Teaching Calvin
Analysis of Calvin:
Ms. Wormwoods classroom environment is conducive to that of which students believe they are just meant to do busy work. This is evident by Calvins disruptions and behavior throughout the comic strip. In order to create a more engaging classroom Ms. Wormwood needs to change her teaching approach.
Approach description:
In a lecture like classroom, students who are kinesthetic and/or writing/reading learners might find the lesson hard to engage with. This can lead to an increase in attention seeking behaviors. Where as students who are auditory and/or visual learners might find lectures more engaging. Ms. Wormwood can change her approach to teaching by considering everyones learning types. Adding kinesthetic aspects to the lesson, while also providing reading and writing resources will include 3 of the 4 learning types into the lesson. This will lead to a more inclusive and engaging classroom and will encourage students who struggle with the performance phase to practice better classroom engagement strategies. (see figure below)
Cold-calling is a long time used teaching strategy to keep students engaged through the possibility of them being called on. In this instance, calvin is called on and instead of answering the question he completely derails the classroom discussion. Ms. Wormwoods next step is for Calvin to see her after class, likely for a plan of action as to what to do next if Calvin repeats this behavior. Instead Ms. Wormwood could change from the cold-calling teaching strategy to collaborative teaching, where student can work together to come up with a general consensus about the subject being taught. This will lead to more classroom engagement from everyone, and less pressure to have the correct answer ready at all times. (see figure below)
In this example, Ms. Wormwood is presenting a lesson that Calvin believes has little to no value to him. He believes the lesson is useless, especially considering the skills required to work in the 21st Century economic environment. We don't know what the subject is being taught, but formatting lessons to connect to the real world (e.g living skills or financial management). With provide lesson that not only connects to the cirriculum but also the real world outside of the classroom. (see figure below)
