Getting to know the students (High School)
I start my final placement in a few weeks (!!!) and I’m trying to brainstorm how to gain a good understanding of the classes I’ll be teaching and hopefully to be able to build some rapport. I teach high school English and History, and would love some ideas on how to introduce myself to the students, and how to have them introduce themselves to me.
I’ve seen a few suggestions about a collaborative powerpoint where the students create a slide and write some things about themselves, or name cards with personalised details, or a survey, but I’m equally aware that not all classroom environments will respond to these types of tasks (e.g. not taken seriously or provided false information).
I haven’t been allocated a school yet, so I’m unsure whether it’ll be Catholic, Independent or Government but I’ve done placements in both Catholic and Government and I haven’t quite succeeded in getting the students to care enough. I know that student teacher’s aren’t the most adored people, so if you have any suggestions on how to get them on my side, I would love to hear them!
Yours sincerely,
A very anxious pre-service teacher 😰
(Not sure if it’s relevant but I am 25, female and teaching in metro Melbourne).