it works for you.
Live, laugh and learn,
Carmel
