Teaching high school English to students aged 17 to 18, I recently noticed some behaviors that caught my attention: students wearing hoodies during class, coughing to interrupt lessons, and relying heavily on AI assistance. These actions made me feel disrespected and not taken seriously, which was quite disheartening.

During my reflective conversation with Noa via Noticing, I explored possible reasons behind these behaviors. I recognized that many of these habits were likely ingrained from previous years of schooling and reinforced by peer pressures such as the desire to be popular or the cool kid. Understanding this helped me see the situation less as a challenge of discipline and more as a complex social dynamic.

I shared with Noa my feelings of frustration and my sense of limited control due to my schedule constraints, which restrict my physical presence in the classroom. Noa encouraged me to focus on being more vocal about my feelings in the moment and to cultivate presence during lessons, even if I cannot be there more frequently. This shift in perspective was empowering, helping me move from feeling overwhelmed to identifying actionable strategies.

Throughout the conversation, my feelings evolved from frustration and fatigue toward a more hopeful and proactive mindset. I committed to preparing myself better to express my feelings clearly and to maintain focus during lessons, resisting the drift of my thoughts.

One specific way Noa helped was by prompting me to consider how quality interactions, even if brief, can have a meaningful impact on student engagement. This insight reassured me that presence is not just about quantity but also about the quality of moments I share with students.

In summary, this reflective process highlighted the importance of understanding student behavior within its broader context and the power of mindful presence and authentic communication. As I move forward, I am reminded that small, intentional shifts in my approach can gradually reshape classroom dynamics.

Remember, the journey to change classroom culture starts with noticing and being present in the moment.