Submitted by Brandi (not verified) on March 21, 2008 - 21:24.
Ben,
I agree with you on the need for urgency in the classroom. I am an elementary intervention teacher for grades k-4. I teach both reading and math. Everyday I feel the need of urgency in the classroom. The students that I work with have the ability to do the work they just lack the motivation or realization that all it takes is self empowerment and effort. I have read many books on effective teachers and their impacts on learning. One trait that an effective teacher should possess is charisma. The teacher that gets excited about what he/she teaches and finds ways to relate it to real world issues has a greater impact on the students. Also, the emotion that he/she puts into the lesson will make it more memorable for the student.
Effective teachers also set high-expectations for their students. There is an urgency for all teachers to set their expectations high for all students. The higher the bar is set the harder they will work to get there.
Teachers should also feel an urgency to constantly learn and grow through professional development, online classes, blogs and participation in professional organizations. Research is continuously teaching us ways that promote student learning in all content areas. Teachers can no longer teach the same way for all students and be effective. We need to constantly read the research and grow our toolbox of strategies so that we know what strategies work best for certain students and use them.
Today the education arena should feel a sense of urgency. We have the data and research to help us make informed decisions when working with children. We have to step up to the plate and require all teachers to break out of their comfort zone and do what is required of them.They must follow the research proven strategies. I work with so many teachers that are still teaching the same way they have been for the last twenty years. I am not saying that they aren't effective teachers but their strategies are no longer effective for all students. I am overwhelmed at how many teachers still believe that whole language is the best way to teach reading. I am an intervention teacher and the effects of the whole language program are affecting my students tremendously. They need a classroom where the teachers incorporate critical skills into lessons directly, systematically and actively. This change needs to occur immediatly. Educators have the ability to change the world and that needs to start right now!
An urgency for teachers to change their teaching styles
Submitted by Brandi (not verified) on March 21, 2008 - 21:24.
Ben,
I agree with you on the need for urgency in the classroom. I am an elementary intervention teacher for grades k-4. I teach both reading and math. Everyday I feel the need of urgency in the classroom. The students that I work with have the ability to do the work they just lack the motivation or realization that all it takes is self empowerment and effort. I have read many books on effective teachers and their impacts on learning. One trait that an effective teacher should possess is charisma. The teacher that gets excited about what he/she teaches and finds ways to relate it to real world issues has a greater impact on the students. Also, the emotion that he/she puts into the lesson will make it more memorable for the student.
Effective teachers also set high-expectations for their students. There is an urgency for all teachers to set their expectations high for all students. The higher the bar is set the harder they will work to get there.
Teachers should also feel an urgency to constantly learn and grow through professional development, online classes, blogs and participation in professional organizations. Research is continuously teaching us ways that promote student learning in all content areas. Teachers can no longer teach the same way for all students and be effective. We need to constantly read the research and grow our toolbox of strategies so that we know what strategies work best for certain students and use them.
Today the education arena should feel a sense of urgency. We have the data and research to help us make informed decisions when working with children. We have to step up to the plate and require all teachers to break out of their comfort zone and do what is required of them.They must follow the research proven strategies. I work with so many teachers that are still teaching the same way they have been for the last twenty years. I am not saying that they aren't effective teachers but their strategies are no longer effective for all students. I am overwhelmed at how many teachers still believe that whole language is the best way to teach reading. I am an intervention teacher and the effects of the whole language program are affecting my students tremendously. They need a classroom where the teachers incorporate critical skills into lessons directly, systematically and actively. This change needs to occur immediatly. Educators have the ability to change the world and that needs to start right now!