I find myself like a broken record, constantly saying SHHHHH! I allow students to whisper as they are working on their art work, which is fine , as long as they are actively engaged, and they really do work. But then the noise level gradually rises to the point where I can't believe they can concentrate but they do! Am I crazy, or are students just generally become louder ? Or have I finally become one of those out of touch teachers who say,"oh, kids these days!"
Fortunatley, or unfortunately, the AP's office is right next to my class room. I was apologizing for the noise level, and she said, "Oh no, they're not too loud, they're just engaged and it 's their time to be creative." maybe she was being diplomatic.
What should I do? Require total silence ( which seems a bit absurd for ninth graders?) Buy a set of ear plugs? Discipline more?
I walk by academic classes and it seems like a wonder land , with students actively reading or taking quizes, or doing math problems alone in their seats, and think- Wow- silence!
How would you monitor the noise level in an art class?
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI am an art teacher, too and I teach PRE-K through 5th and the noise level in ALL of those classes reaches the maximum allowable decibel on a daily basis!!!
I feel like I say please hold it down, let's be a little more quiet, let's whisper, we don't need to yell at someone right next to us...blah blah blah...I'm so tired of saying it all.
I thought it was only Elementary...but I guess it is just ART!!!! hahahah
Sandra
I teach Health to freshmen too, and your right about the noise. I like the classroom dead silent and am having to get used to the new generation students and the new ways we are suppose to be facilitating. Our adminstration told us that our classrooms should be louder then the classrooms of the old. We are suppose to have the students more engaged with each other and group work is a must. I think you have to just buy a pair of ear plugs and get used to the noise level as long as your students are using the 21st century learning skills.
ReplyDeleteMy first graders can get pretty noisy, too. They start out quiet, build, and then sink back down again when reminded. There are definitely times when I'm asking them to collaborate, and I expect more noise. Especially since first graders haven't quite mastered the art of whispering. I've started playing classical music when I really want a whisper quiet work time, though, and it's been going really well with my current bunch. They know that they're trying to keep the room quiet enough so that we can always hear the music, and they do a pretty good job. Then my student teacher pointed out that in itunes there are free radio stations. So even though I don't have a huge personal collection to share with my class, I can set itunes to a solo piano or baroque station and get some calm variety. Yay for student teachers. I don't know how older students would react, but I'm loving it.
ReplyDeleteI teach math and reading to middle schoolers and I'm one of those with a very quiet class and I actually worry sometimes that it doesn't look like my kids are engaged. I do group time and have to MAKE them talk. WHAT!! Am I that SCARY?? I think by the time they get to electives and connection classes such as art and pe, they've had it with being quiet and working and need an outlet to express themselves. I don't know the answer, but if the AP thinks it great, go with it:)
ReplyDeleteArt class should have a balance between quiet contemplation of work and conversing with table partners at an acceptable classroom voice level. Yelling is not a 21st century skill! This is my 3rd year as an art teacher in middle school, and was a high school art teacher before this for 8 yrs. Loud voices are not a necessary part of art class. Do not rely on the opinion of others who say that it is a place for kids to be loud. It is a place to learn, grow, and be introspective, which requires that the classroom be quiet enough to do those things, while allowing for the free sharing of ideas and opinions which also aide in the growth and learning processes.
ReplyDeleteRe: you as a facilitator of learning; if the noise level inhibits your ability to be the most effective teacher you can be, then that is equally not ok. We as teachers need to feel comfortable in our own classrooms, and not sacrifice our sanity because someone else said our classroom should be loud or quiet or busy or anything else they might say, thinking they know the best way. The best way is what works for you as the leader of your team of students. Enjoy!