I am still having a couple issues. I know that there is not a right and wrong way to teach, and having had many different styles of teachers in the past myself, I've experienced that. But what truly makes that "great" teacher. Is a great teacher one who follows these philosophies that we are learning, or is a great teacher just in-tune with their "inner self"? Is it someone who truly knows how children develop and how to be in tune with the children? With all these possibilities, it seems a little daunting. It makes me feel that I need to be an expert in all these areas to be a good teacher. It scares me to know that there are many teachers out there who started just like us, with these positive ideals and motivation to change the world, who are now what the children call "bad teachers". What made them change? Because really... we all go into teaching because we like children. I can't picture anyone going into the profession cause they just really want to bore kids. So where did that flip happen and how can we be aware of this and prevent it?
On a completely different tangent... I am actually enjoying reading about the theories that educators have. Coming from a psychology background, Piaget and Erikson have been pounded relentlessly into my brain. Knowing what stages are at what age, and what types of development are characteristic of a certain level of development, was a very loft and vague concept before. Actually sitting down in class and finding useful and productive ways of teaching through these philosophies grounds my knowledge in a useful manner. And as always it is interesting to note how many differences there are in the theories depending on why and how you apply them.
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I completely understand where you're coming from, with the variety of teaching theories, methods or approaches to teaching children, the multiple intelligences, "science talks", or integrating the arts. It feels like a lot to swallow,let alone be able to bring it into my classroom and produce my own philosophy that works best for me and the students. But as overwhelming the material may feel at the time, I know when I'm put in the classroom my personal motivation and passion for being that "great teacher" will eventually shine through.(Eventually meaning, it's going to be a challenge!) I don't believe we have to be experts in all of these theories, we just need to be able to pull the concepts and knowledge out of our toolbox when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteI think people that go into teaching thinking it's going to be an easy job are the ones that become "bad teachers" or the people that want to get summers off. There's a lot of wrong reasons to be a teacher, and if we're here for the right ones I don't think we should be afraid.
Lastly, I think It's important for all of us to realize the support we can give each other.(which I think we're doing excellent with so far)Or to recognize in yourself when you may need some help because you're feeling a little discouraged. Or when we get that new job, remember the schools we will go on to work for and the support networks and resources available for us. Anyway, the point is, I don't think we're going to be "bad"! In the famous words of Bob, "Don't worry, about a thing, cause every little thing, gonna be alright."
Good discussion. Speaking from personal experience, it is daunting as all hell when you get put in front of a classroom for the first time. You stand in front of this little group of kids ready to learn and focusing their attention on you and you feel so very vulnerable and it is such a hard thing to get used to in the beginning. To know how to plan your day, what to say, how to act, how to make sense of it all and ultimately how to have fun and motivate the kids to learn. But each day that goes by you learn more about yourself, your abilities, the children and how to make sense of the all and be a better teacher. No one is going to be a great teacher on their first day. It is so great now, sitting in the class and learning about all the developmental milestones after I had been in the classrooms. Every time we read something new, so many light bulbs come on over my head and so many things make sense and I am super excited to get back out there and actually understand the reasoning that some things are happening.
ReplyDeleteBut really, it takes time to get used to and it is really important to use your resources. Fellow teachers, co-teachers, textbooks, mentors, friends, alcohol, haha. KIDDING! But everything is a learning process and takes practice and as long as your keep your mind and heart open and willing to try new things and let loose a bit, as Kyle so apply put, “Everything is gonna be all right.”