my theory of education - by planetandrea

February 13, 2008

I believe there is no limit to learning.  As a lifelong learner, I am excited to utilize my own interpersonal skills soon in the classroom.  I also know that an attentive teacher can spot opportunities to assist individuals through additional instruction or positive feedback.  Students may not achieve full expectations simultaneously but at various paces and styles. 

Former First Lady of the United States and current Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told Americans, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Actually, the real importance of this statement is in a lesser known part of her quote, which goes on to say, “I’m obviously not talking just about or even primarily about geographical villages any longer, but about the network of relationships and values that do connect us and binds us together.”  Schools today are given the arduous task of educating students who come from affluence to poverty, homelessness, and a variety of social ills.  The school and the classroom become the village binding students together through caring attitudes of conscientious teachers.  Regardless of socioeconomic or cultural factors, schools and classroom teachers can still influence learning and impact even the most discouraged student.  The ability to interact with diverse learners is a day-to-day challenge but can be accomplished by differentiating instruction for students within a classroom.  Some students may need additional instruction to internalize the concepts presented or may need additional strategies and encouragement.  However, through dedication and perseverance a teacher can gather her “village” of learners into a mutually cooperative community.  Most teachers should expect to be asked to work with large and small groups as teacher, co-teacher, facilitator, or mentor to my students.  Even if a student must return to a less than desirable home life at the close of the school day, I believe we must do our best to give that child a safe haven and nourish him physically and mentally in the hours we share with him or her.

Many students learn quickly and enjoy school assignments.  Yet, sometimes students come to us discouraged with diagnoses indicating much difficulty in past classroom accomplishments.  The job of the teacher is to believe that these students can also be reached through a variety of methods which may involve visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities.  Thus, a supportive teacher who is willing to go the extra mile for her students before and after school, through parental contacts, and supplemental materials can support the learning for all of her students.  

Teachers that have good interpersonal skills and communicate well with adults can certainly do so with children.  I believe students come to school expecting lessons that are challenging and interactive.  The schoolroom of the past with lengthy teacher-centered lessons and lectures are simply not viable today.  The technologically adept students today need variety and stimulating lessons which require thought.  Teamwork and collaboration are excellent ways to motivate students.  Classrooms that are setup for cooperative learning logistically will enhance learning.  A system of rewards may further learning as students are always responsive to positive re-enforcement.  Avoiding negativity is crucial to help students develop positive self-esteem.  Motivation can best be achieved through a constantly interesting and challenging set of assignments.