I had a great discussion with a parent today during my prep period. We got onto two subjects: 1) my failed expectations slip and 2) team-based management.
This parent helped me realize that my failed expectations slips are extremely negative. Being positive in all aspects of life leads to the most happiness, and here is a clear example of how I am failing to model that to my students. No one likes to hear that they failed. And now thinking about it, I don't agree with the message of the slip. Specifically, the student didn't fail to me. S/he acted in a disruptive manner and I want them to learn from the experience. I will be changing my wording on my slips, or, if this next idea works out, get rid of the slips altogether!
This parent also told me how people are managed at his work. The workers are split into small teams, 4-5 people, and each team is responsible for the actions of the team members. What I like about this management strategy is it gives the team members accountability. The problem lies in how to reward the teams that succeed. One of my ideas is to offer extra credit that the team decides how to distribute among its members. Or, similarly, give teams "credits" to trade in for a variety of prizes. The prizes can include extra credit, candy, pens, pencils, stickers, sticky notes, homework passes, etc. I really like that idea because it forces the students to measure each others' worth, which is a difficult, yet important, skill. Moreover, I think the students will develop a better understanding of how their actions impact a group.
Thank you parent I talked to for the suggestion and the time of reflection!
You might also consider offering guidelines to the groups as to how to select who in the group gets how much extra credit or whatever the prize is. Otherwise it could become a popularity award.
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