3) What if a teacher isn’t willing to address his/her own shortcomings?
There comes a time in everyone’s life when we reach a crossroad. Sometimes it is a decision of action versus inaction. Growth versus Girth. [I was trying to be creative there and actually had to look up the word “girth.” It works for what I am trying to get across. Instant smile.]
Again, the question addresses willingness. Am I willing to continue to grow professionally? Or would I rather keep all my resources and strategies that I have used for years and am comfortable with and, by golly, my kids will be better because of it? Do I use some of the same resources and strategies? Sure. Who doesn’t NEED that level of comfort in the classroom? There will always be certain things that teachers should hold on to because they are good for the academic growth and development of the students. But does that mean I will instruct in the classroom the same way for every class? Absolutely not. The material may be the same, but the students, and their abilities and learning styles, are never the same. Personalities. Moods. There are always factors that create interesting learning environments. Knowing that I am a huge factor in that environment, I must do my best to be my best. If there is something I do not do well, I should be seeking help or advice. If I am losing touch with the culture of my teens, I better spend time reading and watching and listening to what they read and watch and listen to. [Scary thought though.]
So what if an individual does not continue to grow? What happens? Isn’t it obvious? Are there kids excited to be in the classroom? Are the kids smiling? Joking around in the teacher’s presence? Coming in between classes to say “hello”? Keeping in touch in their college years? Writing letters to say “You saved my life”? Sending you messages on Facebook that say “Everytime I need advice, I hear your voice in the classroom when you taught us about . . . .”
Unwilling? Accept the consequences!
I love this question. What some students don't realize is that teachers are real people and are better at some things than others. Conversely, what some teachers don't realize is that not all methods work for all years and all grade levels.
ReplyDeleteExample: the first classes I ever taught as a student teacher were 11th grade. When I got my first full-time job, I had two levels of juniors and one level of sophomores. Within a few years, I had freshmen, juniors, and seniors during the same day. Currently I have juniors and seniors and, despite the fact that I do enjoy working with freshmen and sophomores, I have to admit I am probably more comfortable working with the older students, largely because I am more comfortable teaching their curriculum.
Because of my greater comfort, I likely make fewer mistakes. I do admit my mistakes when I make them though, and I feel the same way about teachers who won't fess up as I do about those who regularly text or talk on their cell phones during class. Mistakes are part of learning, and we teach the wrong lesson when we try to seem like we are perfect. Students are smart enough to know when we're wrong anyway, and if they know we can admit our mistakes, it helps them understand that they can admit theirs.
Yes, there are some downsides to keeping up with the culture of our students, which you'll find out when you get old. At least that's what I hear . . .
First off I would like to say that the message trying to be made by these what if I'm wrong? posts is very thoughtful and commendable and is what more teachers should start doing. Second, you are doing a great job of relating and managing your class currently [at least third hour). Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThere are some methods for teaching that will always be useful and relevant to teachers, and because the teachers are comfortable with those methods they are, in turn, taught most effectively. But there are also a wide variety of methods of teaching that are being developed every day and these methods are more relevant to this generation. Teachers should be able to use these methods and even struggle through them with the students in discussions to better themselves as well as their students. Teachers must realize everything they do affects a different student in a different way. They are constantly under the microscope and they should embrace that and be able to accept shortcomings and learn from them. This process will overall make teachers better teachers.
ReplyDeleteI'd say most of what you are doing mr Kimble is working excellently. I've never actually learned so easily in my life from what you are doing. You're the kind of teacher I'd be most likely to keep in contact with, asking questions, and saying hey every once in a while.If mroe teachers did what you do we'd have an excellent education adn we may actually get the ACT scores we need, or are expected to get, and be high up there.
ReplyDeleteDo you want us to do all those things? people who don't do those things don't necessarily not want to or are not open! they are just afraid of Coming in randomly or talking to you out of school hours. not only are they afraid, they probably think something weird of it... Not really any other teachers want us to do that and get mad but... i'm not comparing i PROMISE! but seriously you do teach amazingly! you brighten my day with fun ways of learning and we need to have a sword fight to re-in act ILLIAD! even though no one likes it.... Just kidding we Love it! but i would like to keep in touch to ask advice about english randomly... ok? When i am a teacher i will contact u if i haven't already i promise!
ReplyDeleteKEM 1!
Mr. K...you are doing a great job with changing up your methods. You try to reach more than one student in one type of method. For example, the other day when we did the direction project, you really got a lot of peoples attention on who they would work best with, which is what some teachers don't get they might put to 'norths' in the same group and wounder why they won't work together properly. You on the other habd let us pick our groups or pick them by how we act that way everybodyn will learn what they need to without confrontation with another student.
ReplyDeleteBut you also use other methods like everything that you are doing with the '7 habits'. There are stories in there that relate to evry student and they are in the same section so more students can interperet what we are reading.
All-in-all what i am trying to say is that you should keep trying new learning methods, most of them are working. Thank you :) lol
SS 1st hour
I think that students remember things from the classrooms, both good and bad. You hear parents telling about a class that was just HORRIBLE in high school or something a teacher said that had an affect on their lives forever, or a quote that they remember if they are having trouble with something. I feel like i will remember this class because of the teaching techniques you use. It has made it sooo much easier to learn about english and relating it to the world and how it will help you in the future. I bet this class will be one i will look back on and remember something that will help in some way.
ReplyDeleteJT1st
Mr. Kimble you are an excellent teacher. As for "I should be seeking help or advice. If I am losing touch with the culture of my teens, I better spend time reading and watching and listening to what they read and watch and listen to. [Scary thought though.]" that on its own is a terrifying thought. I believe teachers should have a certain distance from teen culture. Otherwise how could we ever get away with anything? Ah but we know im joking..
ReplyDeletetjc 1
So..umm yeah. When you said should I contiue to use the same lessons and materials as the years before? I guess it all depends weather or not the students are the same or not. But I may be wrong. I think a person does change throught the years. Like each year of your teaching the students are different in their learning and what they do on a nonschool basis. I think its
ReplyDeleterather funny not scary that you look into the culture of your teens.
WC6
Mr. Kimble, I think you are doing a marvelous job. Your class is by far my favorite academic class I've ever been in. You take learning to a whole new level. I am very glad you are pondering the ideas of "What if I'm wrong?" However, I don't think you are wrong. You make learning so much easier for me. I acctually enjoy learning in your class. Also, this is a bit off topic but I like when you gave us articles of current events and had us discuss them. I think you are one of the teachers who kids relate with. You make it easy to trust you, therefore we feel more comfortable in the learning environment that you create.
ReplyDeleteaeb1