Using a self-monitoring chart to teach responsibility and build self-esteem

Submitted by Janet Young of Spoon River College, Adult Education Advisor

Janet is part of the central SLN Institute

I am trying to teach students responsibility.  Part of that responsibility is coming to class.  The teacher and I both give lots of positive verbal feed back to those that are sitting in their seats, notebooks out and ready to start class right on time.  We also try to build their self-esteem by showing them where they were at at the beginning of class, to where they are now by using the progress they have made on their writing, post-testing, vocabulary and math.  Everyday we have them fill out a self-monitoring chart on the progress they have made just for that day.  We started at the beginning of class by having them write down the reason they wanted to come to GED class.  Then at the end of each class period, they have to write down what they accomplished that day towards their goal, one thing they learned that day and what they could do to improve something they are struggling with.  We do this in the last 15 min. of the class and then ask anyone if they want to share.  We have found when they are proud of themselves for something they learn, they love to stand up and brag about it.  The rest of the class usually claps and is excited for them.  The students that maybe struggling will sometimes talk about something that is going on with them that is making it hard for them to reach their goals, but the rest of the class is supportive and encourages them to keep trying.  I have found that they are willing to help each other and work better in groups by doing this self-monitoring chart this year. Plus it also helps us know our students better and how we can help them.  It is a good monitoring tool for us, because if the student keeps writing down the same thing that they are struggling with, day after day, it helps us to see that we need to teach in a different way, or go back and spend more time on that subject.