Why do we teach?
I cannot say that I have ever really thought about why people teach. I know that I have a number of reasons as to why exactly I decided to begin this journey.I remember always loving school, hating breaks, and thinking that my teachers were the greatest things since slice bread. I was always so excited to go to school. I always answered questions and loved to participate in class.
When I was in 3rd grade I had an amazing teacher, Mrs. Topper. Mrs. Topper would take us on trips to China (imaginary of course) and we would play games to learn. I thought she was wonderful. I knew within a few short months of having her that I wanted to be just like her.
As I got older my reason became more important than just getting to eat first in the cafeteria at the big people's table. I realized that teachers helped to decide the fate of their students. I was surrounded by people who were once disciplinary problems and turned their lives around thanks to a teacher's help. I realize that this is not always the case, but I wanted to be one of those people. I saw that when everyone else was saying what they wanted to be when they grew up, I would be the person someday that would help to lead people onto the path to decide not only what they would do for a job, but what their overall character would be.
What is the difference between school "work" and student "learning"?
I hate math. I absolutely loath it. I remember many nights crying over my worksheets because I could not figure out how to do my homework, always asking "why". I would memorize things just so I could barely get by in my classes, that probably has to do with why I can barely add and subtract now as it is... :)
I think that is the exact difference between school "work" and student "learning". I was just doing my school "work". I do not remember how to do any of the things that I learned in math, because I didn't understand it so I just did what I had to do to get by. I think that student "learning" is being able to take information and being able to use it critically in terms of the bigger picture. Being able to apply it to life situations and not just carrying out the tasks to get the work done.
I hate math. I absolutely loath it. I remember many nights crying over my worksheets because I could not figure out how to do my homework, always asking "why". I would memorize things just so I could barely get by in my classes, that probably has to do with why I can barely add and subtract now as it is... :)
I think that is the exact difference between school "work" and student "learning". I was just doing my school "work". I do not remember how to do any of the things that I learned in math, because I didn't understand it so I just did what I had to do to get by. I think that student "learning" is being able to take information and being able to use it critically in terms of the bigger picture. Being able to apply it to life situations and not just carrying out the tasks to get the work done.
What makes for good teaching?
You'd like to think that a good teacher is someone who's students pass standardized tests with flying colors. Teachers who teach students to pass tests and move along to the next grade.
The problem with this though is that students don't always understand the impact of what they are learning in terms of the world. It is not the goal of the teacher to create "Stepford" students.
Good teaching comes from someone that not only can help people learn material, but are also able to teach them in a way that they can understand why it is important and not just have information memorized.
Good teaching comes from someone that understands their students, not just at face value, but someone that has a relationship with their students. A relationship built on respect and understanding.
Good teaching comes from someone that doesn't feel like it is a chore to help someone that is falling behind, but sees it as a commitment to help them understand.
Good teaching comes from someone that works TOGETHER with students to understand their role in society and the importance of realizing that they make up only a small piece of the world.
Good teaching comes from someone who teaches students to not just accept what they are told but to question until they can find an answer for themselves.
The problem with this though is that students don't always understand the impact of what they are learning in terms of the world. It is not the goal of the teacher to create "Stepford" students.
Good teaching comes from someone that not only can help people learn material, but are also able to teach them in a way that they can understand why it is important and not just have information memorized.
Good teaching comes from someone that understands their students, not just at face value, but someone that has a relationship with their students. A relationship built on respect and understanding.
Good teaching comes from someone that doesn't feel like it is a chore to help someone that is falling behind, but sees it as a commitment to help them understand.
Good teaching comes from someone that works TOGETHER with students to understand their role in society and the importance of realizing that they make up only a small piece of the world.
Good teaching comes from someone who teaches students to not just accept what they are told but to question until they can find an answer for themselves.
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