The author talks about some of the horror stories they encountered during their research.
Teachers who:
Belittled their students
Were combative
Threatened students
Refused to take questions
Criticized students
Sought to show how much they knew and how little students knew
The best teachers communicated a powerful concern for students and their learning. They made it clear they would do everything in their power to help students learn and master new abilities as long as students will engage in the experience. They reject their own “power” as teacher and instead forge deep bonds of trust with students.
Exceptional teachers look inward to their own practices when learning doesn’t take place, rather than placing blame on real or imagined student deficiencies. They go out of their way to make students feel at ease. They want students to get it, and feel a personal sense of failure when they do not.
The best teachers we’re candid about their own enthusiasm for the topic and their journey of learning, including their own struggles to understand. Basically, they demonstrate a basic human respect and concern for their students.
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Not fair! Next month, I get to be the Digital Immigrant.
ReplyDeleteGee whiz I dunno--would that be ethical???
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how teachers who take a wholistic view of their students really focus on their overall success. I don't think they look at learner success coming from a test score.
ReplyDeleteMy third grade teacher knew I was going through a horrible divorce in my family and took the time to listen to me and help me cope with the tragedy so that I in turn could focus on my learning process in return. She did not belittle me or enforce some crap rules. She really took the time to understand me. That is what made me successful.
I think learners of all ages crave that personal connection with their instructors (and fellow students too). It sounds like in your case Josh someone really reached out to you at a critical time.
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