In the book What Great Teachers Do Differently, Todd Whitaker chronicles things that great teachers do. By adopting many of the practices in the book, a new teacher can be well on their way to becoming a great teacher. High expectations, creating a climate of caring, decision making, and learning to ignore things are just a few of the things that great teachers do. Great teachers have high expectations not just for their students, but also for themselves. The expectations a teacher places on his or herself are directly related to those placed on their students.
Citizenship is a pillar of character that hits home with me the most. I feel as though as long as one is displaying the characteristics of citizenship, that person will always be a good example for those who are in a position to look up to him. As an educator, one must always display the characteristics of good citizenship. It is never known when a student or the parent of a student is watching, and the impression that is given off can affect how effective a teacher is. A teacher has a better chance of instilling good values in a student if that teacher can be seen leading by example.
They, too, can be reflective learners; it has been stated that "Among the best things that you can accomplish in your work is to help children become more reflective themselves, more like fearless truth seekers, constructive risk takers, and inquiring thinkers"(Kottler, Zehm & Kottler, 2005, p. 136). A reflective teacher is the one who, by time, becomes highly professional in addressing his or her students' needs intuitively and efficiently. Reflection also supports what Deborah Meier (1995) calls the power to care. It emphasizes the positive attitude and leads the teacher to recognize clearly all what is needed for the good of students. On the other hand, keeping ongoing reflection avoids the teacher from being rusted-out and makes him/her up-to-dated with the learners' urgent needs to pursue a successful school life.
As educators our job is to give our students the tools they need for life, and I think that this book would really help them see the good in other people. I say this because even though Chris’s actions were strange, he was a kind and generous person. This book is perfect for high school students and I think depriving our students from this book is hindering their learning ability. Chris’s story helps students look beyond people's appearance and their actions and makes you look at their intentions. In a high school student I think that, that quality is very important and hard to find.
While this statements sound so simplistic, it’s really being lost in the world of teaching. While trying to keep up with testing standards and needs of students, we as teachers must make sure that we are not creating ignorant thinkers. As teachers we must accept that we don’t have all the answers and that just like students, we are constantly learning. When Dr. Wayson was speaking, I couldn’t
Summary of Chapters 1 & 2 Chapter 1 introduces the questions of what makes a good teacher and what should good education be. It basically explains the criteria they used define their variables, to select subjects, and to determine the validity and reliability of their sources. For the sake of the study described in this book, an outstanding professor was defined as one who is remarkably successful in helping their students learn in a substantial and sustained manner. In addition, they should be able to significantly influence the ways they think, act, and feel. The study also considered those who were able to motivate their students to learn and understand the material rather than just absorbing the information presented to them.
That is when I realized that he wasn’t necessarily a “bad” student he was just a young child who needed motivation and someone who would just care. That is the meaning that I found within Dr. Michaels statement. How does a classroom teacher garner respect? There are many methods that a teacher can use in order to gain their students respect. For example, the most effective method would be, to respect the students and their feelings before they can respect you.
It does not solve all our educational problems. But not having a curriculum indicates our unwillingness or inability to define what we are trying to accomplish. It provides direction, clarity, and focus around worthy ends, without interfering with teachers’ decisions about how to teach” (Ravitch, 231). Teachers are not getting the creative freedom that is necessary to be a good teacher. Too much emphasis is being placed on testing and accountability thus creating discomfort and stress for educators.
Customized Learning Theory: Differentiated Instruction and Inclusion in the Classrooms Katie Wood Liberty University “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtains guidance,” (Proverbs 1:5, ESV). This is a powerful statement from God’s Word that should guide the role teachers play in their classrooms. “Good teachers know their subject matter and have mastered pedagogical skills,” (Slavin, 2009, p 24). Teachers who are willing to base their lessons off of research, in order to learn, will understand what it truly means to guide their students in the right direction. However, teachers cannot guide if they do not understand their students and how the students interpret learning in the classroom.
Having no time for out of school activities will cause students to become over weight. Extended school days plus homework will also cause students to have no time for a social life. Students will have no experience and when it comes time to get a job they will have to speak to people and socialize but they would not have any experience. There are very few jobs that do not require socializing with other people and these jobs are probably not the job the student would want. With all of the many religions, teachers would not be able to cover all of the religions and the curriculum in the school year.