Posted on August 15, 2024

By Dr. Emir Cruz Fernández

"I am not a teacher, but an awakener." Robert Frost

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the challenges of managing your students? You're certainly not alone. In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, it can be challenging to keep students focused and engaged. However, there’s a powerful tool at your disposal—presence. By mastering the art of being fully present, you can transform your classroom into a thriving environment where learning and growth flourish.

In this blog post, we'll explore how presence in teaching can help unravel the tapestry of myths surrounding classroom management and student engagement. By embracing evidence-based teaching practices and understanding the psychological impact of educational myths, you’ll discover new strategies to inspire your students and create a positive learning atmosphere.

Why Aren’t They Listening?

It’s frustrating when your students seem disinterested, isn’t it? Before you throw in the towel, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: When was the last time you made your lessons truly engaging? Remember what it felt like to be in school—how a captivating teacher could hold your attention and make learning irresistible. Today’s students are bombarded with distractions like Netflix, YouTube, video games, and social media. Add to that the personal struggles they bring into the classroom, and it’s no wonder they’re not listening.

Understanding the root of these challenges is crucial. Many students come to school with burdens that make it difficult for them to focus on learning. They may feel unseen and unheard in a system that perpetuates educational stereotypes and myths about innate intelligence. As teachers, our mission is to dispel these myths and foster a growth mindset in education. This begins with listening to our students and understanding their unique challenges.

The Path to Engagement

So, how do we get our students to listen and engage? It starts with connecting on a deeper level. Here are a few strategies to help you on this journey:

• 1. Reflect on yourself: Begin by examining your own biases and teaching style. Are there areas where you can improve? Conduct anonymous surveys to gather feedback from your students and adjust your methods accordingly. This approach not only helps you grow as an educator but also demonstrates empathy and resilience in understanding your students' needs.
• 2. Establish a Routine: A predictable classroom environment helps students know what to expect and how to behave. Set up systems that allow your classroom to run smoothly without constant intervention. This is particularly effective in urban high school teaching, where consistency can be a powerful tool for managing challenging environments.
• 3. Reinforce Expectations: Make sure your students know what you expect from them and involve them in setting the rules. When they feel part of the process, they’re more likely to comply. This participatory approach can help in overcoming classroom challenges and improving classroom behavior.
• 4. Control the narrative: Keep the focus on learning, not just managing behavior. Set the tone for how your class should operate, but remain open to feedback and participation from your students. Engaging students in the learning process is key to cultivating positive learning environments.
• 5. Build Connections: Relate to your students through stories and teaching techniques that resonate with them. The stronger the connection, the more motivated they’ll be to engage. This teacher-student connection is vital to inspiring students and fostering a love for learning.
• 6. Listen to them: Everyone wants to be heard, especially students who may feel neglected in other areas of their lives. Take the time to listen without judgment and show that you care about their well-being. This approach not only improves student motivation but also helps in teaching urban high school students who face unique challenges.
• 7. Keep Your Promises: Be consistent in your actions. If you promise something, follow through. This builds trust and shows your students that you mean what you say. Trust is a cornerstone of effective teaching methods.
• 8. Appreciate Their Efforts: Recognition goes a long way. Acknowledge your students’ hard work, and they’ll be more inclined to listen and participate. Encouraging a growth mindset in education helps students see the value in their efforts.
• 9. Illuminate Possibilities: Help your students see the opportunities that education can offer. Sometimes they need a little guidance to understand the value of what they’re learning. Highlighting historical figures in education and community champions in teaching can be powerful examples.
• 10. Break the Habit: Some students may not have been taught how to behave in a classroom. Be patient but firm in teaching them the skills they need to succeed. Innovative classroom management techniques can be particularly useful in addressing behavioral issues.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for classroom management, but by understanding the "why" behind your students' behaviors, you can find the right strategies to help them succeed. Let's embrace our role as awakeners and guide our students toward a future full of possibilities.

Stay tuned for more insights from "Marvel Education," and remember—you have the power to inspire greatness in your students every day.