Jaguar Student Teachers Fall 2011: Unit A: Basic Understandings -- The Teacher (How to understand why you're teaching in the first place)

Jaguar Student Teachers Fall 2011: Unit A: Basic Understandings -- The Teacher (How to understand why you're teaching in the first place)
Unit A:
I thought that these first five chapters were very insightful in helping me to understand how to be an effective teacher. We have all have had teachers that have affected our lives, and I think that is why we have chosen to become educators.

In the first five chapters what I agreed with the most was the three characteristics for an effective teacher. These were positive expectations for student success, an extremely good classroom manager, and how to design lessons for student mastery. We have all heard of these characteristics throughout student teaching, and I believe that these characteristics make you an effective teacher.

I also liked the portion where it talked about moving from the fantasy stage into survival. I see that there is a lot of room for me to grow as a teacher, and accepting that is the first step. I hope to move into mastery, and into impact, but I know this will take time and a lot of work. I understand that the teacher is the most important part in student success, and I want to reach the level in which I can impact student’s lives.

I also liked how the author wrote about how important the first day of school is to having a successful year. If a student has structure, and has a clear plan of what to expect from the class the student will know what expectations are expected out of him and more effective learning will take place.


Comments:

John:
I was also shocked about the comment that beginning school with a fun assignment is a hallmark for an ineffective teacher. The teacher I am observing did go the rules and guidelines for the year, and also told the students what exactly what to expect from the class and him. He also had time for the students to do a “semi-fun activity” on the importance of history. I say “semi-fun” because it was not designed to be a fun activity, but it was very interesting and eye opening.

I think we all know that teaching means a commitment to lifelong learning, as well as never settling with how our teaching skills and always trying to improve them. One of my favorite quotes from these chapters was, “inside every great teacher is a better one waiting to come out!” This quote speaks volumes about always trying to get better, and to do a better job because we have made the commitment to be lifelong learners that want to improve.

Brian:
I like that you caught that learning does not have to be fun. I think as beginning teachers we want to make everything we teach to be enjoyable and fun to the students so that will enjoy what they are learning. If teachers teach with energy and passion I think the students will be engaged from the teacher’s energy. I also like that you wrote that about being aware of your habits. It can be hard to break old habits, and I can relate to that.