FitzPatrick 1

James FitzPatrick
Meghan Giampetro
540
10/18/2016
Reflection 2: Classroom Management
Classroom management is without question a very tricky strategy. I am a big fan of
classroom incentive, and the ultimate incentive is enjoyment for the students. How is that
created? I believe I have a few theories of good management that apply to my idea of incentive
based on what I have learned thus far in my student teaching and studies.
Teamwork is a phenomenal concept that I believe highly in not only to promote success
for students, but also to promote success in instruction. Mr. D (my mentor teacher) and I have for
the majority of our classes worked together. It has been a gradual process where Mr. D makes up
the majority of discussion and lecture, but I increasingly take more of a leadership role.
However, the idea that 2 authoritative individuals are present in the classroom has, without
question increased cooperation in the classroom. However, the vast majority of the time, classes
are not taught cooperatively. But, when presented with the opportunity, I believe it should be
accepted based on the positive experience I have had in co-teaching. Aside from co-teaching
however, gaining the respect of my students has come from beingin some ways a friend. We talk
to each other like normal individuals whether its about the game last night or that hilarious
episode of Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia. That said, I will not allow them to get too
comfortable by affirming my authority. I believe the students appreciate this concept and dont
wont to destroy it by overstepping boundaries.
A culture for learning and managing procedures go hand-and-hand. For Mr. D and I,
we have our routine, and because of that the students have been conditioned to do the important

FitzPatrick 2
work with limited interruption every day. In order to make sure procedures remain the same and
no valuable time is lost there must be some repetition. I think the trick is to have a daily activity,
but also try to get off to a good start with the students by making it appealing. What has worked
for me is using an app called Flipboard in my government class. What I try to do is have the
students apply recent lessons and lectures into a search for a relatable news stories contained in
the app. We then have an open discussion where the students are more than willing to express
their opinions. The daily routine has allowed both myself and Mr. D to transition fairly smoothly
because of the increase in student satisfaction. In order to continue this interest
Reflecting back on what I mentioned about co-teaching, it definitely helps when
considering student behavior. But, when I teach a class solo, I cannot hold back the rules and
show signs of sympathy especially early on. That would be a weakness, and when weakness is
obvious the students would no doubt want to take advantage. Mr. D has been phenomenal with
behavior because as I have said before he is able to combine an appealing sense of humor (often
through sarcasm), and be serious simultaneously. The combination seems to entice students to
not risk acting up because Mr. Ds fun demeanor and good instructional skills are more
worthwhile to respect. No class is perfect, but it usually applies to the majority of students. I
think I am someone capable of the same thing, however I definitely need work.
When I was in high school, I had a teacher named Mr. Kilker. The way he taught was to
place students in a circle all the way around the room. He would then be the center of attention
with all of us focusing on the same individual. Why else would he do this? It was symbolic of
equality. A circle is equal around, and I think as a student both myself and my classmates
subconsciously. This was a theology class however, which incorporates philosophical aspects
into the curriculum. There is no need for something like a smartboard, or at least occasionally

FitzPatrick 3
there is need. Most times it was discussion and writing. My class will likely be different in
structure and environment. I will probably like the students to be in straight lines or maybe in
half a circle facing the front by the board rather than the center like Mr. Kilkers class. The
definitive answer will come when the time comes
Be it can always be adjusted, and it can always be tweaked. Teaching is like any other job
or situation. If there is something interfering with the goal, you make the necessary changes in
order to move in a straighter line.