Margarita Velazquez

Professor Bartlett
SED 322
30 September 2015
Annotation: How Listening to Students Can Help Schools to Improve

QUESTIONS
o According to the article class of smaller sizes are seen to render better student
performance, and relationships. However, there are already existing schools that offer
small class sizes, but do not excel. Why is it that some small schools are still failing?
o Are there schools who offer mandatory Saturday school for students who cut class?
Wouldnt that create issues when it comes to a schools budget?

REACTIONS
o As mentioned in the beginning of the article, schools have been getting a lot of criticism
on their performance, and the performance of their students. Every time I look on social
media there are reports on a student or teacher who went out of line, and the comments
that follow are nothing but negative retorts. Some of the comments made are way off
base, and it demonstrates just how little people know about what it takes, and what goes
on in the classroom.
o I was a little baffled when I read that students do not feel they were getting enough test
preparation. From the discussions we have in classes all I have heard is complaints that
teachers teach to the test. However, I can understand what students might mean by

needing more test preparation. They might need more help with thinking critically and
analyzation, which are very important components when taking exams but are not often
emphasized. I also thought it a great idea to add more life skills in the curriculum to help
students gain skills they might not use in a job, but certainly in life. I know I would have
liked to learn the basics of a car such as how to change a tire/car ownership,
cooking/sewing (which home economic electives are hardly available anymore), and
renting/buying property.

CONNECTIONS .
o The article discusses the draw backs of large schools, which I have experienced myself. It
is certainly not ideal to have responsibility over a classroom of 40 plus students with
limited text books, materials, and desks. However, many schools face these obstacles
which I observed in my internships. Alternatively, my first internship was at Creighton
Elementary School which also includes 7th and 8th grade. Although the school is small,
and there are only a certain amount of students they take in, the class consisted over thirty
students and the classroom was small and packed.
o The section about student/teacher relationships is spot on. In some of my internships my
mentor teachers did not know all of the students names, much less their personalities. I
have also come across times when teachers become too lax with students in an effort to
be liked, considered the favorite teacher. However, I have seen how unproductive those
classes can be. I have also been in classes where I feel very frustrated because the teacher
does not take more control of the class, and there is a lot of time wasted through side
conversations. As such, a teacher should not assume that their students should know

better just because of their age, or advanced placement. All students should be held
accountable, and reminded of proper classroom etiquette when needed.

RESTATEMENTS
o It is very important to give students an explanation, and the purpose of assignments
including why it is relevant to their future. Additionally, providing encouragement of
their future and resources will also motivate them to try harder in classes. Many students
in schools with low SES do not feel like that have a future, or stuck in their
neighborhoods. However, providing support and inspiration can help them access their
full potential.
o Students of smaller school sizes have a higher report of feeling safe, and having an adult
they could seek for help. In comparison, there is a reduced percentage of students from
large school sizes reporting that they feel safe.

APPLICATIONS
o I am not exactly sure how this would work in a classroom, but I thought it was an
interesting suggestions to have a student jury. As stated in the article it would entail, a
panel of students to serve as a jury for students who break school rules. Provide them
with training on how to hear discipline cases and advise them on the kinds of
punishments that can be assigned. This would be a great way to have students volunteer
for community services hours after school, and help them familiarize them with the
consequences that can arise from breaking the rules. Students who break the rules might
feel more responsible if their peers were the ones helping administer justice.

In order to help my students feel included in the educational process I can ask them for
their thoughts regarding a days lesson. Asking them what they did and did not like about
a lesson. By including them in this way I can gain insight on what I should continue
doing, and what I need to do to improve to meet their needs.