Increase Class Participation, High School and Middle School Teacher Advice

[@FarBean]

As a student teacher, I would get so frustrated when I would spend so much time planning a lesson and making things as engaging as I could and there was still one student who clearly wasn't engaged. One day, I noticed that a kid who normally went along with my particular brand of crazy wasn't having it. I saw that kid as he was leaving at the end of the day and asked how he was doing because I hadn't heard voice as much that day. Come to find out he had scouts from a college he really wanted to play for coming to watch him play basketball that night. NOTHING I could have done would've gotten that student engaged that day. I try to remember that kids have lots of other things going on in their lives, and that helps me to not take it so personally when a student isn't as engaged as I'd like them to be.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

A great reminder, Shannon. Our kids have a LOT of things going on in their lives. It's easy to think they're reacting to us when it's often something else that's weighing them down. Thanks for this!

[@Ivoryforge11207]

Honestly, the reason why kids don't raise their hands for participation is A. Their answer might be wrong B. They don't want to seem like their dumb in front of the teacher C. They don't have a answer D. Not in the mood for answering Edit : I'm 14 and that's why I normally don't raise my hand when it comes to some questions

[@simplycallmeAJ]

E- social anxiety

[@cherrieb9314]

I was always so grateful for another student in class who wasn't afraid to ask questions in math class. I got the explanations through her questioning the teacher. I was too embarrassed to show my teacher that I didn't know how to work it out.

[@angietrinh4136]

I dont raise my hand because of my mental heath issues.I have social anxiety and its hard for me to get courage to raise my hand and stuff. Im afraid i might get the wrong answer.Its so sad how teachers dont understand mental health.It is truly important.Dont know if you made this type of video yet, but can you please make a video where you are talking about Mental Health and for teachers how to support students though their issues. Thanks, Angie.

[@amralhabori1849]

I really loved your honesty and realism, also you're pretty reasonable, also you explain very well.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks so much, Amr. I'm trying... :)

[@lisajones2561]

I don't do a lot of calling on specific students (I HATED when my teachers called on me and I didnt have my hand raised🙄) but when I do I let the "wheel" decide. That way it's not "my fault" your name got called, it was totally random. Keeps everyone on their toes because they might get called on for the question. It's an app called Random Picker. There is another teacher in my department that has a tin with popsicle sticks with everybody's name. She pulls them as she asks questions and puts them back in the pot--- so the student could get called on more than once. 😁 Thanks for posting! I always look forward to your videos!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Love all of these ideas, you guys! I also like using my homemade white boards while kids are working in teams of two. I'll pose a question and then every team has to write their answer and hoist it over their heads on the count of 1-2-3. Definitely increases feedback - and fun. Here's how to make a class set of boards for about $4: laurarandazzo.com/2015/06/21/such-a-simple-fix/

[@sarahshut5997]

I would love a video about how you handle kids talking or interrupting while you're teaching.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Kelli Monterroso Great suggestion, Kelli! Just added this one to my list. :)

[@jjxrden]

I have really bad social anxiety and hate being called on, what about us?

[@mwonse]

Yupppp that's why I'm watching this video!!😂😂 I hate getting called on when I don't know the answer😔😔

[@sirenbob1521]

same bro (eren yeager?)

[@vincenttran8289]

Ayo im a 13 yr old in 8th grade and i used to be kinda shy but now its just ez. Personally, I had no hope for my future and i was in like deep depression until ive gone through teenagehood ongoing till now. Somehow, im able to talk in class participation no probs.

[@DarinNakakihara]

Hi Laura! I love your channel, especially how you've incorporated things like 20% time etc. My youngest just graduated high school and as a teacher willing to try anything to engage my students, I was always curious why secondary teachers didn't try things like this on the regular. Do you think there's a difference between elementary and high school teachers? Your audio is on point. What is your setup?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Hey, Darin, so glad you found my channel. :) I think elementary teachers are saints! Seriously, no idea how you sit with the same tiny people all day long and teach every subject under the sun. Yes, I think there's a HUGE difference between elem. and secondary folks. As for audio, I've struggled with a few different set-ups, but the thing that seems to *finally* be working is just talking into the mic on my earbuds. You might've noticed my fancy earbud necklace. Very fashionable. ;)

[@sofiadiezpena3349]

Thank you Laura. Very practical and sincere when you say sometimes it works sometimes it doesn´t but it sure is worth trying.

[@blciffa]

I'd love to see your quarter trio game. I plan to implement next year. I loved your options for craft and structure. I would love to see other options you do for different standards. Thanks for this video! I love the content you produce here, on your blog, and TpT. You're awesome!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks so much, B Peltier. Okay, I'm working on the Quarter Trio video today and it should be edited and posted by Saturday. Seemed like the next logical video topic, for sure. As for more options for more standards, I just added your suggestion to my "I really oughta make that video" brainstorm list. :)

[@blciffa]

Laura Randazzo I'm so excited! You inspire me, and many others! Thanks for always sharing your insights.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Oh, stop it some more. ;)

[@lukwesakabanshi2253]

Well presented thanks

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks! Hope the ideas are helpful.

[@hannahrr3627]

I love your videos, but never have commented. However, I HAD to comment. I spent the entire video trying to figure out WHAT was going on with your window!! It's the weirdest illusion. Are they partially thick/thin blinds? A reflection? Panels of a house? LOL. I was so confused.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

That's so funny! It's the siding on my neighbor's townhouse. It was summer when I filmed this, but it started to hot rain outside so I moved the camera inside. That also explains why I'm so sweaty in this one! 😂

[@elevated__arts]

You are awesome!

[@nicolematino7143]

Omg so true! Some of my kids are like what? Haha. It's like I'm annoying unicorn

[@chloedaramitz0444]

I think it is a lot more than just drifters I don’t drift off for no reason I have more than just a cubicle worker future ahead of me. 😔

[@laurarandazzo1158]

FLOral A.S.M.R Indeed, FLOral! What can a classroom teacher do to bring you into the fold? What do you need that you’re not getting? I know I and SO MANY other teachers want to crack this code. Help us.

[@chloedaramitz0444]

Laura Randazzo I don’t know like people don’t just zone out becuase they want to. Well some do but many others don’t. They may zone out becuase of something other than just bored. They may zone out becuase all they can think about is something else. Like I think schools needs to do something more than just lessons they need to teach mental illness and self care.

[@chloedaramitz0444]

Laura Randazzo like I appreciate teachers soooooo much !! Like the amount of things they do for us is unbelievable ! And I appreciate every single teacher in this world. I also want to be a teacher. And that is what I am doing my job as in June(training in a classroom) but I just wish teachers would not assume or categorise students

[@sirenbob1521]

@@laurarandazzo1158 very closed-minded person

[@latonyafuqua2007]

Oh no, I'm that history teacher ☹

[@laurarandazzo1158]

What to do? :)