The most important thing about managing a group of students is knowing them. As teachers, this is imperative not only because of managing the class but also because it will determine how we will convey the information.
One of the most traditional way to getting to know students is by asking them questions. Others prefer diverse approaches. I've witnessed teachers following this approach:
Observe
Analyze
Process students' behavior
Choose the methods to transmit the information
Provoke reaction (Students' engagement)
Assessment
Although it is also a general way, this really doesn't tell us much about a certain group of students. So, I think one element that must be present is listening. It's very important to listen and observe how they interact.
Listening
We need to make students speak. That's how we get an idea about them. After we get enough inputs, we need to proceed. I don't favor doing generic things for everyone because each student has different needs. Also, they have different qualities.
So, I think that teachers can simplify and accommodate the process of survey into the following:
Listen
Process the information
Adapt to each students
Large groups
I always consider this an issue. It's the general idea to put everyone in the same sack and expose them the same techniques. And from the student's point of view, it is either adapt or perish.
And it doesn't have to be like that. Naturally, the educational system prevails in this matter. But we have to conclude that the education car has flaws in their wheels.
No wonder that in past centuries where lucky children were educated privately at home, the level of students were pretty high. They count with tutors who adapt their teachings to their only student.
Right now, actually the students that really excel are those who take command of their own education. They investigate further and look for more information by themselves. And this is not a teacher fault because as I've implied, working with large groups just ties teacher's hands.
Managing groups of students is always a difficult task. But we can get it done if we manage first how to know them. It can take time. But it would end up being very helpful.
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