Week Journal 4 (9 May 2014)

Significant Situation 

During the A2 general writing test, one of my students asked for two dictionaries (EN-NE & NE-EN). I told him that he was supposed to bring them himself. He told me that he didn't know that he was allowed to and that I didn't tell him beforehand. I calmly told him that he was told in advance and that I could not lend him my dictionary. He got very upset and kept on saying that I could easily lend him my dictionary but that I simply didn't want to. Again, I calmly told him that I could not and that if he was not going to be quiet and finish his test, he needed to hand it in and get out because other students were busy with their tests. He got up, threw his test papers into the trash and left.

Reflection

I wasn't scared, because this student always had excuses for why he couldn't finish his homework or have his book with him. It was a surprise that he didn't want to finish his test, it was a surprise that he got so upset and threw the test into the trash can. I knew that I needed to stay calm in order to not disturb the other students and in order to not escalate the situation.

I really think if I wasn't so calm and clear about what I wanted him to do, it would have been a more serious situation. I also encouraged him to stay and finish the test, which was my way of saying I was giving him a second chance. It was just too bad he didn't take it, because from the looks of it he wasn't doing so badly.

Some students laughed when he stormed out of the room and when I grabbed the test from the trash, but others were too busy writing to worry about what was going on in the back of the room.

After this happened, I e-mailed his mentor and I spoke to my coach and the mentor. I got the feedback that I should have told the mentor straight away because he went home after my lesson. I don't know if that would have been a good idea since I still had 20 other students who were still busy with their tests.

This was important to reflect on, because I haven't had a serious situation like this happen during my lesson in a long time. I wrote this down because I want to remember what was said and how I reacted to this situation for future analysis.

What this says about me is that I want to be able to reflect and re-evaluate my progress through analysis in order to improve on my teaching skills and my pedagogic competence.

My conclusions are that I'm happy I stayed calm during a stressful situation that could have escalated into serious territory.

My learning aim for next week is:
-Report and attend a parent-teacher night.
OR
-Report and attend Deltion's information night for new employees.

Internship Progress

Next week, I'm going to be busy with my research. I'll be handing out my survey to teachers and students. In addition, I might be attending a parent-teacher night.
Until next week!