So I’m not the world’s most consistent blogger, but it’s not like I had the time while I was student teaching.  I had wanted to write a kind of commentary on my student teaching, but I couldn’t find the time between student teaching and working a couple of jobs.  By the way, if anyone ever tells you teachers only work during the school hours, they haven’t the slightest clue what they’re talking about.  Needless to say, my internship was hard work and I’m glad it’s over.

So, my first entry in way too long, for to many reasons.

One of the first things we are told as teacher candidates is that coercion gets you nowhere with a student.  Therefore, a system of punishments to get students to work and follow class rules is at best only marginally effective.  This is because a student will begin to see the teacher, the one one delivering the punishments, as an enemy, especially one that have trouble staying settled down (and are therefore getting in trouble more often). A system of rewards however, gives students something to work for, and they will often work harder at classwork and to stay 'in line'. 

First off, a hello and welcome to my first entry. Enjoy!