(Anyone who works with human beings knows that complications are multiplied by the number of human beings involved. When human beings are below the age of 24, complications grow exponentially.)
"Kids have to be very well-behaved ... in charge of their focus, attention, and emotions to function effectively in academic learning groups of thirty!" "Are the kids able to handle this?" I queried further.
"Not really..." rolling her eyes. "Most classes include a dozen special education students as well," she tacked on in shared disbelief.
"Are teachers getting additional support in such conditions?"
"No."
In fact, my friend noted,"No one is even dealing with it! " Shell-shocked, teachers deal with whatever seems to appear on their plate...something like mothers and fathers. But let's be honest...when we have extraordinary conditions, we need complementary support. Or else discouragement rears its head...and "dropping out"in its myriad forms follow...for kids and adults...it's only human!
So let's hear from all the teachers who have worked with large groups of kids in need. I will begin the list of strategies and paradigms that can help shell-shocked teachers survive and support kids thriving under these currently extraordinary conditions:
Recommendation #1.
Investigate Peer Teaching ... i.e., students teaching their peers:
ASCD's September periodical (Educational Leadership) showcases the effectiveness of training student teams to present key lessons to their peers on a regular basis ... with professional teacher direction and guidance. Peer instruction becomes great pedagogy for multiple reasons...read about it! the goal is for all students to take the role of peer teachers. Contact www.ASCD.org for details and connections to this middle school program in Newark, New Jersey. Peer instruction is as old as formal education. Remember, we keep returning to the "classics" because they work.
Let's hear from parents and teachers everywhere ...
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