One of the problems of student-teachers in their practicum is classroom management. Though classroom management has been discussed in several subjects, majority of practice-teaching students with their college instructors believe that it would be better if they hear from real classroom teachers based on their experiences. Knowing this need, the Practice Teaching Class (EDUM490) of AdNU College of Education spearheaded a Seminar and Open Forum on Classroom Management at Viewing Room of Home Economics Building last 27 September 2014.

Both current and incoming practicum students for the second semester of the school year 2014-2015 attended the event. Omar Vasquez of Saint Joseph School and Paul Christian Astrologo of Naga Parochial School (both CoE alumni) were the resource speakers.

Astologo, the first speaker, shared his stories on his first day as grade school teacher and how he managed to improve in his vocation through years of teaching. One of the highlights of his sharing was the Basics of handling a student aligned to the school policies. Vasquez, the second speaker, shared three strategies on classroom management titled “Give me Five, Bell Work, and I CAN’T.” Aside from the sharing on the Classroom Management strategies he also added some hopeful stories of being an Ignatian Teacher out in the real world of education, hoping to inspire the participants to look forward for their upcoming practice teaching.

After each talk, the speakers were invited in an open forum through a talk show format. Hosted by Jose Anthony Espejo and Rachel Vivien Griego — both English majors — the talk show became the venue for the student participants to ask more questions and tips on managing a classroom effectively.

By Steve Guray