Case
CT favorites

My CT has two favorite students in the class. It is very obvious to the other students who they are, and I can see the sadness on some of the other students faces when she gives them extra attention or tasks to do for her in the classroom. I'm just the intern so I am not sure it is my place to say anything to her. Should I say something? If so, what should I say?

Posted on: 10/13/19 | Views: 316
Solution #1
I would maybe just let her know some students feel left out and suggest cold calling students from popsicle sticks to do classroom tasks so everyone gets a fair chance.

I would use this method because if students are randomly chosen for task it would feel like there is favorites

I like the idea of letting the CT know and offering a different approach but I’m not sure how I feel about popsicle sticks and random calling out.

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Solution #2
I would twist the situation and approach your CT as an intern that is trying to learn from her. I would ask something like "What is your classroom management style? How do you feel about having favorites in the classroom?" I would also try and counteract her and give the other students more attention.

I like this solution! I feel like if I was in this situation I would take this approach.

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Solution #3
As a professional we should not have favorites, although there are those ones who makes it hard for you to resist. I have encountered this lately as well and the class suffers from teachers playing favorites and as an intern I would bring to her attention that sometimes it looks like she favors other students and we don't want others to develop a complex because they are left out so maybe we should figure out a way to include everyone. For example making helping hands and giving students different jobs everyday.

I like the idea of giving different students jobs every week and will incorporate that in my classroom

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Solution #4
I would politely bring up the situation in the fact that other students seem to be upset that the teacher has picked two favorites. Having favorites does not create an effective learning environment for all the students. The CT may also not be completely aware that she has singled these two students out as favorites and the effect it is having on other students in the class. By having a calm and constructive conversation on favorites and the effect of them in the classroom may cause the teacher to reevaluate her behavior without you specifically calling her out for it.

I feel like this wouldn't work because the CT might feel called out and get defensive

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Solution #5
I would either ask the CT about her classroom management style or focus on giving attention to the other students in the room. Combining both techniques would also work as this is seen as a learning opportunity for you while also silently giving the other students a chance for attention as well.
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Solution #6
It is important to bring this up to the teacher since the students are being negatively impacted. Being direct, but polite, with the teacher could be a possible solution. Ask her if she realizes the other students recognize that she favors the other two students. Or suggest a new strategy you learned about to include all students.
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Solution #7
If you see something, say something. This can be a form of bullying when the teacher favorites others and isolate others from special treatments.
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Solution #8
I would discuss this with the CT in a professional and encouraging way if you feel this is negatively impacting the emotional health or academic success of the students in the class. Make an effort to pay attention to all the students equally and reach out to those that look affected to show that you care.
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Solution #9
Take this as a learning moment, and try to present it from your point of view. Ask your CT what their classroom management style is. Try to bring points that you have learned in your classes at college into the internship to help your point. When you are in charge of lessons/teaching in the CT's classroom, try to include all students.
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Solution #10
I suggest having a conversation with her about this. You could say that you’ve noticed a few students feeling isolated and want some recommendations on how to avoid that. This way, she might realize the problem without you having to explicitly tell her.
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Solution #11
I would discuss this with your CT to see if they are doing this on purpose, or if they just have a greater engagement with these students. It may be accidental, but a clear conversation should help open up a dialog of understanding

I think the Ct might feel attacked and get defensive for being called out

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