Learning should be a fun experience, not just boring, traditional lectures in which the teacher talks to the chalkboard and the students frantically take notes staring at his or her back. Teachers should engage with their students, as will I in my classroom. I want to encourage students to discover on their own, but be guidance to them. I want to be a tool in their learning, a mentor, an authoritative teacher. An authoritative teacher is one that places limits on their student but encourages independence (What is your classroom management profile). I want to figure out how my students learn, and differentiate accordingly. If some students need lectures while others need hands-on experiments in the science lab, I will try my best to help all of the students and incorporate different learning styles and levels into my plans. I think having centers would be a great way to structure a science class. With centers I would be sure to include different learning styles. One center with reading and writing about science, some listening about science, and some performing (teacher lead) experiments. This would be a great structure for any classroom. Allowing each student different opportunities to learn the same material, after all, we know the old saying “practice makes perfect.”
That being said, I have compiled a list of five strengths and experiences that will (hopefully) make me a better teacher. 1. I am passionate about teaching. I believe that every student can learn and will succeed. I will do all the research I can to find new ways of presenting material until a student “gets it.” 2. I have had teachers in the past that do not cater to any students except the ones that learn the “old school” way. (i.e. teacher looks at the board and talks with their back to the students). Therefore, I know how frustrating it is to have a teacher seem like they don’t want to help. –I WILL! 3. I once had a teacher that never learned my name. I sat in the back corner (my last name was Welch, we were in alphabetical order) and talked to my neighbor everyday to get his attention. He referred to me as, “hey you, shush” I will NEVER do that to one of my students. I want to get to know my students and learn everyone’s names. Knowing the students on a personal level allows them know you care, and want them to succeed. 4. Failure is the best thing that allows me to become a successful teacher. I have failed my fair share of exams and I have had bad experiences. I have lost games in sporting events, let my team down, and participated in all of the typical failures of a growing child and adolescent. I believe because of these experiences I can give my students a word of advice, and help them through the emotions. I can show them that one bad test grade is not going to hurt them, but should help them learn from their mistakes. 5. Lastly, I can’t help but smile when I am in a classroom teaching. A smile is worth a thousand words. With a smile every morning from a teacher can truly brighten a child’s day. No matter what that child receives at home, a smile and a positive attitude set a student up for success.
Learning should be a fun experience, not just boring, traditional lectures in which the teacher talks to the chalkboard and the students frantically take notes staring at his or her back. Teachers should engage with their students, as will I in my classroom. I want to encourage students to discover on their own, but be guidance to them. I want to be a tool in their learning, a mentor, an authoritative teacher. An authoritative teacher is one that places limits on their student but encourages independence (What is your classroom management profile). I want to figure out how my students learn, and differentiate accordingly. If some students need lectures while others need hands-on experiments in the science lab, I will try my best to help all of the students and incorporate different learning styles and levels into my plans. I think having centers would be a great way to structure a science class. With centers I would be sure to include different learning styles. One center with reading and writing about science, some listening about science, and some performing (teacher lead) experiments. This would be a great structure for any classroom. Allowing each student different opportunities to learn the same material, after all, we know the old saying “practice makes perfect.”
That being said, I have compiled a list of five strengths and experiences that will (hopefully) make me a better teacher.
1. I am passionate about teaching. I believe that every student can learn and will succeed. I will do all the research I can to find new ways of presenting material until a student “gets it.”
2. I have had teachers in the past that do not cater to any students except the ones that learn the “old school” way. (i.e. teacher looks at the board and talks with their back to the students). Therefore, I know how frustrating it is to have a teacher seem like they don’t want to help. –I WILL!
3. I once had a teacher that never learned my name. I sat in the back corner (my last name was Welch, we were in alphabetical order) and talked to my neighbor everyday to get his attention. He referred to me as, “hey you, shush” I will NEVER do that to one of my students. I want to get to know my students and learn everyone’s names. Knowing the students on a personal level allows them know you care, and want them to succeed.
4. Failure is the best thing that allows me to become a successful teacher. I have failed my fair share of exams and I have had bad experiences. I have lost games in sporting events, let my team down, and participated in all of the typical failures of a growing child and adolescent. I believe because of these experiences I can give my students a word of advice, and help them through the emotions. I can show them that one bad test grade is not going to hurt them, but should help them learn from their mistakes.
5. Lastly, I can’t help but smile when I am in a classroom teaching. A smile is worth a thousand words. With a smile every morning from a teacher can truly brighten a child’s day. No matter what that child receives at home, a smile and a positive attitude set a student up for success.