Modeling
People tend to respect what they see others do not just what they say. Walking the walk is far more meaningful than just talking the talk. Doing what you say that you will do consistantly will instill trust.
Thanks, Stephen. Students usually react well to someone they see as a "similar other." You are accomplishing this by what you describe here.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I teach a general career class that focuses a lot on being positive and reaching goals. Last session, I set myself a goal for my daytime job and would often discuss with them how I was acheiving it (and then actually exceeding it).
Not only did this help as a learning tool and means for discussion, but they are also seeing that the guy in front of the classroom is using the same stuff they ought to be learning.
Thanks, Tim. These are good things for all teachers to do.
Part of walking the walk would be:
Being in class before your students
Greating each with a smile and Hello - by name.
Walking around class and engaging in student lives.
Involving each student in class projects and participation.
Employing all learning styles in your lesson (my hardest thing to do.)
Encouraging all students to be better than they think they are.
Promptly taking care of student problems and questions or finding someone who can.
Follow-up
Thanks, Tim. What are some of the things that a teacher must do to "walk the talk?"
