This reading has proven to be very interesting. I enjoyed the section that spoke about the theory of the "wide awake" teacher which forces the teacher to question when they teach anything. They have to make sure that they are are very intentional with everything that they do. I believe that when a teacher is intentional with their lessons they are demonstrating the greatest form of respect and it creates a new atmosphere where the students feel confident in the job that the teacher is doing. Thus the students will be more willing to listen to what the teacher has to say, and the class will be more likely to be well behaved.
I also appreciated the learning-centered teaching model, I think that this model helps the students to become independent with the skills that they are being taught on a safe and success driven path. When the students feel that there is hope in them being successful in accomplishing the task assigned, they are more likely to finish he task than if they feel the task is a hopeless endeavor. When a student feels that they're in a hopeless situation, they are more likely to shutdown and just give up on the whole idea of trying. So, it is very beneficial by using the teaching-centered teaching model.
The other point the the chapters emphasized that I believe is import is to make sure that the students realize how the skills are applicable to the real world. When I started tutoring, the thing that was a common for my students to say was that they didn't understand how they would use these skills in the real world, so what was the point in them learning what they were being taught. I also remember this being something that frustrated me as I was going through school. When the connection between school and the real world is not made clear, it is difficult for the students to feel that they are using their time wisely. Which leads to students being less willing to pay attention to the lesson. So I want to make sure that I make the connections clear for my students when I start teaching.
Hi Alix!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I think that a teacher who goes into their teaching with a clear and intentional goal in mind is more successful with their students--and more interesting to have as a teacher! As for skills applied to the real world, I will admit that I was one of those kids who sat in math class and wondered "When am I ever gonna use algebra in the real world?". Perhaps if I'd had teachers more willing to make connections outside of their immediate discipline, I would have a kinder view of math now (sorry Alix).
Alix, I definitely agree with your sentiment about wide awake teaching. Being well prepared and constantly evaluating yourself is key to good classroom management. I wanted to point out that you could go further than just making the connections between subject matter and the real world. I think the best way for students to learn how what they are learning is applicable is to let them apply it somehow.
ReplyDeleteAlix, I definitely agree with your sentiment about wide awake teaching. Being well prepared and constantly evaluating yourself is key to good classroom management. I wanted to point out that you could go further than just making the connections between subject matter and the real world. I think the best way for students to learn how what they are learning is applicable is to let them apply it somehow.
ReplyDelete