Hannah Liss EDTE 402P DOA # 5 February 13, 2012

Once students reach the high school level general rules are typically well known. These rules pertain to respect, such as listening to the teachers and abstaining from fights. Each teacher has his own set of rules in addition to those more commonplace. In some cases a teacher may require hand raising while another may request popcorn participation. Mr. Holladay seems to maintain a more relaxed classroom in which students are allowed more freedoms. In general, his rules are simple: respect one another and do your work. Basic rules involving cheating and behavior are enforced. No specific rules came to my attention save those pertaining to the lab. While in lab students were required to wear protective goggles and follow specific instructions. It seems to be that Mr. Holladay cares more students learning the lessons rather than specifics relating to the process. As long as students put forth effort and respect one another, Mr. Holladay will stray away from specific restrictions and rules. Though he does not explicitly state certain rules, it is clear that students must adhere to common sense guidelines. Students are rewarded for good behavior by stories told by Mr. Holladay. When students get through a lesson quickly and respectfully, Mr. Holladay saves a little extra time at the end of class for fun discussion. This not only allows for a better sense of community but also gives students initiative. Though Mr. Holladay is very good at addressing borderline behaviors he is not technically proactive in the preparedness sense. He maintains a gowith-the-flow personality that works well with the students.

My future classroom will be run much like Ben Holladays. It will be up to students and my discretion as to what rules are enforced. Respect is truly important in the classroom- as well as throughout life- so I will explicitly stress its necessity. Though I know it will be hard to completely prepare myself for all things that may happen in the classroom, I will be sure to be proactive. The proactive discipline piece mentions the idea to post a list of rules upon a wall. I think I will go about stating the rules by using a syllabus and addressing the students as young adults. I will mention to them that they should know well enough what is generally okay to do in class and what is not. Putting that responsibility upon the students may make them more accountable and self-aware. However, I will have a short list of simple rules that directly apply to my classroom. Obviously goggles and pants must be worn during labs. Students will be encouraged to raise their hands during lecture portions but will also be given the opportunity to shout out answers and speak more freely.