Crowded Conditions

» Jo Murphy - How Big??

When you say large classes...how big do you mean?

I have recently been asked to take classes up to 56 but with 2 other teachers as well. But it is difficult for the reasons you describe.

I can see why some people choose to home school.

Jo
http://www.busywomen.com.au
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/mura...

-- posted by Jo Murphy

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» Deborah_Jeter - Re: How Big??

In response to message posted by martine3038:

Thanks for asking me to clarify that statement. I am referring to anywhere from 36 to 42 in a class.
I do not have another adult with me except in two of the six periods.

She is not assigned to be my helper but rather is sent to help with the slower learners from the special education classes for which she is an aide.

Unless the other two teachers, that you speak of, are trained or requested by your boss to help you, I'd seriously think twice about participating in this arrangement. It will require help no matter what the age group. Arguments you may present are:

1. First and foremost, it is difficult for the students to stay focused.

2. It's quite stressful for the instructor.

None of us becomes a teacher to feel like a baby-sitter. We want to make a difference in these kids' lives and having an over-crowded situation makes this so much harder.

Thanks for dropping by.

Deborah

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter

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» blondie29697 - Size of Classes

Hi:
I am totally amazed that when I was in public school in the inner city of Phila. in the 1950's, the class sizes were 48, 6 rows of 8 seats, with each row of seats attached together. There was no chance of the seat moving.
We got a recess, which I find out is being cut in our elementary schools in SC. They are cutting class sizes to 15 and building such big beautiful schools I thought one was a shopping center. It was an elementary school!
My granddaughter complained that one of her teachers in elementary school talked on the cell phone all day. When her mother complained to the Principal, he said he was not aware of that, probably because he was sitting in his "ivory tower office" and not walking around the school seeing what was going on! When he spoke with the teacher, she told the students she knew who turned her in and they would be sorry. My granddaughter told her mother, my daughter, who talked again with the Principal, giving him her business card, from the Law Office in which she worked, and said if there was any repercussion from this teacher toward her daughter, there would be problems. End of problem!
I've been in college classes, in a testing room, where the moderator first opened about a dozen candy peppermint candy wrappers. When she started clipping her fingernails, I'd had enough and told her to be quiet until I was done my test. She did. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior by teachers or test moderators!
You sound like a good teacher, but the others are ruining it for you. Do they have 56 children in the classrooms in the main school? I've not seen a school class with that many children in SC.
By the way, I've done substitute teaching in the schools in SC. The pay was so low, I found a better paying job.

-- posted by blondie29697

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» Deborah_Jeter - Re: Size of Classes

In response to message posted by blondie29697:

After reading what you wrote, I think I have it rather good. ;-)

It seems to me that perhaps the lavishnish is of too much importance and not enough emphasis is on learning. Sometimes having barely enough is a prime breeding ground for staying on task.

Our principal still makes her weekly rounds. She is pretty much on top of whatever is happening.

When we are administering tests, especially State-wide Assessment tests, we are severly admonished if we are not completely quiet. No visiting, no eating, and definitely no clipping of nails. I have never heard of such a thing in my 25 years of teaching, but again, I don't spend ANY time in the lounge!

Believe it or not, there really are some very functional, on-task schools still giving students their best. And I hate to say this, 'cause Lord knows my district is in great need of money, but sometimes learning and teaching isn't about the money at all. It's about dedication, intuition, desire and reaching for our best, no matter what the circumstances.

Thanks for dropping by.

Deborah

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter

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» Willow4 - Interesting

I found this article extremely interesting. I personally have a real problem with teachers being subjected to situations like this. Teaching is not an easy job and doubling up the students in half the space doesn't help.

I recently visited my daughter's classroom at her new school. I found the classroom to be much smaller than at our old school with just as many students. I also found that in this classroom there is less "team" oriented work going on which is making for a much more competitive and serious environment.

At her old school the teacher divided the class into groups. Throughout the year those groups would work together on lots of different assignments as well as the children helping each other with individual assignments. The students seemed to bond with each other and respect for each other became paramount.

I really wonder if these overcrowded small and cramped situations make that kind of interworking environment impossible? I think it's really sad that as a teacher you're being asked to teach so many and yet have no help. That's why I wonder if the team scenario might be a workable approach.

-- posted by Willow4

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» Deborah_Jeter - Re: Interesting

In response to message posted by Willow4:

Perhaps a team situation would be better, but is it possible under the current administration, that's another question. To me, the best way to be assured of a position in the district is to make it work! People who make waves in our district as often found retiring early. Thanks for the visit Willow.

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter

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