Figure 1.--We found most classes in which the children were fully engaged in the class assignments and very well behaved.
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Figure 1.--We found most classes in which the children were fully engaged in the class assignments and very well behaved. |
We visited school classrroms all over New Zealand. Teachers had all kinds of different approaches. And the children had a wide range of backgrounds. Most of the children were polite and well behaved and serious engaged in their school work. We were especially strucj by the younger children who often were fully involved in class projects. The level of concentration was phonominal. We noticed some classes, mostly in the state secondary sector that were not all thar engaged in their work. In a few cases the teachers seemed to have rather given up on them. In some cases the youths behaved rudely with seeming impunity. This was a particular problem in the students streamed into involved in non-academic classes.
One school provides guidlines about behavior in the classroom:
Students are expected to behave in a courteous manner at all times.
Students may not eat in class.
Students will stand when the class teacher first enters the room.
Students will stand when the Rector, senior staff, or visitors enter the room.
Addressing members of staff (including office staff, caretakers, grounds staff): students will address male staff members as "Sir" or by their correct names, and will address female staff members as "Ma'am" or "Miss" or by their correct names.
Pamerston North Boys High School
