mind travelling
entering the classrom is a different adventure every day.
like any voyage,you have to prepare and expect the unexpected at any moment.
Columbus had to prepare for his long voyage to the new world.
and so should we, to explore knowledge and travel through the human mind.
Hi Tonya:
With rare exceptions all teachers are going to have some off days. But, as you comment, if we keep the purpose in mind, that can be mentally cahllenging and maybe a bit motivating to the teacher.
When wee get positive feedback from students, or the "AHA" moments, that's what helps keeps us wanting to react positively.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
I agree that all interaction with students must be dynamic however; sometimes faculty and staff get "tired" or "burnt out" in which case they need to look at themselves and 10% of what happens and 90% how they react. Studnets want to learn and they want change; that is why they come to us.
Hi Susan:
Good point - prepared is being ready, regardless of the theaching environment.
Regards, Barry
Laurent - Even though I teach online and not in a standing classroom, I try to construct the class in my mind, before it starts. I still dress appropriately and organize materials ahead of time, turn off the phone and "enter" the classroom online. Sue
Hi Stacy:
Yes, you're right. Preaparation, organization, and experience are the best assets to assure the best student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
I agree, we really need to prepare each and evey day. We need to be ready to change courses based on the variety of students we have. One student can change the course of the class as the waves on the ocean. If you are prepared your boat will not capsize and you crew will survive.
Hi Fernando:
Some of the best ideas come from simple exercises. I think this fits that category.
Regards, Barry
I enjoy this journey.
The weather on the journey changes from time to time and some days I use the sails and others the outbord motor!!!!
Hi Matthew:
You are right! Customizing our approach to different student groups is a necessary action many times in order to reach the students the most appropriate way.
Regards, Barry
Agreed. The voyage that a teacher enters into is a continuing trek. All of our students are different in their own way. Us as instructors sometimes have to adapt to this in order to get across information in the best way possible. Preparation on our side is key to the way that we are organized.
Hi Laurent:
I agree - all interactions with students, staff, faculty, administration can be just routine or dynamic. As the saying goes "Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it".
Regards, Barry
