I read an article "10 Pros and Cons of Looping in the Classroom," from my google reader. This was the first time I have heard of "Looping" in the classroom. It was an interesting article. It talked about the strengths and weaknesses of having the same teacher for multiple years in a row. Initially, I thought this was kind of a terrible idea. My initial reaction was that students need to experience different types of teaching throughout their experience in school, and I still do think that. However, after reading the article I began to notice a few benefits of having the same teacher for multiple years in a row. I'm not an elementary teacher, and I was curious what some elementary teachers thought about "Looping?" Let me know your thoughts and if your districts are starting to use this strategy!
This is something I have thought of before. It would be interesting to stick with a group of kids from their freshman year, all the way through graduation. There would never be a question about what they learned last year, because you were their teacher. The relationships you would build in a system like this would be incredible. I think students would really feel connected to their teacher. At the same time, we all know some batches of students just aren't the same. If you got a group of kids who didn't work well together, or didn't work well with you a system like this would be challenging. I still think this is an interesting idea, and would like to hear if anyone has tried it.
ReplyDeleteWithin my elementary school we have had teachers that do loop there students. I think that it has some pros and cons to it for both the teachers and the students. Some pros are that both the students and the teachers know what is expected. The year can start off more smoothly because routines, expectations and student ability levels are already known. You can start the year with learning right away without having to spend a week or so going over procedural things. Also students and teachers know each other. They understand the way each other works in regards to abilities and expectations. Although I find this to be a huge con too. Students and teachers may know each other too well to the point of knowing what buttons to push and how to aggrivate the other. As with anything there are pros and cons. I think that you have to have the right teacher and students in order for this to be successful. Interesting article Lisa!
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