I just started student teaching high school pre-algebra. There is one group of kids who work really hard but take a lot longer to do warmups, examples, and assignments so its really hard to move on and assign more work but its hard for the other kids to sit there with nothing to do. What to do what to do... Suggestions? PS the kids take longer because its hard for them, NOT because they are goofing off.
2007-10-15 14:34:39 · 3 answers · asked by califrniateach 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
This is a very good question, and something I am sure many of us have dealt with at one time or another. This is a really good opportunity to take advantage of differentiated instruction. While it will take quite a bit of set up and initial work on your part, it will be a lot better for the students, and something you can use year after year.
You may know all about DI, but in case someone out there isn't familiar with it, DI is basically tailoring your lessons to your students needs and how they learn best. In can be adjusting the pace, providing enrichment work to those kids who finish quickly, or using strategic grouping to best utilize each child's talents. You may have 5 different things going on in your classroom at one time, but each child is engaged, which is of course, the goal.
In my humble opinion, DI is a pain in the neck to set up. BUT it so worth it, and could really help a situation like yours. Good luck!
2007-10-15 15:42:46 · answer #1 · answered by teachpa 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say that they don't belong in pre-algebra class if it is so hard for them that they keep the rest of the class so far behind. If the kids can't keep up given a reasonable amount of time, then move on without them. If they complain then give them the option of dropping out. Do not make the other kids suffer by waiting for them or by making the faster kids have to tutor the slower kids. I never understand how it is beneficial to have the better students be punished for being better.
It doesn't matter if those kids aren't goofing off. Some classes are not for some people, that is just how it is. Nobody is good at everything.
2007-10-15 21:43:54 · answer #2 · answered by Jacob A 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try doing problems on the board.
Do the warmups together with the class.
2007-10-16 20:08:42 · answer #3 · answered by Thao Kun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋