Over the course of my educational career, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be educated by dozens of different people and with each, a different philosophy. Unfortunately, the majority were either too strict or too lax and simply did not demonstrate an ability to captivate their students. To their credit, finding an effective philosophy can be very difficult and even more difficult to maintain.
From what I have experienced, one's ability to teach comes from more than what can be nurtured. Only a few educators remain tattooed in my mind, but these were some of the greatest mentors I have ever met. These educators shared three main characteristics: Charisma, organization and fun. They always had the ability to lead the class with interactive and interesting activities and always knew when to draw the line. It doesn't surprise me that with the five teachers I have loved the most, I have attained the highest grades -- two of which coming in my senior year at High School.
It is an unfortunate truth that most students are not able to fully focus on a two-hour lesson concerning thoughts and theories of a 15th century French philosopher. When I was in High School, this type of scenario happened very regularly and in many different subjects - sleeping students, a rambling teacher and one or two students in the front listening to every word. In my opinion, this is not an ideal learning scenario. Some blame can be placed upon the students, however it is ultimately up to the teacher to ensure that his or her students are, and have reason to pay attention.
One of my fondest memories of high school comes from my 8th grade geography class. Our lesson plan was to read almost 25 pages of the text in order attain information on the first habitants of Canada -- a poor lesson plan to say the least. I'll never forget the look on my fellow classmates' faces when four teachers, dressed to the neck in old-school Canadian gear took the stage to perform a short skit that provided us with more information than the book ever could and won the hearts of thirty young students forever.
It's the little things like this that can make a huge difference in the lives of students -- younger students especially. Ideas such as a skit can build trust between the student and the teacher as it brings the two together to a more personal level and away from a hierarchal level.
From my perspective, being able to effectively incorporate fun, organization and hard work into a classroom is the greatest way to operate for both the student and the educator. Keeping a positive, stress-free vibe within the classroom is an aspect often overlooked, however very important.
It is my opinion that these types of educators were born to teach. Having the understanding and capabilities to captivate a classroom full of thirty-plus students is not an easy task. However, it is one that educators should strive to follow and strive to achieve.
From what I have experienced, one's ability to teach comes from more than what can be nurtured. Only a few educators remain tattooed in my mind, but these were some of the greatest mentors I have ever met. These educators shared three main characteristics: Charisma, organization and fun. They always had the ability to lead the class with interactive and interesting activities and always knew when to draw the line. It doesn't surprise me that with the five teachers I have loved the most, I have attained the highest grades -- two of which coming in my senior year at High School.
It is an unfortunate truth that most students are not able to fully focus on a two-hour lesson concerning thoughts and theories of a 15th century French philosopher. When I was in High School, this type of scenario happened very regularly and in many different subjects - sleeping students, a rambling teacher and one or two students in the front listening to every word. In my opinion, this is not an ideal learning scenario. Some blame can be placed upon the students, however it is ultimately up to the teacher to ensure that his or her students are, and have reason to pay attention.
One of my fondest memories of high school comes from my 8th grade geography class. Our lesson plan was to read almost 25 pages of the text in order attain information on the first habitants of Canada -- a poor lesson plan to say the least. I'll never forget the look on my fellow classmates' faces when four teachers, dressed to the neck in old-school Canadian gear took the stage to perform a short skit that provided us with more information than the book ever could and won the hearts of thirty young students forever.
It's the little things like this that can make a huge difference in the lives of students -- younger students especially. Ideas such as a skit can build trust between the student and the teacher as it brings the two together to a more personal level and away from a hierarchal level.
From my perspective, being able to effectively incorporate fun, organization and hard work into a classroom is the greatest way to operate for both the student and the educator. Keeping a positive, stress-free vibe within the classroom is an aspect often overlooked, however very important.
It is my opinion that these types of educators were born to teach. Having the understanding and capabilities to captivate a classroom full of thirty-plus students is not an easy task. However, it is one that educators should strive to follow and strive to achieve.
