Weekly Writing Assignment 1: "What is Teaching & Learning?"
Teaching, learning,... these are certainly words that we use daily, but do we have an understanding of what it truly means to teach or to learn?
Newcomb et al. in Methods of Teaching Agriculture (2004) assert that teaching is the “guiding and directing” of the “learning process such that learners acquire new knowledge, skills, or attitudes…” (pg. 22). However, they continue to state that both the teacher AND the learner need to be actively involved in the learning process for learning to occur. So then, what does it mean to actively participate? Newcomb et al. continue by stating that “learning occurs when students through their own activity have changes in behavior” (pg. 38). It is vital that the student takes ownership for learning.
While many people associate one person teaching with another person or other people learning, according to Wong & Wong (2009) teachers are some of the worst learners (pg. 19) even though they themselves should be continually learning. Many teachers don’t pursue professional development to grow and learn, which is certainly a shame. We are strongly urged to continually be learning and developing as individuals, as professionals, and as educators. Vaughn argues in Effective teaching: Notes for the Beginning Teacher, that there is a “direct correlation between how hard the teacher works to be effective and how well the student performs” (pg. 2, n.d.). Newcomb et al (2004) also state that there is a direct connection between planning and success (pg. 26). I find this very intriguing, and although I am somewhat unsure how one quantifies how hard someone can work to be an effective teacher, it’s certainly interesting to think about.
I also appreciate that this relates to the growth mindset we have been discussing in class. The notion that people are born as great teachers is certainly a “fixed” mindset idea that I think many people have. Eduardo Briceno (2012), in his TED talk called “The Power of belief -- mindset and success” says that believing we are special or smart is a detriment. Instead, we need to believe that we can grow and develop. He quotes psychologist Carol Dweck in his talk about fixed versus growth mindset. Our perspective on intelligence matters. Check out his video here -->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc .
I also appreciate that this relates to the growth mindset we have been discussing in class. The notion that people are born as great teachers is certainly a “fixed” mindset idea that I think many people have. Eduardo Briceno (2012), in his TED talk called “The Power of belief -- mindset and success” says that believing we are special or smart is a detriment. Instead, we need to believe that we can grow and develop. He quotes psychologist Carol Dweck in his talk about fixed versus growth mindset. Our perspective on intelligence matters. Check out his video here -->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc .
Briceno says that many of the interactions between students and teachers, parents and children, affect how they see their intelligence (TED talk, 2012). It is vital to be cognizant of these interactions, especially early on in the relationship. Wong & Wong (2009) cite that “Student achievement at the end of the year is directly related to the degree to which the teacher establishes good control of the classroom procedures in the very first week of school” (pg 4). This is a bold and dramatic statement, but in many ways makes sense. If students are allowed to slack off or misbehave at the beginning of the year, they will continue for the rest of the semester, therefore not optimizing learning opportunities. Newcom et al. reiterate that planning is essential, and providing a routine structure is key to managing an effective classroom (pg. 29). In lab we discussed the importance of setting protocols during the first day(s) of class to ensure that students understand the routine and know what to expect.
Top ten characteristics of effective teachers according to Vaughn (n.d.): Clarity, Variability, Enthusiasm, Task Oriented/Business-Like Behavior, Positive Reinforcement, Student Opportunity to Learn, Avoided Criticism, Structuring Comments, Effective Questioning, Humor. This is quite the list, I think that one addition I would make is caring. This goes along with the quote “People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care” (John C. Maxwell) Wong & Wong (2009) somewhat agree with my addition to the list. One of their top three items for an effective teacher is “affects and touches lives” (pg.8). A goal certainly worth striving for.
Briceno (2012) says when we hear the voice in our head that says “I can’t do this…” add the word YET. We need to remember that while teacher education might not have prepared us for the classroom (pg. 14) “every one of us is both a student and a teacher” (Wong & Wong, 2009, pg. 10). We might not be effective teachers YET, but we can work hard to grow.
Briceno, E. (2012). “The Power of Belief -- mindset and success TED talk. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc
Newcomb, L.H., McCracken, J.D., Warmbrod, J.R., & Whittington, M.S. (1993). Methods of teaching agriculture. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Vaugh, P.R. (n.d.) Effective teaching: Notes for the Beginning Teacher. Retrieved from http://www.casnr.unl.edu/aps/teachman.pdf
