Laura Nardozzi
Literary Luminator and Creative Connector
Blog 8- Chapter 7
"Learning is a complex process that cannot be explained simply by focusing on culture and language, or on changes in pedagogy and curriculum"-pg 185
I picked this quote because I feel that for me it holds the most truth in what I am coming to understand about teaching. Essentially, there is not just one secret to being a great teacher. Being a great teacher means being a great student yourself and constantly striving to learn as much as you can to help your students succeed in the classroom as well as in society.
"Along with individual characteristics and dispositons, learning also is heavily influenced by social, cultural and political forces that are largely beyond the control of individuals."- pg 187
It is important to remember that in addition to knowing our students as individuals, we must also use what we can learn about their culture and social backgrounds to help us understand what influences them in the classroom. This is Sonia's message throughout the book: know the individual, but also know the groups they belong to and use that information accordingly.
"The nature of teacher-student relationships is central to student learning"- pg 188
Along with understanding a student, building a personal relationship with each student is equally if not more important. It is one thing to know about your students, it is another to truly know your students. Without a trusting relationship, a child cannot be expected to bring his or her full potential and intrinsic motivation.
"If there is one thing that has become apparent throughout this book, it is that there is no simple formula for increasing student learning."- pg 196
Again, Sonia's message sums up what I am learning about education. There is no secret. There are skill and techniques that we can acquire over the course of our career, but everyday we are growing and learning something new. With each student that we come into contact with we can take with us a new experience that will help us to constantly develop ourselves as educators.
I think teachers need to be committed to life long learning; school districts attempt to increase access to professional development opportunities through Superintendents' Conference Days, but I don't think those offerings are sufficient. Teachers need to seek out learning opportunities and explore interests and areas that pose challenges to their teaching. - Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteTeachers need to take the time to form strong realtionships with their students which will in essence lead to trust in the learning environment. A teacher should step out side of the classroom setting and have lunch with the students in the cafeteria, go to specials with the students or ever venture out to an athletic event of the students in order to learn more about the individual that they are outside of the classroom. In order to fully understand and educate our students, a teacher must know their intersts and abilities in and out of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteShawne
There is no color on the blog! :) I believe it is a life long process to learn and understand new things about yourself and students in order to better grasp the content being delivered.
ReplyDelete-Christina
Sorry for no color Chrissy, I will try harder next time! haha.
ReplyDeleteShawne, I like your comments about taking the extra time to go to events that are important to your students. I think a lot of teachers forget how impactful that can be for a student.