Student Panel: Learning from the Peers

By Christopher Michael

College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post Campus
September , 2010

Today’s class was very interesting because we learned some tips on how to become a great teacher. Along with Professor Boyanton there was a panel of 4 classmates that had some teaching experience. Not all of the students on the panel had classroom experience; however they had other teaching experience in some capacity. Each one of the panel introduced themselves and told us about their teaching experience. We the class was then able to ask question regarding teaching. We had questions that ranged from classroom management to teaching students with learning disabilities.

I learned more than I anticipated I would. I feel the most important element I learned was classroom management. I learned that on your first day of school you should be firm and strict so the students know who is in control. This way you will not lose control of your class at anytime during the school year.

I also learned that I should not make all of the rules of my class myself. I should incorporate the students to make some rules as well. The students will feel a part of the rule making process. This should make the students more inclined to follow the rules if they feel they were a part of the process.

I also learned how to keep students motivated to learn. I should try and keep the class fun and engaging. I should also mix up teaching techniques so the students do not get board. I the teacher should be excited about the subject I am teaching. If the students see that I am excited about teaching, hopefully they will be excited about learning.

I am still feeling overwhelmed by this course. I am still trying to get used to blackboard. I am trying to get everything in on time so I receive full credit. I hope I will be able to adapt to the way the assignments are laid out. I feel once I am more comfortable with the way the course is being run, I should do just fine.

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