Powerful Learning and Teaching
Students Expressing Themselves
One of the questions that was posed to several administrators at a recent conference was, “why is it adults do most of the talking in our classrooms?” The implied question is, why do we not structure more opportunities for students to express themselves orally and academically?
The discussion was interesting because as we drilled down deeper and deeper into the why behind our work as educators, we found some critical factors. After we reflected on how most educators learned and “did school,” we realized that most of us learned sitting at a desk, listening, taking notes with little to no discourse during class time. Most of us did school well, and most of us learned in the traditional style of teaching and learning. In other words, most of us were “good at school.” It is important to note, we still have students like us, but the reality is most students are not. Read more
Philosophy on Student Learning
The true gift of teaching is not in our inherited or developed talents; it is in student learning.
Why do hospitals focus a great deal on patient welfare? Why do companies that create airline parts spend time and resources on quality control? Why is it professional athletic coaches spend so much time analyzing the outcomes of their contests? The answers are obvious. They all have to do with the outcome of their work. Why is it then education has been viewed in many cases so differently?
Here is a list of reasons I think why we have received a pass in this regard:
- Students do not always want to learn. We cannot force them to learn.
- Students come from homes and backgrounds where education is not important. They are not motivated to learn and they have too much ground to make up academically.
- Students are not always responsible; they need to take responsibility for their education.
- Learning is the responsibility of parents and students. Teaching the material in a powerful way does not guarantee student success.
Powerful Learning and Teaching
Where would we be without teachers? What would the world look like without adults who teach the younger generation the right things? And more importantly, where would we be without adults who loved us enough to see we learned the truth? This rhetorical question is not pondered enough. Teachers are much like great leaders. They are influencers. And, without the right influence, we are headed for disaster. Teachers do not just convey knowledge. They are motivators, inspirers, leaders, positive mentors, relationship builders, etc. And among many others, I will add: positive prognosticators! They help us create a framework for our future, they help paint the picture of our possibilities and potential, and they give us hope for tomorrow. They are hope builders and dream instigators. This is why we continually remind ourselves and each other of one of the strongest principles (often ignored) about our personal vision:
Corcoran Unified School District