One thing that stuck out to me when reading the transcripts aloud was just how much student participation there was. I had gone into this project expecting to see one student dominate the conversation while everyone else steered clear of having their voice recorded--but that wasn't the case at all. In the class that I recorded, the teacher barely even talked for more than a sentence before the students jumped in, eager to participate.
This project was really interesting to me because when reading the transcripts I had absolutely no idea what was even going on and could probably hardly even summarize the topic. Yet when other students in our class read them out loud with different voices and tones it made it much easier for me to follow along. I found it interesting just how much adding a voice can make sense of something that would otherwise be gibberish. Perhaps I should start reading difficult homework assignments out loud more often...
The most difficult thing about this assignment was reflecting on the idea of how to set up a classroom in order to let the discussions flow more easily. I have never been a fan of circle seating because personally I feel like it hinders the readiness for students to speak up because all eyes are on them. The fact that one can't look anywhere without meeting a dozen expectant gazes has always been why I have trouble speaking up in class. However, when reading over the transcripts it really surprised me to see that most of the classrooms were set up in a circular fashion and almost every student was more than willing to discuss freely. This made me re-think whether or not seating formation is really the problem or if a students shyness will stay with them no matter what the seating arrangement is. I definitely think it helps discussions when the teacher is willing to either take a step back and see where the conversation will go or be able to converse as casually as the students do. I have had teachers be extremely strict in high school with letting the students openly discuss and most of the time they would cut off the conversation without even realizing that it could lead to something they never considered before. To me, I think the best questions and issues arise when one stops trying to control and confine the discussion with strict limitations. "Gregging" may not provide the most useful information, but it creates a comfortable environment when one is willing to share a humorous anecdote and it allows students to loosen up and become more engaged. With a comfortable atmosphere students will talk more and if they are not cut off to quickly a teacher may be happily surprised at the genius that can come out of the most unlikely discussion.
I like the point you made about "Gregging" creating a comfortable environment in the class, Hillary. I think a lot of students "Gregg" and don't even realize that they're not actually getting to the point they think they are. When students feel like their contributions are valued, even if they are a little off topic at times, I think they'll feel safer exploring new ideas and maybe even changing their opinions as they talk to their classmates and dive into new topics. The kids we observed seemed pretty comfortable with each other, and they did seem to accomplish something in the class, even if it wasn't as topic-centered as it could have been.
ReplyDeleteOh, and good idea about reading difficult homework assignments aloud! :)
I have never thought about circle seating the way you do here, it is definitely something I am going to keep in mind as I envision the feng shui of my classroom. I know for a fact that I don't want to be standing up in front of the students very much, I think sitting down will help me keep my nerves in control, but I am very interested in your idea of the circle seating making students feel like they are being examined too closely.
ReplyDeleteYour comment on circle seating really intrigued me. I have never considered its possible hindrance to discussion for shy students. In my own experience, circular seating has always been used to encourage discussion. I see that layout as less formal, and more discussion/conference ready. It encourages students to speak with each other because they are facing each other, as opposed to facing and speaking only to the teacher. However, it is always important to consider the shy students and find ways to make them comfortable, so I will take your thoughts into consideration for my own classroom.
ReplyDeleteCircle seating...I've found myself having the same issue. Every time you talk, EVERYONE can see you. It is a bit nerve-wracking but I feel that it is useful because students can't just slump down in the corner and not participate. In our class, people fall asleep a lot. I think that I would do the same thing if I wasn't in clear view of the professor and all of the students at all times. I think I will experiment with student-seating. I will make them switch around every day and put their desks in different formations because I think it could be fun for them and useful for me.
ReplyDeleteI believe there are certain applications of both rows and circular. For Branch's class in particular, the way we function as a comforting environment and where everyone gets involved more often then not, a row system would break-up the fluidity of the discussion. It would be necessary for raising hands and Branch to call on us students instead of this round-table style discussion where any input is good input. I guess deciding on how to seat your kids really depends on the room and the style of class we want as a future teacher.
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