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Creating a Global Classroom in Secondary School

17/11/2015

12 Comments

 
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I don't know how it works around the world, but in secondary schools in the UK, students always start their day with their "form tutor" for about 15 minutes or so to register and settle them before their lessons begin. Due to the multiple teachers students have in secondary school, having that one member of staff they see every day really helps offer them some stability in knowing someone is responsible for their emotional well-being in school.

I like that we are given complete freedom with our students during tutor time, and I personally choose spend it connecting with my students on a deeper level. We discuss issues in their own lives but we also take the opportunity to reflect on global affairs. Therefore, every morning I have the world news on the projector ready for when they come in so they can immediately settle down and watch what is going on around the world. I wonder whether many of them get much time to do this at home with all their extra-curricular activities and homework!

In my experience, many young people in the UK are generally well-travelled and so are always keen to learn about new countries and events around the world. (There's only so much the UK can offer, and sunshine isn't often one of them!) :D
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My students are always enthusiastic and interested in the news and I love hearing their own conversations about global events and their views on the topics (independent of any prompting from me!). Oftentimes, if a story is particularly interesting or moving we then have a class discussion on the topic as well. I get the feeling they really love sharing their thoughts and being listened to and treated like adults, not necessarily being "taught" during this time, but just having adult conversations about relevant issues. I enjoy this pastoral element, as it allows me to really connect with and educate our young people outside of the curriculum on issues that really matter and affect their lives as global citizens.

I'm really interested, do you have this kind of "tutor time" set up in your country? If so, how do you use this time?
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An InLinkz Link-up
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12 Comments
Leah Cleary link
17/11/2015 11:18:46 pm

I love that you are able to connect with the same students on that level each day--we have "advisement" here in my neck of the states. We only get to meet once a month, and our time is prescribed. I bring world current events into my daily classes--I agree with you--it's so important to make time for that!

Reply
Teachers Resource Force link
18/11/2015 07:45:02 pm

Thanks Leah, that's so interesting that you have that time with them monthly. On average, time with our tutor group usually amounts to about 2 hours a week as we usually have a whole lesson during the week or afternoon sessions with them as well (depending on the school!). But I agree, our job is to educate them and that shouldn't be limited to the curriculum!

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Pamela Kranz link
18/11/2015 06:45:25 pm

I love that you get that connecting time with your students. It used to be that way for me, until the testing monster took hold of previously sane people's sensibilities. I've found that, sometimes, traveling from state to state is like traveling to different countries in the US. ;)

Reply
Teachers Resource Force link
18/11/2015 07:47:20 pm

Thanks Pamela, agh hate that they have driven that time away with testing, so unfortunate! It's crazy how different countries operate, let alone different states!

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Janice link
19/11/2015 03:31:11 am

You talk about your students as if they're family :-)

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Teachers Resource Force - Newslette link
19/11/2015 05:43:04 am

Oh gosh, do I!? Aw, I think the system is set up in a way that you form a really close bond with your group as you keep the same students all throughout their school career, so effectively they become "your kids" :)

Reply
Chris link
19/11/2015 08:53:33 pm

Wow, how cool to get some insights into the school day in the UK! I teach in Spain, and at American high schools (of which there are many in Spain), there is usually an advisor who works with 8-12 students through the year. They meet a couple times a week and talk about current events, study skills, stress management--whatever is needed. The advisor is also available to the students through the year to talk about anything. I really like being an advisor, and I enjoy helping students navigate the challenges of high school as well as having a chance to share the life-lessons and hear the unique voices and stories of my students. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Katie
30/5/2019 06:54:01 pm

That sounds so interesting, thanks for sharing what it is like for you! I think small groups of 8-12 is amazing!!

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The Daring English Teacher
21/11/2015 06:01:04 pm

Wow! We do not have something like this at my school. This is something that would be very beneficial for students.

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Katie
30/5/2019 06:55:07 pm

It definitely is beneficial! But it also takes a lot of extra work from the teachers, that's for sure!

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alfalah12345 link
8/12/2015 10:30:14 am

how cool to get some insights into the school day in the UK!

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Katie
30/5/2019 06:55:28 pm

I'd love to hear more about what school is like for you too!

Reply

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