Thursday, July 15, 2010
Teaching Wisely/Teaching Morally
This chapter spoke to me in that it is easy to get caught up in the "Indy 500" to cover all the material in all subjects so they are completely prepared for the next grade. These pressures can come from ourselves, our colleagues, principal, parents and diocesan standards but rarely do they from the students. I believe our students just want us to show up happy to see them, with an exciting plan of teaching that will engage them in the learning process and show them how this applies to their life. When I start to feel this pressure I pull back, evaluate and make sure what I am teaching matters to their life, that I am teaching it well and then I watch for students to show me in a variety of ways that they are learning. I also think this concept comes under the umbrella of a healthy learning space. It takes humility to have the courage to slow down the process making sure we are listening to our students and ensuring they have the opportunity to dialogue concepts. It also relates to boundaries because in addition to behaviors and physical space, I feel boundaries includes differentiating between quality of teaching and quantity. And of course, the hospitality of your class is crucial in order for students to feel safe to take the journey of learning with you.
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Angie, I appreciate your ability to slow down and evaluate yourself in order to become an effective teacher. It is your openness and care for the students which helps you to create a healthy space for learning. As teachers we deal with potential human beings not dumb statues so our teaching should be relevant to the lives of our students.
ReplyDeleteBlessed be God!
ReplyDeleteAngie, I agree with you...our students appreciate more how we teach them and they know you really care. Information is good but I have been learning that they can get along their way, but those especial moments that you can give them...they will treasure them forever. I still remember my good teachers for it.
Thank you for you comment by the way. It was a pleasure sharing with you today.
Humility and charity keep us real and authentic!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved what you said about our students just wanting us to be happy to see them with an exciting plan of teaching that will engage them!! This reflects to them their self-worth, goodness, lovability, and human potential!!