Today was the day to see what else Wellsboro High School has to offer! I spent the first period of the day observing the College Prep Biology class down the hall as they started their Genetics unit. It was very beneficial to see how other teachers do things and Mrs. Davis sure knows how to run an efficient Biology class!
Like I said, it was first period so business had to be done (like attendance). It's clear she has a consistent class where students know what they are to be doing at different points in time. For instance, she asked students where they were as far as assignments and everyone was at different points, but no one done with the chapter. She said, "Well that means...." and students finished her sentence without thinking "We all have something to do!". So students know what they are expected to do and spent the next few minutes quietly doing work while Mrs. Davis took attendance and quickly reviewed their vocabulary homework (Which they passed to the front in alphabetical order as instructed). When you have a great class it is clear in just the first few minutes!
I don't want it to sound like a military base either - Mrs. Davis has these expectations for students to follow, but does her best to have fun with her lessons and relate it to students. For instance, while learning about genetics she played a youtube video of the Gregor Mendel Song (to the right). I think having a song to reference will help students remember various content as well as lighten up the class environment.
Although I have observed some great teachers, Mrs. Davis was one of the best. It was clear that she balanced having expectations, consequences, and a comfortable environment for students to learn!
Thank you for sharing Stacia!
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