The Classroom Hub is Changing

          As students change, schools change and technology advances finding its way into the classroom, the central hub of the classroom is evolving. I remember my teacher sitting at her desk while we stood in line waiting to talk to her. Truth be told, I often got in trouble for sitting at my desk and not asking for help. Why did I stay at my desk? Because I could work at my desk! I could not work while standing in line! While I held no expertise or influence on the set up of the classroom, I always wanted that routine to be gone! Why couldn't my teacher come to me? Maybe I was a devious or challenging child? Maybe I had no clue? Regardless, there was a perfect opportunity for potential and successful change!

          Classroom Management is a common complain for teachers right now. I have had teachers from everywhere ask me, "how can I get students to pay attention and stay on task with their iPads?" That is an incredible challenge! Through observation and discussion, I have found that there are several solutions that need to be applied in tandem.

1. The teacher desk should NEVER be the central hub of the classroom. Grand Central Station is not a feasible solution anymore. Teachers, while it is challenging and tiring, should be walking about and teaching from various points in the classroom. Apple TVs, Projectors, Mobis and other devices now make this possible. I am not suggesting that the teacher rid of the desk nor has anyone else. (I won't lie and deny that I considered removing my desk a few times!)

2. Procedures and Consequences! Many teachers state that once students realize that the procedures and consequences apply with and without technology the chaos subsides.

3. Most importantly, talk WITH students about their behaviors rather than talk AT them. Students needs to be a part of the learning process, the solution and the growth.

         
          Hands down - the classroom has changing and will continue to change. Teachers have huge hurdles to jump and challenges to overcome. A wise teacher told me, "Teachers at any age and level of experience need to decide if they are going to swim with the tide or be drowned by it!"