This week I have been feeling a little hopeless when it comes to my learning. I'm sure all of us, including our students get to this point once and a while. I think sometimes students get so beat down by the teachers that they don't even want to try any more. This week my learning has been effectuated by a teacher (not Brian!) in a negative way. I don't want to use this blog as a bashing tool for this teacher, I'm just using him as an example. As I thought about how I was feeling in this particular class I wondered if I ever made my students feel the way I am currently feeling; like they can't do anything right not matter how hard they try. I am sure that this particular teacher isn't intentionally making me feel this way, which is what made me wonder to myself if I've ever done this to a student and if I have (unintentionally) how do I make an effort to not do this to my students?
I think that student's learning is best effectuated when the teacher is positive to them. I'm not saying give every student an A so they don't get their feelings hurt, but be positive in the criticism that must sometimes be given to students. And most importantly, don't make the criticism sound like criticism, more like a suggestion or help. Every student does do something well. It may have nothing to do with the class you're teaching, but make sure you know what those strengths are. This not only will help the teacher know how to best teach this student, but it will also give you an opportunity to give positive reinforcement.
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Hi Jenn,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. Most of my grade school and jr. high experiance was that way. If a parent or teacher doesn't encourage a child to move through the learning process and in fact discourages it they won't. I think my favorite part of teaching is when I can help a student see that they are smart enough and capable enough to do well in school. Don't let the bullies get you down. We are almost done.
Jen
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like a bad week. I can totally understand how you are feeling and you bring up a good point. As teachers we need to be careful that we effectuate student learning positively. Paul's comment about helping student realize their potential is right on.
I hope things go better for you.
If you are talking about whom I think you are talking about, I agree. I think the criticism can sound like criticism, but it needs to be followed by or sandwiched with some positive. Learners need small boosts of positives to enjoy the learning and feel they can make it through the tough stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. A good teacher make positive effect to a student's life, I am trying to be a teacher like this. You are so lucky that you can met such a good teacher, I think you are trying to help your students effectuating their learning.
Sometimes students don't understand why they are learning and what they are learning for, our teachers should find their confusion and instruct them, just like what you said, be "positive" in the learning process. Because teachers have more experiences in the field of what they are teaching than their students, and we have resposibilities to teach our students everything we know.
The capacity of each student is different, what we teachers could do is to be positive and do our best to help our students.