2/10/2021 This week I asked my mentor teacher about behavior issues and classroom management techniques that she employs. I was hoping she might have some tips for asserting the appropriate amount of authority as a new teacher, striking the balance between being friendly and being respected. However with virtual classes, it seems like the issues now relate to getting students to show up and speak up, rather than getting them to settle down or quiet down. Many of the classes I've observed have been very quiet, bordering on eerily silent. I've observed a few strategies for trying to coax them into engaging, with varying results. One teacher uses sticks with students names on them, and calls on students at random to answer questions. This would generally get an answer from the specified student, but didn't do a whole lot to improve the atmosphere of the class. My mentor teacher starts every class by asking the class how they're doing, what they did that weekend, or other...
