Beginner Teachers – Do’s and Don’t’s
Don’t be too concerned by these thoughts. All beginner teachers have them. You are not alone. The startling disconnect between theory and practice is centuries old and is nowhere more clearly demonstrated than when you are standing in front of a class full of energy-filled learners for the first time. On first encounter it seems that the floodlit idealism of theory wonderfully supported by a desire to go out and change the world, transforms with chilling force into a sickening sense of yourself drowning before your very own eyes. Take heart. You are a professional after all. Equip yourself with a mind full of new, innovative ideas, challenging strategies and novel methods; engage your learners in stimulating journeys of your own (and their) discoveries and you will find the year flying by with the thrill of professional self-development and empowering, energising confidence. In short, you will come to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you chose the right career.
As with any profession, on-going, frequent reality checks are essential to growth.
One of the greatest challenges that the modern-day teacher faces is discipline and classroom management. Scores of beginner teachers have been told: “You don’t smile at your class before April.” How inane is that? Every learner in your class has his or her own personality. And so do you. Children, young people, hate pretence. Let your own youthful enthusiasm shine through, develop and refine your own, unique teaching style – your learners will help you to do this if you are not too proud to accept that you will make some mistakes along the way - and soon a shared, cooperative teaching and learning style will emerge that satisfies both the ‘teacher’ and the ‘taught’ without the intrusion of an authoritarian ‘fear’ factor.
Of course, most schools have a discipline policy. It is there to guide and support you at those times when you are absolutely not sure about exactly what to do (and such moments certainly do arise). But don’t lean on others to discipline on your behalf. In finding your own direction and strengths work in and around the discipline policy, seek and listen to advice where you need it and, in that way, you will be significantly contributing to the whole school’s discipline.
It goes without saying that you must always be punctual and prepared. Imagine a surgeon arriving late and unprepared to perform an operation: he is in danger of losing his patient. By the same analogy you can as easily lose your learner(s). Discipline and educate by example. Set boundaries, set the height of the bar and apply both rigorously to yourself and the learners. Be as firm with yourself as you are with those you are there to teach. Be fair, be just, be consistent. Your class needs to know exactly where they stand and be equally sure of what to expect. Whatever you do don’t hand out empty threats. They never work and are, frankly, unprofessional. Once you are reduced to threatening learners you’ve in any case lost them. In cooperation with your learners establish a set of values-driven rules which are then displayed in the classroom. If the class ‘owns’ the rules it often happens that they are more strictly applied by the learners than by yourself. If you have to constantly labour the point take a good hard look at what you may be needing to change or modify. Address issues efficiently. Don’t waste teaching/learning time.
As time passes you will get to know each learner individually and they will, in their own manner, learn to know and trust you. Mutual respect is in reality the secret ingredient here, even if you feel you don’t necessarily like someone. As the professional adult in the situation it is your responsibility to guide and manage each person both as an individual and as part of a collective whole. Having a spat with a learner is professionally unacceptable and if you feel bad about it afterwards you have deserved it. It is up to you to professionally control and manage a potentially explosive situation by skilfully diffusing it before it gets out of hand. Ensure that you know the difference between retributive and restorative discipline. Bear in mind that you, as the teacher, have the power to make or break a young person. The absolutely worst thing you can do in a fraught situation is resort to insult and sarcasm. A simple hand or facial gesture, a considered change of tone of voice can often avert disaster. Try always to remain cool, calm and composed. It works. And if you do loose it, as they say, because teachers are also and only human…. well then, be big enough mature enough to apologise. You will lose nothing but you will regain your dignity.
Increasing numbers in classes increases the difficulty of getting to know the names and interests of each individual learner but the quicker you are able to master this skill the easier your discipline will become. Be quick to praise and slow, very slow, to censure. Rather, turn negatives into opportunities to encourage ‘another try.’ Be empathetic, sympathetic and genuinely interested without descending into familiarity and prying and trying to make the learner(s) your friend. (Read this last sentence again: these skills are often difficult to learn and almost always dangerously difficult to control.) Remember, that as a teacher it is part of the reward of the job to see learners develop and flourish, gain a sense of their own self-worth and confidence and develop their own individuality.
Everyone enjoys a pleasant work environment. The learners in your class are no exception. An ordered attractive environment is an inspiration. Be sure, however, that the pictures you put up in your classroom are appropriate and have educational value. Where possible it is helpful to choose visual material that speaks to concepts or ideas that children may find difficult to grasp or understand. By owning your space and keeping your work environment neat, ordered and stimulating you are leading by example and the learners will be more likely to follow your lead. You are, after all a role model and in this way, you are positively modelling the behaviour you expect from your learners.
A recent study showed that parents are the second largest source of worry and concern for the modern-day educator. German, American and British research has also shown that it is not only in South Africa that parents are one of the direct reasons for beginner teachers leaving the profession before the ink has dried on their qualifications. As a teacher you will encounter various kinds of parents. From the ‘helicopter’ parent who wants to do everything for their little darling to the ‘ghost’ parent: there is a name on the child’s records but by the end of the year you cannot put a face to the name. As in any walk of life there is also the ‘volcanic ‘parent; that is the one who erupts spectacularly about the least little thing. The ideal parent, of course, is the ‘submarine’ parent who sensibly disappears out of sight only to surface when needed or required to do so. What a pleasure.
Irrespective of what kind of parent you encounter, always behave in a considered and professional manner. Communication is of utmost importance. Always ask the right questions and never be confrontational or aggressive. Remember that like you, parents only want the best for their children. Do yourself and the profession a favour by not being a teacher who is always and only a bearer of bad news and complaint. Rejoice in the positive and send happy news of achievement home for celebration. You will find that parents will be far more willing to be supportive and cooperative if you focus on the positive. If, or when you do encounter a problem address it immediately. Don’t wait to unload the avalanche of trouble at the end of the year. Contact parents timeously and keep a written record of all communication in order to have proof of your professional interventions and the parents’ responses. In this regard bear in mind that most parents work, so find out when contact will be most suitable and also what form of communication will be effective for them. Educators and parents are in a partnership with the same aim: to benefit the child.
Be aware: it is not acceptable that a parent should try to bully you – ever. Should a parent show any signs of having such tendencies or intentions you my request to have a senior member of staff present during any communication with that parent.
You have shaken the dust of the university off your feet and now stand in front of a class of learners. Question: Are you dressed like a professional or are you still attired like a student? No one expects you to be fuddy-duddy but you have entered a profession where your influence as a role model is inestimable – do it proud. Do yourself proud. If you tend to use your arms and hands a lot when you talk don’t wear jewellery that bangs and clashes about and distracts the learners’ attention. Also, be careful not to wear clothes that should actually be in your younger brother or sister’s cupboard. Appropriate profiles are important
Remember that we live in a multi-cultural society. Be sensitive to cultural differences and if you are not sure about something, ASK rather than rushing in like a bull in a china shop – it’s difficult to put the pieces together again. Also remember that not everyone comes from the same background. Work sensitively with lifeworld experience being careful not to make anyone feel inferior or left out. This applies as much to reading-texts as it does to using a rich chocolate cake to explain fractions when most of the learners may simply need a healthy sandwich to keep them going for the next few days. And single-parent homes? Be careful about what you say and what you simply assume. Young people are fragile.
Ignorance is no excuse. If you don’t know – ask. Follow the correct line-functions in all your dealings and protect yourself with a sound working knowledge of all the policies. Build good, cordial relations with your colleagues, mind your own business, keep your private life just that: Private and stay far away from those who would seek to make you an ally. Don’t fiddle about on Facebook with questionable photographs and even more questionable comments and whatever you do don’t ‘ befriend’ your learners on Facebook. You really don’t need that complication in your life. Keep your thoughts regarding your employer and colleagues to yourself. Facebook entries are forever and future employers often consult the social media profiles of prospective employees.
If you set up a WhatsApp communications group ensure that every one of the members is aware of its purpose. It is best to set up a one-way communication group so that parents and/or leaners can remain informed about important arrangements for tests, exams, sports events and so on. Why would you want to have conversations on that sort of WhatsApp group, it can only lead to upsets.
And by the way, you know what? You don’t know everything eventhough you may just have graduated cum laude. Mentorship is an awesome privilege which exists to offer support, promote growth and enhance work satisfaction. It has been shown that many new teachers feel isolated and have difficulty with self-confidence. One of the best ways to overcome these feelings is through observation. The smallest observed detail in the actions of a trusted colleague can be life-changing. It’s the little details that become a whole bank of experience in the end and allow you to build your own strategies and methods. The more you learn. The more you know.
Your first year of teaching will be challenging and demanding. You will work harder in this year than you have ever worked before. Nights, weekends, holidays (or what was supposed to be a holiday) will simply be swept away by piles of scripts, preparation, preparation,preparation…
But, after all is said and done, remember to look after yourself. Eat healthy. Sleep well. Work hard but make time to play. Remember that it does not matter how much you enjoy teaching it is a job after all and you must not allow it to alienate you from family, friends and life itself. You can’t pour refreshment from an empty jug.
If you have a problem: share it. Everyone was a beginner at some stage. Look after yourself and learn. That way, you can’t but enjoy teaching.
SAOU STANDPUNT OOR SKOOLUNIFORMS
Jy het uiteindelik jou studies voltooi en met die aanbreek van die nuwe skooljaar sien jy uit na jou heel eerste onderwyspos. Hulpmiddels vir jou klas word gemaak en gekoop, en van die kalender tot verjaarsdagplakkaat pas alles by die oulike tema wat jy gekies het. Op sosiale media sluit jy fluks aan by die onderwysergroepe en vra raad by ander. Alles sodat jou eerste dag sonder enige haakplekke kan verloop! Alhoewel daar ‘n magdom praktiese wenke is wat jou nuwe kollegas met jou sal deel, is dit belangrik om te onthou dat elke kind, klas, skool, jaar en ouergemeenskap van mekaar verskil. Planne en tegnieke wat by kollega A se plattelandse skool in die Noord-Kaap ‘n treffer is, sal dalk nie by jou voorstedelike skool in Gauteng so suksesvol wees nie. Tyd en ervaring het egter geleer dat daar wel ses basiese dinge is wat alle onderwysers (meestal) positief en produktief sal hou - maak nie saak waar of hoe lank jy skoolhou nie.
Het jy al opgelet hoedat mense die woord bottel gebruik om eintlik na die inhoud van die bottel te verwys, soos in Die baba drink sy bottel ; of hoe oog vir detail gebruik word in plaas van fyn aanvoeling vir detail , soos in Sy het ’n oog vir detail ? Wanneer jy woorde só vervang, skep jy skakels tussen dinge rondom jou: tussen die bottel en die inhoud daarvan, of tussen die vermoë om fyn detail te identifiseer en die deel van die mens, die oog, wat die fyn detail waarneem. Hierdie skakels word deur hulle taalgebruik gereflekteer. Jy wys hierdeur vir ander mense hóé jy sin maak van die konsepte rondom jou.
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Jy het uiteindelik jou studies voltooi en met die aanbreek van die nuwe skooljaar sien jy uit na jou heel eerste onderwyspos. Hulpmiddels vir jou klas word gemaak en gekoop, en van die kalender tot verjaarsdagplakkaat pas alles by die oulike tema wat jy gekies het. Op sosiale media sluit jy fluks aan by die onderwysergroepe en vra raad by ander. Alles sodat jou eerste dag sonder enige haakplekke kan verloop! Alhoewel daar ‘n magdom praktiese wenke is wat jou nuwe kollegas met jou sal deel, is dit belangrik om te onthou dat elke kind, klas, skool, jaar en ouergemeenskap van mekaar verskil. Planne en tegnieke wat by kollega A se plattelandse skool in die Noord-Kaap ‘n treffer is, sal dalk nie by jou voorstedelike skool in Gauteng so suksesvol wees nie. Tyd en ervaring het egter geleer dat daar wel ses basiese dinge is wat alle onderwysers (meestal) positief en produktief sal hou - maak nie saak waar of hoe lank jy skoolhou nie.
Het jy al opgelet hoedat mense die woord bottel gebruik om eintlik na die inhoud van die bottel te verwys, soos in Die baba drink sy bottel ; of hoe oog vir detail gebruik word in plaas van fyn aanvoeling vir detail , soos in Sy het ’n oog vir detail ? Wanneer jy woorde só vervang, skep jy skakels tussen dinge rondom jou: tussen die bottel en die inhoud daarvan, of tussen die vermoë om fyn detail te identifiseer en die deel van die mens, die oog, wat die fyn detail waarneem. Hierdie skakels word deur hulle taalgebruik gereflekteer. Jy wys hierdeur vir ander mense hóé jy sin maak van die konsepte rondom jou.
Onderrig is 'n veeleisende beroep wat baie fisiese en geestelike energie verg. Met lang ure en 'n besige skedule kan dit vir onderwysers uitdagend wees om die tyd en energie te vind om goed te eet. Om seker te maak dat jy 'n gebalanseerde en gesonde dieet eet, is egter noodsaaklik om goeie gesondheid te handhaaf en op jou beste te presteer. In hierdie blogpos bespreek ons 'n paar wenke vir onderwysers om goed te eet en gesond te bly.
As onderwyser is dit geen geheim dat die werk soms stresvol en uitdagend kan wees nie. Soms moet jy net 'n blaaskans neem en lag om van daardie stres te verlig. Dis waar onderwyser memes inkom! In hierdie blogpos sal ons die wêreld van onderwyser memes verken en hoe dit gebruik kan word om jou te help ontspan.
Hierdie aflewering in ons woordsoorte-blogreeks handel oor telwoorde . Die inligting wat in hierdie blog vervat word, is gebaseer op die inligting wat in die Afrikaanse skoolgrammatika (ASG) gepubliseer is. ASG is deel van die aanbod in Taalonderrigportaal , ʼn ruimte op ons webblad waar onderwysers, leerders, tutors en ouers gratis betroubare en geverifieerde inligting oor Afrikaans se grammatika kan bekom.
“Working relationships are the connections you form with coworkers, colleagues and managers in the workplace. Although the relationships you build with colleagues and managers may not be as intimate as those you have with family and friends, they are nonetheless crucial.”
Almal het al hierdie storietjie in die een of ander vorm gehoor. Werk is ‘n rubberbal, maar die ander areas van jou lewe is uiters breekbaar en as jy dit eenkeer laat val en laat breek het, kan dit nie sommer net weer aanmekaar geplak word nie.
