Reasons for student monitoring are to help them stay on task, help keep the instructor aware of emerging issues, & helps develop rapport. Some of the positive outcomes from student monitoring that I related to & will consider are….
- Creates a positive learning setting.
- Identifies & resolves issues fast.
- Reinforces positive student behavior.
- Keeps the students engaged & on task.
- Offers more individual instruction.
- Helps plan activities & learning units appropriateness.
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Things I will try to keep in mind to help me become a better & effective monitor….
- Try to move around the classroom deliberately.
- Keep the classroom organized so movement is easy & fluent.
- Do a short visual survey to assure all are on task.
- Address disruption by walking to that area, & standing there. It usually subsides.
- Good eye contact.
- Focus on all students.
Student learning groups should have about 6 to 8 members max. This allows for more accountability & gives an opportunity for all to have input. There are 2 types of learning groups, formal & informal. I have & will continue to use both. Informal is a per class period scenario that can change from day to day. Should have no more than 5 to 6 members. Formal learning groups are what I use in the lab more. Formal learning groups will be grouped by ability, background, mix of personalities. As well, a good diverse group with different abilities & background help engage all the students in the group. Forming these groups are critical, & will be considering the following when forming learning groups.
- I always plan the stages of the group activities.
- I always explain how the groups will work.
- I have & show the students what the outcome should be.
- I will let the students meet in their groups to get acquainted, & form a bond.
- When I use group activities, such as cabinet projects, & roof mock ups, the activity is “Group geared”, not just any work & group students together.
- I will keep the groups together throughout the group activity.
- I do have a clear plan of evaluation on these subjects, & will share this with students prior to the activity.
