Module 5

One thing that I continuously learn as a coach is that players constantly need to be motivated.  You can do drills upon drills upon drills and be a great teacher of the game, and believe me that’s great, but being a great motivator gives the players the drive to want to perform.  The same goes for the classroom.  Chapter 12 gives us different ways to motivate students in performing at and beyond their expected level.  The TARGET approach was very intriguing to me.  The TARGET is an acronym that broke down to; T – Task that students are asked to do, A – Autonomy or authority students are allowed in working, R – Recognition for accomplishments, G – Grouping practices, E – Evaluation procedures, T – Time in the classroom.  The recognition I would believe is the biggest motivator.  Students should be recognized for improving on their own personal best, for tackling different, and for creativity – not just performing better than others (pg 473).  Good coaches and teachers are the same, they would rather recognize the student that improved the most over the year than the one that peaked and showed little to no progress.

Chapter 13 discussed creating learning environments.  Section 2 gave suggestion on effective classroom management.  Emmer and Everson gave 6 rules that students should follow for a positive learning environment:

1. Bring all needed materials to class -  The classes have a syllabus just like our learners guide that gives the flow of the classroom.  Place the responsibility on the students as they grow into young men and women.
2. Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings – At Joliet West High School we are trying to push the saying “Tigers are on Time”  encouraging the student to make an effort in being on time.  One thing that I mention to them is that life is about being where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there.
3. Respect and be polite to all people – I will give respect if you show respect.  There are too many students in secondary education that have a chip on their shoulder and expect everything to be given to them.  When everyone respects everyone, that makes for a smoother classroom and positive learning environment.
4.  Listen and say seated while someone is speaking – Especially me.  This shows respect and not causing a disruption in class.
5. Respect other people property – This also mean respect someone else’s space.  See 3 & 4.
6. Obey all school rules – Student need to understand that rules are set up for safety and for positive learning environments.  This needs to be explained at the level of the student.   They must understand that the rules are not set for restriction, just simply prevention.  Prevention of a negative learning environment. 

Very good rules to follow when trying to structure a positive learning environment.

K.C.