I just read this book What Great Teachers Do Differently, 14 things that matter most, by Todd Whitaker. I want to reflect on how I think about it, so that I learn a little bit more than just reading it.
I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the latter chapters were a bit annoying. I was annoyed because he uses logic that I don't totally agree with. For example, "You don't have to like all of your students. You have to make it seem like you like all of your students." I think that's just sad. Regardless, the book overall was pretty helpful because it hammers on this topic that I am in the middle of figuring out. The topic is, "What do I believe is possible in a classroom?"
I keep hearing from teachers and principles that in order for our students to learn they have to care about the teacher and know that the teacher cares about them. That's great, I can do that. The challenge I'm facing is about whether I truly believe that every student can achieve success in the classroom. In order to effectively challenge and teach each student, I have to believe that each student can meet expectations of learning math and behavioral discipline.
When it comes down to the wire, I believe that each student has the potential to learn math and behavior, and to learn it well. Do I think that a classroom of 30 students is the place where all 30 will succeed? No. BUT - as a teacher, if I can communicate my passion and belief in my students, they can carry that with them to the environment that will provide math skills. I DO believe that each student has the capability to develop gumption, persistence, and discipline, wrapped up with trust in themselves. Those are the skills that a student needs to succeed in academia, trade school, etc.
These are the points from this book - with my comments:
1. Great teachers never forget that it is people, not programs, that determine the quality of a school.
2. Great teachers establish clear expectations at the start of the year and follow them consistently as the year progresses.
3. When a student misbehaves, great teachers have one goal: to keep that behavior from happening again. I would add that the greatest teacher wants to know why a student misbehaved.
4. Great teachers have high expectations for students but even higher expectations for themselves.
5. Great teachers know who is the variable in the classroom: They are. Good teachers consistently strive to improve, and they focus on something they can control - their own performance.
6. Great teachers create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms and schools. They treat every person with respect. In particular, they understand the power of praise.
7. Great teachers consistently filter out the negatives that don't matter and share a positive attitude.
8. Great teachers work hard to keep their relationships in good repair - to avoid personal hurt and to repair any possible damage.
9. Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior without escalating the situation.
10. Great teachers have a place and purpose for everything they do. If things don't work out the way they had envisioned, they reflect on what they could have done differently and adjust their plans accordingly.
11. Before making any decision or attempting to bring about any change, great teachers ask themselves one central question: What will the best people thing?
-I'm not sure I'm on board with any part of this question...
12. Great teachers continually ask themselves who is most comfortable and who is least comfortable with each decision they make. They treat everyone as if they were good.
-I agree with treating all students as if they are good. However, the comfort piece is not something that jives with my thought process.
13. Great teachers keep standarized testing in perspective; they center on the real issue of student learning.
-I agree with focusing on the important piece, learning. However, I also agree with individuals standing up for systematic change if/when it is necessary. For that reason, I think a teacher should be concerned with standardized testing and who benefits and who does not benefit from it.
14. Great teachers care about their students. They understand that behaviors and beliefs are tied to emotion, and they understand the power of emotion to jump-start change.
-I need to find a way to emotionally engage my students on Day 1.
I'm excited to learn more about teaching through experience!
No comments:
Post a Comment