Worked with a new group today. Comp exersise. They were a nightmare and felt like a failure. Any tips?
2006-09-12 08:24:11 · 10 answers · asked by helen p 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
I'm hoping to get to be a TA. When I was a kid I HATED school and teachers always got the brunt of my bad attitude. So it's nothing personal against you, some kids simply don't want to be there! Just remember, those that do will remember your help forever.
2006-09-12 08:31:23 · answer #1 · answered by strawberri_shortcake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just finished grad school and was a TA for two years. I felt like a failure sometimes, but the important thing to remember is that teaching is a learning experience. You learn what works and what doesn't. Don't look at it as a failure, just shrug your shoulders and try something else. I wasn't an English TA, so I don't have any specific tips, just stay confident even if it isn't working as you expected. And it's never as bad as you think it is... I found that there were usually some students who really enjoyed what I did even when I felt it went bad.
2006-09-12 15:44:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't mention the age group of the pupils, so sorry if this is useless. First of all, I personally think that far too much is expected of TAs these days. It's not that they aren't up to the job. It's because, like with supply teachers, children feel it's their job to challenge them.
Teaching and learning is a bargain. You have to provide the learning opportunities, and they have to learn something. So do you. Perhaps in today's lesson, you all learned something about each other. You were all new, so maybe that's enough for one day. You can use what you have learned today to make the next session more fulfilling. Don't see it as a failure. Teaching and learning is a process, not a one off.
Best of luck to you, in what is truly a challenging, but rewarding, career.
2006-09-12 15:45:27 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at your behaviour management. Have the first session to be simple and explain your expectations and rules, e.g. put your hand up if you want to speak, etc. Have a set of stickers and give them to children who have behaved/worked well. Have a toy animal so they can hold it which means they can speak. Start off with easier work then gradually become more challenging when you are working with them in the future. Have sanctions, e.g. sent to headteacher/lose break time, if they misbehave and stick with it. Speak to their teacher straightaway if they were a pain! Also, seek advice from the SENCO/teacher, they should support you if needed! Plus, do NOT shout! Keep it positive and smile. Moan and groan behind their backs, not to their faces!!!!
2006-09-12 15:31:48 · answer #4 · answered by VRS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What age? Try giving them a shock with the genre of the text you ask them to study (perhaps, a horror story!) If you can capture their imagination it does help. Lots of affirmative behaviour mangement. If the children are younger, perhaps you could get them to act the story out and ask their peers questions about the play. I always find that the unexpected works a treat. Be firm, explain your expectations of them and stick to them; keep your voice low in pitch even if you need to raise it . They'll settle! Good luck!
2006-09-12 15:44:41 · answer #5 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there, done that only as a teacher. TA's are great, fantastic, wonderful, amazing, lifesavers, not to mention underpaid!!
Obviously today was a difficult group, the truth is it may take 6 months to whip 'em into shape but in the words of Galaxy Quest "Never give up, never surrender"!!
2006-09-14 17:54:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a teacher (I think I am wearing out that phrase), I can say that a great many times I have questioned myself, and many other teachers and TA's have said the same. Children are volatile and their behavious is natural. Don't take it personally. In addition I would like to say how proud you should be to be a TA....You do more for teachers than you realise! So many times TA's have saved my sanity! You do a great job!
2006-09-13 07:31:46 · answer #7 · answered by Nottingham man 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everyday is a new day, don't feel too bad as thats how life works.
You make a difference, keep smiling.
Be organized, be a leader but keep it as light as you can with some humour.
Good luck
2006-09-12 15:35:22 · answer #8 · answered by smilingmick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awww bless you! Stick at it. They just pushing their boundaries with you. Seeing how far they can go.
Dont give up, good luck xx
2006-09-12 15:29:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
resign
2006-09-15 08:46:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋