Observation #2: Classroom Management

Form 2 - Classroom Management

Teacher Candidate_Sam Richards_____________________________________________________Date_1/21/2011__________________________

School/Class Observed_Pep Band High________________________________________________Teacher Observed_Mrs. Awesome___________

1.  Complete the table with information about the classroom and your comments or reactions.

Procedure	Details	Your Comments/Reactions
What is the arrival procedure for students?	Students were to start warming up and practice until the band director started group practice.	None of the students really did anything until the teacher reminded them to.
What is the procedure for taking attendance?	The teacher took attendance mentally as she warmed the band up.	I liked how this didn't take time away from rehearsal time.
What other procedures are used to start the class?	The teacher also handed out music to a few people who didn't have it at the beginning as the band warmed up.	I feel like it would have been more effective if these students had taken care of this issue before report time.
What are the rules of the classroom?	Don't talk over the teacher, be respectful of others, other equipment, and the music room.	I feel like a few of the students could have probably been better sportsman towards the other team.
Are the rules posted where the students can see them?	At the back of the room.	This was posted by  the door so that everyone saw it as they came into the room.
Did the students help to develop the rules?	Some of the students were very observant and courteous to the rules.	Lots of the students were just excited about the game and appeared very hyper and chatty.
How are the rules reinforced?	The director verbally addressed the few issues that came up.	Although warned, a few students were still a little hyper and unruly.
Are the rules consistently reinforced?	The director was always right on the ball with addressing all of the issues that came about.	I was impressed at how well the teacher kept at the students but was still able to keep calm and orderly.
What is the procedure for asking a question?	Questions were mostly just asked out loud.	At a basketball game, talking out of turn isn't really a big issue.
What is the procedure for distribution of materials?	Music was kept in "Band-folio" folder for ease of access during the game.	I like using these kinds of folders because they are small, very portable, and they either attach to the instrument or are very easy to hold.
What is the procedure for work missed while absent?	Absence at a pep band game is reflected in your grade.	As I assume most high school pep bands work.
What is the procedure for going to the restroom?	Students were to ask for permission to go to the restroom. There was a break given during the game.	This didn't really seem to be an issue because of the break.
What is the procedure for getting a drink of water?	Students could have drinks in the stands. Just like the restroom policy, you could ask permission or just wait until the break.	This didn't really seem to be an issue because of the break.
What is the procedure for going to lunch?	There was no lunch break.	You don't eat lunch at a basketball game.
What is the procedure for dismissal at the end of class?	At the end of half time, the students were dismissed to go put their instrument away and were free to leave.	I was disappointed that the band didn't stay to cheer on the team for the whole game.
How are the procedures taught to the students on the first day(s) of school?	They are laid out and described by the teacher.	No comment.
How are the procedures practiced?	They are enforced by the teacher daily.	No comment.
What is another procedure used in this classroom?	At the end of the game, everybody gave their folder to the teacher and she put them all into a box.	This is helpful because it means that everybody will have music whenever they need it because they won't have forgotten it at home, in their car, lost it, ect.

2.  What management procedures does the teacher use to contribute to the creation of a positive classroom environment?

_The students are encouraged to display good sportsmanship during the game._________________________________________________________________________________

3.  Is there anything about the management procedures that you might do differently in your own classroom?  If so, what is it and why would you like to try it another way?

__I would enforce good sportsmanship towards others a little more strictly to make the group seem more professional._____________________________________________

4. Based on your observation, what questions do you have for your mentor or cooperating teacher?

_Obviously, teens are going to be teens: In enforcing rules, is it more effective to approach all situations with a strict and rigid way of managing a classroom or would it be more effective to enforce the rules in a more general and light-hearted kind of manner?____________________________________________________________________________

6.  What connections to your coursework can you make based on your observations of classroom management?

_If you don't keep on top of your students and let them know that you are paying attention to them, they will probably act as if you aren't even there._____________________