"I WILL BE A GOOD TEACHER" or at least I'll do my best! I think my future students deserve that from me....Wired Story
Click Here to read the Wired Story.
I believe that as long as Wikipedia can be edited, and its information does not come from educated scholars interested in solely facts, Wikipedia can never be a trusted source of information. Granted not everything on Wikipedia is misguided information edited by CEO's of companies or politicians to make themselves or company look better; Wikipedia does contain honest facts. But, how do you know what "facts" are true and which one's are modified lies? I'm not sure I want to play the game fact or fiction when I just want to find quick, short, factual information on a topic or person. So, I think it would be better to just go ahead and choose a more credible site or encyclopedia for information. Even though, Wikipedia Scanner has made these people who are editing information in Wikipedia with false facts more accountable for their actions, I still do not believe companies or politicians will quit changing things on Wikipedia to improve their image, or will stop anyone for that matter changing whatever they please on Wikipedia.
"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung
Go Here to read Mr.McClung's Blog
I really enjoyed reading this blog! Anytime I can read or hear free teaching advice I love it and am completely up for it! What I've learned from reading Mr. McClung's blog is a number of things. He emphasizes on seven important principles: how to read the crowd, be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, don't be afraid of technology, listen to your students, and never stop learning. First off, as a teacher make your lesson student centered, constantly assess student comprehension, and your audience ( your students) should always direct the instruction. You should be flexible. There is no perfect lesson, and you shouldn't kill yourself over mistakes. Just the make the best you can out of every situation. Secondly, communicate, communicate, communicate. "Talking things out" is probably the number one way to resolve workplace drama. It builds rapport and practicing communicating makes perfect. Also, be reasonable. Don't have too high expectations of students and definitely do not get upset with students when they do not meet these unreasonably high expectations. Personally, I believe if a student does not understand something a teacher has taught them, then it is the teacher's fault that the student does not understand, and should try a different method to reach to that student. Every teacher should encourage students to keep trying if they fail, and not scold the student for not understanding., Thirdly, don't be afraid of technology. I think this speaks for itself, technology is essential to our daily lives and therefore is necessary to learn and to teach to students. Lastly, listen to your students and never stop learning. You need to know your students to build a respectful relationship with them. Teachers should take interest in their students lives. I can not understand why someone would want to be a teacher if they do not care what children have to say, and I believe that one of the biggest ways to show someone you respect and care about them is to truly listen to them. As for regards to a good teacher should never stop learning, I completely agree with this. A teacher should continuously keep learning and WANT to have ongoing learning.
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"I believe that as long as Wikipedia can be edited, and its information does not come from educated scholars interested in solely facts, " Wow! You give MUCH too much credit to educators. EVERY one of them that I know has a bias that he or she is trying to sell, whether they realize it or not. That includes ME! Yes, even me. So you must ALWAYS have your brain on and your eyes open. The Britannica is edited, and can be changed (slowly, and not by the whole world, but by those who work for the Britannica). What do you know about them? Who are they? What are their biases? The same is true for Fox, NBC, CBS, Republicans, Democrats, Socialists, Communists. There are 250+ "Christian" religions that claim to have the "truth" and some of them are so convinced of their "truth" that they think the others are destined for "hell". And the non-Christaian religions also claim to have the truth - and sometimes kill people who don't agree. The same is true for textbooks, internet sites, blogs. Everything! So challenge EVERYTHING you read, hear, or see. EVEN FROM ME!
ReplyDeleteAnd that applies to the paragraph I just wrote. Always think and keep your brain turned on and your eyes open.
I use Wikipedia all the time. I am just cautious with living persons/entities/corporations. Generally, Wikipedia is an excellent, quick resource.
Mr. McClung is a great friend. We will probably have a Skype session with him this semester to see how Year 2 is continuing.
Now I will challenge you on this statement: "...it is the teacher's fault that the student does not understand..." After you have taught for a while you will abandon this position. I do not take all of the responsibility for my student's failures. There are a LOT of students who have no interest in learning. None. They just want to get out of school or get a degree. I often try to overcome this decision on their part NOT to learn, but I sure don't beat myself up when it doesn't happen. There are many students in this class who are way behind in their work. Why? Lot's of reasons, I am sure. But it is probably NOT my fault. Seven have not even started their blog. What am I to do? I have sent emails. No responses. My conclusion is they have no interest in the course and are playing some kind o game with student aid or football scholarships. I had to wake one student up to take his picture the first day. He has come back once. He stayed awake, but it did not matter. He was somewhere else instead.
Yes, as teachers we must make the best effort we can to help students learn. Even want to learn. But we cannot carry the burden of failure on our shoulders if they have no desire to learn. Otherwise you will be stooped over and sagging before your first month as a teacher!
I think that we have to explore different options to reach different students, but as Dr. Strange wrote we cannot take the responsibility of learning from the students. Although our system of education today works from the presumption that children have no clue what to learn and we have to force them in the right direction, we must remember that this is about helping these children/young adults learn how and why to learn. They don't stop learning outside of school. In fact, they probably learn more, and more important lessons outside our doors. If we can make our curriculum engaging and relevant they may decide to pay more attention.
ReplyDeleteI think your points are good! But, we should not place the blame on ourselves for our students failure. We should attempt to teach all students in a way they will understand, but at the same time know not everyone will learn the same way. Sometimes the student just does not want to learn! I would think the best practice would be to plan every lesson to the best of your ability and teach the students. Be available for those who need help and always continue to educate yourself. With practices like this, the failure is not your own.
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