Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

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?

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

I Live To Teach!

Even-though I am new to the NTI program and I have not started teaching formally in the school system, I have been teaching students through my security and martial art training academies for many years. Because I am so passionate about teaching,  I would like to share my philosophy on the relationship between the instructor and the student. The relationship between the instructor and the student is sometimes difficult to define, as it encompasses many varying aspects of life. The instructor must flow through the student in many levels of communication and reach to the far corners of his/her mind and life. The instructor is a father and at times a mother; an advisor and a chastiser. The instructor though different, is the same as everyone else. He/She is human and deserves respect, for he has traveled long upon the way. Note: (He) will also represent (She) giving credit to both genders.
The instructor is an excellent teacher. By this, it is meant that he/she can convey the appropriate information to his students a the correct time and in the best manner, as to maximize his students understanding. He must be able to see them and their problems as they seldom can. The instructor shows no favor. As progression is reached, he becomes harder on those who progress. He's kind, but firm on the beginners on the path. He advises in an appropriate manner on the inner spiritual aspects of his art. He always has a friendly ear to listen and an open mind to understand, but is not outwardly moved. Many people are unable to see the instructor properly. They tend to see him as a teacher or a friend. He is neither, He is both, He is more. He sees a student in a free way, unmoved by facial expression or appearance, and helps in the best way. If he has to be hard, he is so. If he has to be soft, he is so. His attitudes are always in the best interest of his students.
Often the instructor will test his students by taking views diametrically opposed to theirs and watch their reaction. He may knowingly place his student in a particular situation to see how he handles that situation. He will seldom openly praise. In the martial arts, silence is sometimes the best praise. He will note what affects the student in and out of the school, how he acts and reacts towards his friends, family, fellow students and act accordingly.
He will say nothing when he should speak. He is kind and understanding. He can be strict, he can be compassionate.Through all these externals, his heart is forever with them. He listens when they speak and understands their feelings. He is unmoved, but can be sympathetic if necessary.
He is active in a subdued way, he gives while others take, and ask no rewards. He is sad, he is happy. He is let down, he is uplifted. He is human. He holds to the way, for that way is him. Though outsides may change, the instructor does not. but he thanks in return. He may be blamed, but he persist. He persist when there is no reason to, that is why he is an Instructor. And that to me is what teaching is all about.


3 comments:

Ken said...

Leonard, Very good post. You have really put in to words what a lot of us think.

Unknown said...

Thank You Ken. I think "as teachers and instructors" we all share the same thoughts and feelings about our relationship between our students. We're not that different from military drill sergeants, in that new soldiers go through basic training learning to hate their drill instructor, but after its all over, they realize just how grateful they are for what their instructor taught them. Ask any military veteran, if they remember their drill sergeant and the answer will always be yes! That's who we are!

Ken said...

Like the Drill sergeant we have to have been through it to relate to what they are going through.It is like the question during NTI. Do you remember the best and your worst teacher? It is such an awesome experience to be teaching at the school where I graduated from.