I decided that since my wisdom was FLOWING today when I commented to Karen's post (at her most insistent pleading and begging) that I would repost it where it wouldn't get buried in the comment section of the course blog. I'm thinking that this is the beginning of my "Teaching Philosophy," and hey, it sounded good!
My passion for teaching stems from my own long, winding career as a professional student, and a professional learner. Just as I have read and written reams and reams, that is what I want for my students: to learn by experiencing as much as possible while in my future classroom.
While the content may be dictated by the administration, there are SO MANY places that Dickens and Bronte can go, that mere love for literature and passion are the tools to open up the rich world of literature for students.
I'd say that teaching (successful teaching whereby students are actively engaged and questioning/learning) is 2 parts PASSION, 1 part CONTENT/KNOWLEDGE. If the teacher is enthusiastic and exhibits boundless energy/creativity/excitement toward the subject or novel or writing assignment (or graphic novel...), then the students will be influenced by that passion, and decide, "Hey, this might be interesting," or "This lady is wacked, but maybe she just might keep me from falling asleep today...".
Either way: SUCCESS! They're awake, they're intrigued, and they're present!
I think one of the many challenges of teaching is to motivate the students, not only to do the work, but to want to show their creativity and originality IN the work they do, to exhibit the same passion we do, but where it matters to them.
Sorry for the rambling.
My passion for teaching stems from my own long, winding career as a professional student, and a professional learner. Just as I have read and written reams and reams, that is what I want for my students: to learn by experiencing as much as possible while in my future classroom.
While the content may be dictated by the administration, there are SO MANY places that Dickens and Bronte can go, that mere love for literature and passion are the tools to open up the rich world of literature for students.
I'd say that teaching (successful teaching whereby students are actively engaged and questioning/learning) is 2 parts PASSION, 1 part CONTENT/KNOWLEDGE. If the teacher is enthusiastic and exhibits boundless energy/creativity/excitement toward the subject or novel or writing assignment (or graphic novel...), then the students will be influenced by that passion, and decide, "Hey, this might be interesting," or "This lady is wacked, but maybe she just might keep me from falling asleep today...".
Either way: SUCCESS! They're awake, they're intrigued, and they're present!
I think one of the many challenges of teaching is to motivate the students, not only to do the work, but to want to show their creativity and originality IN the work they do, to exhibit the same passion we do, but where it matters to them.
Sorry for the rambling.
3 comments:
D, I'll take your rambling over 99% of the world's focusing!! I agree w/you. Passion matters. Students respond to it and they carry it with them. I know since I now have decades of former students who have told me that they remember my enthusiasm and passion for English.
Your content will NOT be determined by the administration. This is really a myth many pre-service (and in-service for that matter) teachers think is the case.
You WILL be able to invent your classroom. Nothing less than that will be acceptable to you.
Very true. I think that recently I have begun to accept little and challenge most things that have been occuring. I KNOW this will probably be an issue, but I've finally found myself VOICING my opinions and ideas rather than just letting things pass me by, thinking that it'll be all alright later. Though I don't think anyone's personality/identity should become too stagnant, I think I've finally found "it," that thing that makes me tick.
More rambling...
And what is it Dawn, that "thing" that makes you tick. Knowing who we are is the most important "tip" (argh--hate those teacher tip sessions!!) we bring into our classrooms.
Methods, strategies, all of it is important. Yes. But the toolbox is useless if the "real teacher" doesn't show up each day. The real teacher is who we are at the core of our being...and what we believe about what English is...
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