They also would like to hear from teachers what students do that make teachers feel that the students want to learn and that energizes them. What would that be? I will share your comments with the students to see where this might go.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Students work for teachers that . . .
Recently, the school board met with sixteen high school students to share pizza and conversation. It was the most diverse group the board has met with, resulting in an enjoyable and energizing conversation. All of the students engaged in the conversation around a variety of topics with one being what teachers do that makes students feel that they care. They look forward to being in these classrooms and work hard for those teachers. Some of the responses are identified below.
They also would like to hear from teachers what students do that make teachers feel that the students want to learn and that energizes them. What would that be? I will share your comments with the students to see where this might go.
They also would like to hear from teachers what students do that make teachers feel that the students want to learn and that energizes them. What would that be? I will share your comments with the students to see where this might go.
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2 comments:
* Having a positive attitude toward the curriculum. - I get that students don't necessarily love all their classes, but teachers are teaching subjects because they are passionate about their curriculum and want to share that passion with students and it hurts when students say "I hate this class" even if they follow it up with "I mean, I like you, but I don't like this class"
* Do their homework. - I know it seems silly, but we don't assign homework because we want to steal all the students' time. We feel that some things are easier to practice at home and if students aren't willing to put in that time then it translates to the teacher hearing "I don't care about your class"
* Listening when the teach is talking. - Again, seems like a silly one. But honestly, teachers don't talk because they like to hear the sound of their own voice, they're trying to inspire and educate. Talking when the teacher is talking is just disrespectful.
* Figure out the appropriate use of electronic devices. - I think students should have the opportunity to make good choices about when is the appropriate time to be using devices, but when it comes down to it sometimes these devices give teachers the perception that students don't care about the class or find whatever is going on electronically more important.
* Ask questions, ask for help, and participate! - Teachers are teachers because they want to help you. Show that you too want to learn and understand.
Crystal touched on a variety of great suggestions.
When I think about my students, the ones that I look forward to interacting with each day are those that consistently bring their A game. While everybody has an off day or extraneous distractions, those students that are willing to ask questions, to respectfully share an opinion, to accept nothing short of their best effort (most of the time) are the kind of student that motivates me to be a better teacher, to reciprocate in kind. I would rather engage a "C" student that's working their "tail off" much more than a straight-A student that is settling for a B out of laziness. The most frustrating thing for me is watching an academically-talented student take the "low road"...over and over again. What a waste. Not that I give up/give in...it just means I need to step up my game a notch but this post asked so I answered.
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