Chapter One of our book discusses the educational psychology and the scientific discipline behind it used to improve a students learning and a teacher's instruction all together in the classroom environment. The most important topics I learned from the chapter were as follows: (a) Teaching is complex and requires knowledge (b) Research literature can improve teaching/learning methods (c) Teachers that go to and acquire continuing education and professional development are more effective than those that do not. Being an effective teacher is always a person's primary goal and to do that one must always be on the cutting edge of technology and research and want to further his/her learning to be the best teacher possible.
The four articles that I read were ranged broadly on topic. One discussed teaching across state boarders, being a professional in the field, Inequality at school, and types of teacher education. Needless to say that is a lot of difference. I will say this, even though the topics were wide ranging, those articles all tied together using one common theme and that is that if you are going to be a teacher you must have an open mind and adapt easily to situations that require critical thinking and situations that require "street" thinking skills. Both equally important. Not only do teachers have to conform to each environment as it is presented but they must be able to think on the "fly" and not just in situations with students but the work place also.
This is where I see that the articles and chapters are mutually exclusive in the sense that each brings a skill set to teachers needed to improve the longevity in the field and perhaps the stability to remain in one place versus jumping from one school system to another in or out of state. Even though teaching can come quite naturally to some it will still require skill. Skills from everyday life, psychology, and colleagues. Skills not just used in the classroom but in the work place environment.
The phrase in the article I liked best was, "I've come to the conclusion...that I'm never going to be the world's greatest teacher - and that that's OK". What a statement and lesson. To be the best teacher I can be and grow in my field I think it's important to realize this statement reigns true. Yes, we must treat our students fair and equally within their individualized learning. Look at each of them in their own scope and push their limits daily to the best of their ability. To do this we do not judge their skin color but their drive and need for learning because no matter the race they are all LEARNERS. To be the best educator I can be I must constantly push the envelope of my own learning, be consistent in the environment of learning I offer to myself and others and the colleague to my fellow educators that I desire to grow from. Teaching will be hard but we can ease that feeling by equipping ourselves with the same framework of knowledge, consistency, cooperation, and fairness we will offer to students.
Well said about the process of teaching reflection!! Our journey in teaching is like the path of trail and errors where we as the educators start from our mistake and improve next time! Constantly reflection is really the key for teachers! Like you mentioned in your post, teachers are not just conveying knowledge but also connecting their life to others and may change someone's path. We engage in people's emotion and development, which is such a privilege role to experience more so that we need to possess open-mind and caring attitudes.
ReplyDeleteMany novice teachers especially Caucasians feel offensive when the read these research, but it’s a phenomena happened at school and we as the teacher need to be aware of it!
I am glad to hear your reflection about the teaching attitude for the diverse learners--this research provides us the reflection of how teachers need to be cautioned of the stereotype and response/reaction for the specific ethnic groups.