I know I have to be careful here. I am just talking about the school. It cannot be a place that lacks structure.
cant completely agree.
when americans used to graduate high school and enter the workforce through the many industrial factories...children needed structured days and whistles blowing to guide them.
i feel students today - in order to succeed in the work place - must learn how to solve problems on their own. i think employers today seek people they do not need to hold their hand the whole time.
"I cringe when I see some of the next generation in my 'inner circle'. It is almost heartbreaking."
i promise you - your parents and grandparents generation looked at you the same way.
every generation we obtain more knowledge and discover more in this world. you may not understand them...but i can say i do.
i manage a class of 30+ students with ease.
i do it because i demand respect. i obtain that respect by listening to them and working with them.
if a student says it is stupid they cant have their cell phone in class - i do not say "well that is the rule so suck it up!!!!"
no...i try to explain to them how it can be a distraction. i explain that a boss might say you cant use your cell phone at work. it is the rule, but it the rule for a good reason.
for the little ones - this does not work...but that is why i teach high school.
in my class i break the rules from time to time.
i dont care if kids wear hats in class (depending on the school - some hats can be gang-related and are worn as a flag)
it is a stupid rule that makes no sense to me - it never has. it is just stupid.
so i let them wear hats. they know it is only in my class. by letting them wear a hat i am not restricting their ability to learn in any way. furthermore, i gain respect with some students who feel the same way i do...
and i make sure to let them know that is is proper etiquette - and is a general "rule" - and they need to respect it...but in my class they can relax.