I actually want to start off with part of the quote that I read at the beginning on chapter 3. "The good teacher communicates a deep regard for students' lives, a regard infused with unblinking attention, respect, even awe. An engaged teacher begins with the belief that each student is unique, each the one and only who will ever trod the earth, each worthy of a certain reverence... Love for students just as they are- without any drive or advance toward a future- is false love, enervating and disabling."
At first, when I read this, I got so excited because the first part explained in such a clear way the type of teacher that I would like to be. Then as I read the last part about love, it made me wonder. Is the love that I have for student learning, growth, and becoming based on them being what it is I imagine them to be without that drive for them to truly become. Or is it based on what they believe they can become, with a driven force that would allow them to progress? Sadly enough, I would have to say the first. I think that I have the passion for the students, but on an individual basis I lack the drive and motivation to help them achieve whatever it is that they choose to achieve. This is surprising to me. I think we all have good intentions, but few of us really choose to follow through with those intentions. So, solution... few came through the book, while I will have to find others along the way and through the experience of teaching. For now I will state 3 that I found where I could improve my personal self to really help the students individually.
First. Response to student needs. This part gave five ways in which a teacher could respond to the students' needs. They are affirmation, contribution, power, purpose,and challenge. I like what they said is that these responses are outcroppings of the students' needs and not just for curriculum and instruction, but "they breathe life into it." That is what I want. To breathe life into the students' questions and concerns and to help them see beyond the normality of life.
Second. Make room for all kinds of learners. This will help me to keep my mind and eyes open for ideas on teaching and helping individuals grow. My classroom has to resemble my passion. It should provide a learning environment where the students know that they can achieve and that I believe in their personal achievement.
Third. Enhancing classroom operation. I think that this will play a huge role in individual success. This would include using their time wisely and not doing things that in the end don't matter.
SO, now it is up to me to move forward and to put into action what I have deemed to be helpful ideas to put my passion into action. I just hope that I will be able to do see, to remember it in my class, and to help each individual to achieve success.
Chapter 1
Differentiation- when I initially heard of this word I was thinking that it was going to be something about math and how we can put it in the classroom. I really didn’t think much of it until I we watched the show about Oprah opening the door for girls to go to school and gain an education. It was there that I realized that this was the class that I have wanted to take in a long time. It has already helped me understand or rather have some ideas as far as dealing with different student and their personal needs. Then I was able to read about the ideas behind it and to come to the conclusion that I need to gain all the tools necessary to adequately use them in my classroom; to really become an example of uniting a class and others.
The highlights that I enjoyed reading about were first, that I am the leader to teach to my students’ needs and that this does not have to be done in only one way but multiple ways. This stumped me, however, because I don’t know how to first come up with all the many ways to teach, second how to organize what I am doing for who and lastly if it is being helpful or not. Anyway, the second highlight I liked is that the possibilities are endless of helping students grow and learn. Love this because it is the reason as to why I want to be a teacher. We all want to make a difference and to help individuals to become who they want to be. I am looking forward to learning more about the hows so that I will be as prepared as possible in accomplishing a classroom of learning.
1 comment:
Wow... you are really reflecting and questioning... and that is SO GOOD. (And, on a personal level, it's helping me get to know you... your teacher heart!). You asked, "Is the love that I have for student learning, growth, and becoming based on them being what it is I imagine them to be without that drive for them to truly become. Or is it based on what they believe they can become, with a driven force that would allow them to progress? Sadly enough, I would have to say the first. I think that I have the passion for the students, but on an individual basis I lack the drive and motivation to help them achieve whatever it is that they choose to achieve." You may lack the drive and motivation to help OTHER PEOPLE'S STUDENTS achieve... but when it's YOU, and it's REAL, YOU will be REAL. You'll become more real with each success AND each disappointment. It will matter when YOU and YOUR FOXES are taming each other. Trust me. I KNOW it. 4 points
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