I was called again to cover a computer class few weeks later, at another school. This time I was less tensed, hoping to serve only one of the two-days assignment.
It happened to be a class with tablets and not desktops, which made students’ mobility easier, to their advantage, and to my disadvantage…
As before, assignment seemed to be clear and well defined, but students immediately informed me that they are done with their task and have nothing else to do, and thus will be watching movies and do computer games…
I contacted the teacher to get her advice on the new, students’ defined’ situation. To my surprise she said it is OK; students know what they are doing, and she is NOT really expecting me, the substitute, to monitor their activities. I timidly said ‘fine’, and patiently listened to her real worry – a math class at 5th period. I promised her it will be ok and did not contact her anymore…
Students were having a ball… They defied all the rules, ate and drank next to the computers, and did nothing for two days but watching movies, playing games and texting their friends in other classes. All I could do was to try to somewhat contain the chaos. The teacher didn’t expect me to interfere…
The only class that was productive was that ‘worry some’ math class. The assistant was excellent (I have known her for years), and we worked together keeping students on task, and making sure they have plenty to do. And although this was potentially the more problematic class, it was good and productive.
I, sometimes, imagine writing a letter to class teachers: ‘Dear Mr/Ms Teacher, as a substitute I can’t evaluate your students, so don’t expect me to grade them! Also, don’t ask me to enter comments to your grading book! It is not my responsibility! But, please, do not leave things to students’ judgment as to what they supposed to do. They won’t! They will do nothing, and mostly in a noisy and chaotic manner.
Students need a specific assignment to do on a piece of paper, something I will be able to see they are doing, and collect at the end of the period. Something they will be immediately accountable for, not only on your future returned date.’
I should compose the letter! Maybe even leave it on a teacher’s desk one day…
