Interview

Summary
    Unfortunately, I did not hear back from a teacher, so instead, I interviewed my friend Cristina, who recently graduated and earned a degree in Educational Studies and Psychology. I presented questions about her educational experiences as a student, and about her experiences working with students for her internship. My friend was able to provide insightful information about classroom management strategies used by teachers throughout her educational career. The questions I provided included, "What classroom strategy do you remember not being effective? What things do you wish your teacher knew about you? What would help them? ". Through this interview, I was able to make connections between what I learned from my friend Cristina's educational experiences, and the content from Woolfolk (chapter 7 and 13). 
Reflection
    In chapter 7, Woolfolk discusses the topic of reinforcing with teacher attention. On page 273, Woolfolk stated, “Many psychologists advice teachers to “accentuate the positive” — praise students for good behaviors while ignoring misbehavior. Some researchers believe that “the systematic” application of praise and attention may be the most powerful motivational and classroom management tool available to teachers". When reading this content in chapter 7, I was able to relate to the question I asked my friend, “What classroom strategy do you remember not being effective?”. Cristina deliberated and answered by saying that she remembers a lot of her teachers "yelling at other students in front of the whole class". From personal experience, I can see how ignoring misbehavior will be a good way. Even speaking to a student will come a long way. Unfortunately, I have also been apart of many scenarios where students are being yelled at in front of the whole class for misbehaving. As a future educator, I think it is important to praise and pay attention to students so that they can reach their full potential. I don't think yelling at students is the solution to anything. I want to gain respect from my students and I think handling situations one-on-one will be better than confronting and yelling at students will be the better option. As educators, we need praise more than yell and show empathy towards our students. After all,  "praise and attention may be the most powerful motivational and classroom management tool available to teachers" (Woolfolk, 273). 
    Furthermore, in chapter 13, Woolfolk deliberated on the importance of teacher connections. On page 524, Woolfolk stated, "Students who value teachers who show academic and personal caring by acting like real people (not just as teachers), sharing responsibilities, minimizing the use of external controls, including everyone, searching for students' strengths, communicating effectively, and showing an interest in their students' lives and pursuits. When reading this particular content in chapter 13, I was able to relate to one of the five questions I asked my friend Cristina, which was "What things do you wish your teacher knew about you? What would help them?". She said it was "really important for teachers to get to know their students right away". In my personal opinion, teaching is more than just teaching a specific material. Teaching is about creating strong relationships with students and helping them reach their personal and academic goals. 
    Overall, despite not being able to interview a teacher, I thought my interview with my friend went extremely well, while also being very informative. I think this opened my eyes to become a teacher that cares and respects their students. Moreover, praising and paying attention to students is one of the most powerful tools a teacher can use to promote a good learning environment. With that in mind, I think if I can prioritize this in my future career, students will appreciate me as a professional and be motivated to do well academically throughout the whole school year. 


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