CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: What My Students Have Taught Me

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FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).

This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7

This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6

For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5

This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4

Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3

Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1

Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Monday, March 9, 2009

What My Students Have Taught Me

The most important thing my students have taught me is not to pre-judge them! Many of my early on problem students have turned around. By learning more about them I have found ways to make them comfortable in class, and others to fit in. There is a place for all that want to learn we just have to find it. Just as there is a purpose for all, we just have to find it . Some students require a little more effort, but thats our challenge. To instruct requires more than the sum of control, a sense of worth and belonging should be in every students heart. Our happy students are never a problem, so to create more happy students is my goal.

3 comments:

Riley said...: I totally agree. Sometimes it is easy to pre-judge students, especially when all of the other teachers are telling you what a terror that student is to teach. It is best to give each student a chance to show you who they are. I have also noticed that if I learn about my students, and make them and get them engaged in my class, then they are wonderful students. It is definitely worth the effort to help a child have that sense of belonging. It is a natural human tendency to want to be a part of something, and teachers should help all their students feel like they are a part of the class. It is always good to have happy students!; March 9, 2009 at 7:58:00 PM EDT
Teresa said...: A great post Ken and really good insite to our students individual differences. Last year I had a "goth girl" come into my class. She was dressed in total black, black eye-liner, black nails and black clothing. I thought, oh my, she can beat me up. Well, to my delight, she is a wonderful student. Very bright, helpful and friendly. This was a really good lesson for me. Don't pre-judge! And, be patient as sometimes it takes awhile for our students to mature.; March 10, 2009 at 3:05:00 PM EDT
Dr. M said...: Hi, Ken - you have caught on to a big difference between adults who teach teenagers and those who do not, and that is the realization about teenagers that the cover does not always fit the book.

One of my best students, like Teresa's experience, was very different in appearance. This young man had a large flourescent green mohawk that was spiked up a foot or more on top of his head. Yet he was one of my most intelligent, focused and successful students. He returned after graduation one day in a tailored 3-piece suit, short hair, etc., and shared his early successes and plans for more - pretty amazing.

Kudos to you for being accepting and patient - your students will respond well to that.; March 13, 2009 at 9:09:00 AM EDT