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Above is the URL to another very interesting blog from "So You Want to Teach." The author describes how he is not spending any time explaining rules to his middle school band students. He has posted the band handbook on the ensemble's website and sends home a form for parents to sign stating that they have read this. He does mention that he reviews a few policy issues at the first rehearsal, such as bathroom passess, phone use, etc. Joel believes that by the time students reach middle school, they know general rules for functioning within a classroom - such as raising your hand when you would like to contribute to the conversation. Occassionally, students will need reminders, but they do not need an entire lecture on the subject. The author notes that the school administration makes sure that the students know the larger school rules and these same principles can be applied inside classrooms. Middle schoolers do not need another six smaller sets of rules for each new room they enter. This is an interesting concept Joel writes about. He explains that his rehearsals revolve around trust which is an important element for good musical organizations. Joel also wrote that he spends the extra time which was previously spent on rule explanation on getting to know the students and learning names.
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I also read this article - it's a different approach to classroom management than we usually see. He seems to be going off the concept that if students are treated like young adults, they will more likely act like young adults. Not a bad idea at all.
ReplyDeleteSo, what do you think about this approach? Do you think it would work for you? What do you think might happen if a student(s) broke a "rule" that had never been completely explained in class?
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