“The motivation is an important leverage in the self-adjustment individual process, a driving force behind the entire psychic and human development.” (Moldovan, pg. 203).
Student motivation is key in a pupil’s educational success and accomplishments. As a future educator myself, I find that motivation and student engagement is crucial in not only my students’ learning, but my own learning as well. Being able to present content material in such a way that students are engaged and willing to participate is important for you as a teacher to accomplish. More importantly, finding strategies and ways to go about motivating your students of all ability levels and backgrounds may be challenging but is extremely rewarding and fulfilling in the end. “Motivation comes from several different avenues including personal interest, acknowledgment, and achievement. Students with intrinsic motivation often are preferred by instructors; however, some students rely on extrinsic motivators. Instructors can use this knowledge and adapt their teaching style to encourage more intrinsic motivation. Instructors can increase motivation in students through interactive lessons, student self-evaluation, positive feedback, and encouragement.” (Sedden, pg. 614). As discussed earlier, it is important for you as a teacher to be able to find the right types of motivation when it comes to your students. As many students vary in different learning styles and are engaged in the classroom setting by different and individualized instruction.
With students who need more of an extrinsic motivation, positive rewards are a huge part of this student’s motivational success. Whether it is directly or indirectly from the teacher, this student learns much more in an environment in which he/she is praised and encouraged to do so (avoiding conflict/consequences). Teachers may use compliments and/or encouragement or rewards in which the student will receive to become more motivated and engaged in his/her learning environment. With intrinsic motivation, the student will simply learn based off his or her own interest in doing so.
As I plan to become a secondary physical education teacher, I feel as though extrinsic motivation will be used much more in my class than intrinsic because students at this level (especially in the P.E. setting) tend to lack motivation in being physically active and healthy. Providing positive feedback, reinforcing the importance of engagement/participation, and responding in a positive sense of voice to students, especially at the secondary level, can motivate students greatly in their success both inside and outside the classroom setting.
As discussed previously, motivating students of all ability levels may be challenging at times. In the physical education setting however, there are various ways in which motivating students can become almost impossible at times. Ways in which going about motivating students in a P.E. setting could be examples such as positive reinforcement, reward systems (i.e., free choice time, activities based off student enjoyment, student-teaching, etc.). “…it seems that feedback satisfying the need for competence fosters autonomous motivation that in turn positively predicts positive affect and intentions to participate in future-time activities.” (Mouratidis, pg. 263). Simply stating, positive reinforcement is a huge motivator for students, more specifically in the physical education setting.
Need help as a teacher motivating students in the classroom setting? Student-centered learning! While physical education class slightly differs in motivating students from the classroom setting, there are many more specific classroom motivational strategies for students that educators may use in their teaching strategies. “Do-it-yourself, student-to-student teaching, project-based learning, and student-centered learning environments are some of the more encouraging programs. Also, the integration of technology into every subject and at all grade levels allows unprecedented levels and types of exciting collaboration and learner to learner connectivity.” (Bogdan, pg. 1). Letting students become their very own ‘innovators’ provides for better success and accomplishment in the classroom. Students will not only become more motivated to learn and be engaged in the specific content area, but these students are able to become more knowledgeable and educated in their own type of learning environment. While today’s technology is extremely crucial to many districts’ education instructional strategies, technology also plays a major role in student motivation as well! “…computer assisted instruction allowed for more individualized instruction and provided opportunities for learner control, and rapid, non-judgmental feedback.” (Stockwell, pg. 157). As this quote simply states, technology can greatly benefit the student in his/her very own learning environment.
Motivation and learning can be extremely challenging for some students. There are three theories however in which learners have a desire and motivation to process specific information. These theories include behaviorism, information processing, and the social cognitive theory, all three in which many educators use in their classrooms. The social cognitive theory I believe, is used much more than the other two for students to gain motivation in the classroom. “The Social Cognitive Theory extends the theory of Behaviorism, looking at the way the individual’s environment couples with motivation and consequence. Considered in this theory are concepts such as environment, beliefs, personal characteristics, beliefs about one’s capabilities, models, and self-regulations (Woolfolk, pg. 17). Students’ beliefs about their individual capabilities and their environment around them can greatly impact their learning experience. Although as a teacher, there are so many ways in which you can positively impact a students’ life by providing them a safe and happy environment in which they believe in themselves and their abilities as a student. Student motivation is the key to a successful and outstanding learner environment!
References
Woolfolk, A. (2014). Educational psychology: Active learning edition. (12th ed.). Pearson.
Stockwell, G. (2013). Technology and motivation in English-language teaching and learning. Palgrave Macmillan UK. 156-175.
Mouratidis, A., Vansteenkiste, M., Lens, W., & Sideridis, G. (2008). The motivating role of positive feedback in sport and physical education: Evidence for a motivational model. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30(2), 240-268.
Sedden, M. L., & Clark, K. R. (2016). Motivating students in the 21st century. Radiologic Technology, 87(6), 609-616.
Moldovan, O. o. (2014). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to primary school children. Journal Plus Education / Educatia Plus, 10(1), 203-211.
Bogdan, P. (2011). Student-centered learning environments: How and why. Retrieved from
“Effective teachers who establish positive relationships with their students appear to be a powerful force in those students’ lives. Students who have problems seem to benefit the most from good teaching.” (Woolfolk, pg. 8). While it is extremely important for teachers to establish individual relationships with their students in order to better understand each students’ learning ability levels/needs, many more factors are crucial for good and effective teaching. Educators must create a positive and challenging learning environment for all students, commit to their own learning to develop a better teaching practice (be knowledgeable of their content material), collaborate with colleagues and other professionals in their content area to reach and teach students of all backgrounds, and incorporate technology into their teaching strategies to vary the delivery of information engaging students. Although these are only some aspects of effective teaching that educators of all content areas must integrate into their teaching, I have learned so much over the course of one class that has gave me a new outlook on how to become a great and successful teacher.
Although as many future educators already know how important it is to be knowledgeable and educated in your content area and how important classroom management is, understanding and being able to reach and teach students of all diverse and various backgrounds is also necessary for strong teaching. Following the Wisconsin Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure, two standards really catch my eye as I look to understand which standards I will eventually have to meet as a future physical education teacher. These standards include:
2. Teachers know how children grow.
The teacher understands how children with broad ranges of ability learn and provides instruction that supports their intellectual, social, and personal development.
3. Teachers understand that children learn differently.
The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.
Standards Retrieved from https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/programs/standards/teacher
Learning about culture and diversity in this course this semester has really broaden my learning opportunities in understanding students of all different backgrounds (as mentioned previously). As a teacher, again, I feel as though it is extremely important to understand each student at an individual level and know where each student comes from. Whether it be their home life, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or social diversity, being able to teach and provide each student with the same effective and successful teaching can and will benefit the student as well as you as a teacher.
Motivation and student success I believe is the most significant and beneficial material that I have learned this semester that will positively impact my future teaching. “If the locus is internal, the motivation is intrinsic; if the locus is external, the motivation is extrinsic. Most motivation has elements of both.” (Woolfolk, pg. 480). From my beliefs and knowledge that I have learned this semester, I feel as though it is necessary as a teacher to provide various ways of motivation for each student if that student is not experiencing any motivation his/herself. It is your job as an educator to reach each students individual needs and teach them in ways in which will benefit that student in their future. Motivation and goal setting strategies for your students are significant in your pupils learning experiences!
After being new to ‘blogging,’ I have learned so much about the importance of having a professional online identity. Not only being able to express my personal ideas and beliefs to people who have the same interests as me, but learning from others and gaining knowledge on outside resources and professionals in the educational field has positively affected my online experience in the education field. I will continue my research in physical education and continue blogging, possibly finding a website/program directly impacting and reaching future educators in the physical education field. In today’s society, technology and the online world is extremely important and referenced in schools all around. Being able to relate to my future students through the media can greatly benefit them as students as well as myself as a professional.
References
Woolfolk, A. (2014). Educational psychology: Active learning edition. (12th ed.). Pearson.
Wisconsin department of public instruction. Retrieved from https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/programs/standards/teacher
While it is important to understand that each student has a wide range of ability level in their academic learning, motivation, appropriate goals, assessment strategies, and various learning methods are all taken into consideration when providing instruction to all different types of students. “Motivation is usually defined as an internal state that arouses, directs, and maintains behavior.” (Woolfolk, pg. 476). With that being said, motivation is crucial when influencing a positive and enjoyable learning environment from students with various cultures, backgrounds, and learning abilities. As a future educator, I feel as though influencing a students learning with motivation is key to student success. Social cognitive theories of motivation will be placed into my future classroom for many reasons. One being that it is important for students be able to value a goal of his/her liking and to appreciate the overall outcome of the desired result. As a teacher, being able to set high standards (although they will be achievable based of off the individual) and believing in your students is key to success and effective goal setting strategies.
On going assessment such as observation and flexible grouping of students is also crucial to successful teaching. Student-centered teaching approaches such as one-on-one work with students and trial and error work best when planning adequate teaching. “An increase in course grades or doing well on examinations are commonly used measures, but there are others such as student engagement, self-assessed learning, and other objective and subjective measures of learning.” (Bradford, pg. 34). With student-centered learning, more and more student achievement and positive engagement is being statistically proven. Therefore, using this type of teaching in the classroom is necessary for a motivational, positive and influential goal setting, and an effective and successful classroom.
Integrating classroom design principles such as the Backward Design into your teaching strategies will keep you organized, knowledgeable about your content material, and understand what it is exactly that you hope for students to gain out of the end of a lesson and/or unit. By identifying your desired results (what is expected of the student), determining acceptable evidence (assessment, observation, practice of skill), and planning your learning experience and instruction (Weber, PowerPoint). will help you to better not only teach your subject matter effectively but show you as a teacher what students already know and/or what they can improve on to better their knowledge of the content. As attached below, is an example of a unit plan using the Backward Design method in a secondary physical education class:
“The categories after Knowledge were presented as “skills and abilities,” with the understanding that knowledge was the necessary precondition for putting these skills and abilities into practice.” (Armstrong). Knowledge and comprehension are used in stage one to provide the student with a full and concise understanding of the sport education model of basketball. As listed in the model, students will understand and comprehend modified and authentic basketball play and continue onto applying these skills into a game of the sport with team mates (Stage 2 of the attached Backward Design). Again, while all students learn at various levels, taken into account were students views of learning and diversity (ability levels) and accommodations were taken into consideration such as modified games could be played if students felt the need to do so. Deciding what should go into a lesson or unit plan is important because as a teacher, you want the most successful learning outcome of your students. Making sure each detail is presented in your lessons is also important to sufficient organization which in turn will keep you knowledgeable and credible about your subject material.
The Backward Design I believe, is imperative to great teaching. By designing the unit that I did in physical education – Sport Education: Basketball, I felt as though the much detail and time taken into consideration when creating the framework really supported the goals in which I hope students are successful in. In the future, the Backward Design framework will be used throughout my teaching for a more efficient and successful teaching instruction.
References
Bradford, J., Mowder, D., & Bohte, J. (2016). You can lead students to water, but you can’t make them think: An assessment of student engagement and learning through student-centered teaching. Journal Of The Scholarship Of Teaching & Learning, 16(4), 33-43. doi:10.14434/josotl.v16i4.20106
Armstrong, P., (2017). Bloom’s taxonomy. Center for teaching: Vanderbilt University. Retrieved from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/
Woolfolk, A. (2014). Educational psychology: Active learning edition. (12th Ed.). Pearson.
Weber, N., (2017). Educational psychology: 4/13: Module 5—motivation and instruction. PowerPoint. Retrieved from https://uww.courses.wisconsin.edu/d2l/le/content/3643387/viewContent/22978476/View
As a future educator, planning to come across many differences among students such as culture, skills, ideas, norm differences are meant to happen. Identifying and planning for individual and cultural differences between students is essential when it comes to effective teaching. The ways in which you can take these differences and plan to incorporate them into your classroom and teaching is up to you as the teacher. However, it is extremely important for you to do so.
Poverty and school achievement today is a major issue in today’s society. Many families are struggling to make ends meet and parents are having hard times giving their children a good education. “About 1 in 5 Americans under the age of 18 lives below the poverty level-$22,050 annual income for a family of four. That is 21% of all children in the United States.” (Woolfolk, pg. 233). With that being said, it is important for future educators to plan in advance that all students in their classroom may not be raised in households that have parents who are able to give their children accurate school supplies or reliable transportation to school, or even a decent breakfast or lunch to take to school with them. It is important for you as the teacher to make sure that you take initiative so therefore your student can receive the up-most respect from you as their teacher and a successful educational career. “Most children learn to learn to compete and succeed in school, outside of the safe confines of their home and family.”(Orthner, pg. 119).
As a future educator, it is important to be aware of each students home life and how it can affect their school achievement. It is your job and duty to be able to plan lessons successful enough for each individual students’ needs.
Below is a Ted Talk by Tony Allen about poverty and education:
References
Woolfolk, A. (2014). Educational psychology: Active learning edition. (12th Ed.). Pearson, Inc.
Orthner, D., Cook, P., Rose, R., & Randolph, K. (2002). Welfare reform, poverty, and children’s performance in school: challenges for the school community. Children & Schools, 24(2), 105-121.
Allen, T. (2015). Fix poverty, fix education or fix nothing. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zONB5wcMkug
“Both the behaviorist and cognitivist offer important aspects to learning. When deciding which strategies to utilize, it is crucial to consider the level of knowledge of the learners and the cognitive processing demands. The nature of the learning task and proficiency level of the learners should both be considered when incorporating strategies.” (Haberkorn). Behaviorist and cognitive perspectives are learning are crucial to effective and successful teaching, as Harberkorn stated. A student must remember what he or she understood during the lesson which is the cognitive aspect and then later be able to practice and apply the material later on which would be the behavioral perspective. Students who are able to do so in turn will gain much more out of the content and remember the material that is being taught much more efficiently. “It’s all about meta-cognition, the ability to think about your own learning!” (Weber, PowerPoint, 2017).
There are few limitations however that reside in behavioral and cognitive learning perspective. While being able to understand the content that is being given to them, some students find it troubling to remember or recall exactly what it was that they learned. Ways to fix this would be giving students the abilities to try different ways to better remember material based on their needs. This would include things such as hands-on learning, using pictures or tables and charts to understand something in better detail, etc.
With behavioral learning, some students also may find it troubling to apply and practice material learned. Teachers can use other aspects of learning such social cognitive learning, taking charge of their own learning, and have students create and apply content to the best of their ability rather than applying it in a structured way.
I believe that the behavioral learning perspective play one of the key roles in regards to teachers instruction, peer interaction, and students. Being able to “…practice and apply new skills and understand the material, will make them more fluid and automatic – a permanent part of their repertoire.” (Woolfolk, p. 469). I feel as though students who are able to practice what they have learned have a better opportunity to learn even more by learning from their mistakes and changing up the practice to search for the successful outcome.
As a student, I tend to fit more in the constructivist, social/situated category views of learning. I tend to be an active thinker and ask many questions until I get my desired answer/outcome. I also believe that I am an active social participator, engaging in class discussions that are interesting to me and/or in which I have many questions about. I believe that the more questions asked, the more that I myself as a student will learn along with my peers around me.
As a future educator, applying different views of learning into the classroom is crucial for optimal student success. While some students learn better by doing, some learn better simply by listening and viewing. This is important to keep in mind because each student have various abilities in the learning aspect of education. There are multiple paths of knowledge for all students. As a teacher, it is your job to create an environment suitable, knowledgeable, and successful for each one of them!
An excellent video by Katie Martin, discussing the different ways in which kids learn can be viewed here:
Enjoy!
References
Woolfolk, A. (2014). Educational psychology: Active learning edition. (12th ed.). Pearson.
Weber, N. (2017). Educational psychology: Module 3: Views of learning (3/9). PowerPoint. Retrieved from https://uww.courses.wisconsin.edu/d2l/le/content/3643387/viewContent/22807791/View
Martin, K. (2016). Teachers create what they experience. TEDx Talks. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcDpDPwRxvU
Haberkorn, J. 2017. Lesson 11 – Question 4: Cognitivist and behaviorist teachers. Retrieved from http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/jhaberkorn/edpsy399ol/l11q4.html
“People develop at different rates, development is relatively orderly, development takes place gradually.” (Woolfolk, p. 36). Each one of these principles are key components of learner development. However, there are a few theorists (Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Bronfenbrenner) whose ideas and concepts of a child’s learning development are similar in a sense yet different at the same time. Piaget’s and Vygostky’s beliefs and ideas on social and cognitive development will be discussed throughout this blog.
Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=learner+development&biw=1366&bih=662&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj6puiAu6TSAhUEsVQKHesDCFgQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=j1PdsduChsYOpM:
Piaget had four stages of cognitive development which were sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. He believed every child passes through each one of these stages throughout his/her lifetime. While each one of these stages relates to a child’s understanding of learning development, children may or may not ever go through each one of these stages. As discussed in class, Dr. Weber has a young child at home in which she not only is in the preoperational stage but also in the concrete operational stage in her life. While Dr. Weber’s daughter understands concepts of conservation (i.e. having the same amount of coins in both rows regardless of how spread out they are), she might not understand the concept of having the same amount of water in two glasses then taking that same amount of water and pouring it into a wider/taller glass.While some children do in fact go through each stage, some children learn better and/or excel or skip some stages of Piaget’s theory of development based on their learning capabilities.
This is vital to understand when it comes to teaching because as a teacher, you are responsible for understanding each and everyone of your student’s learning abilities in order to teach at an effective level for all students.
“We develop because we learn.” (PowerPoint, 2017). Vygotsky believed that culture and the social processes are what affected a child’s learning more greatly. He came up with the idea of the zone of proximal development in which is “the area between the child’s current development level and the level of development that the child could achieve through adult guidance or collaboration with more capable peers.” (Woolfolk, p. 67). This can impact a child’s learning and well as the teachers instruction greatly. While having the child focus best on what he/she can accomplish individually then gradually assisting in ways in ways that will benefit the child’s understanding is an important concept of successful teaching. Being aware of the different types of learning development that you have in your classroom is key in becoming an outstanding teacher.
Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=learner+development&biw=1366&bih=662&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj6puiAu6TSAhUEsVQKHesDCFgQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=vygotsky&imgrc=3bq-OO_OU5De3M:
Parenting styles are also extremely significant when it comes to a child’s behavior and feelings. While there are four types of styles, authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and rejecting/neglectful, each one of these styles can create a major impact on a child’s learning development and behavior. By having parents whom are authoritative (high warmth, high control) children can benefit by understanding his/her consequences by each action made. Having parents who set high rules and limits however, guide their children into the “right” direction by discussing the results of each action made, will help the student understand the importance of positive decision making. Children of authoritative parents tend to do well in school and feel more confident in themselves and relate to others better. As a teacher, it is important to remember that all students however, do not come from authoritative parents. By treating each child in the same manner will benefit your teaching strategies greatly and you will in turn, gain a better knowledge of how parenting styles can greatly impact a child’s learning. A video to better understand the different types of parenting styles and how they can impact a child’s behavior and development is linked below:
(Bano, 2015).
As a future teacher, understanding different types of learner development and parenting styles and how social and cultural processes can impact a child’s learning is vital to bring to the classroom. Each theory and idea discussed comes together to not only develop the child’s learning development but to mold you into a better teacher. Having the knowledge that all students develop at different rates and that development is gradual will help you plan and create a learning environment specifically designed towards your students capabilities.
References
Woolfolk, A. (2014). Educational psychology: Active learning edition. (12th ed.). Pearson.
Weber, N. (2017). Educational psychology: Module 2: Learner Development (2/9). PowerPoint. Retrieved from https://uww.courses.wisconsin.edu/d2l/le/content/3643387/viewContent/22679044/View
Bano, A. (2015). Parenting styles and their influence on children. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ2Hw2_hiK8
As a future teacher, being able to incorporate research into classroom learning is important when it comes to effective teaching. The purpose for research in education is to stimulate discussion in the classroom, challenge students’ assumptions and opinions, reaffirm connections, and raise new questions about the topic at hand. Research can also make and confirm sound decisions about the education activities and experiences that will best serve your students individual needs.
While providing and collecting research in order to effectively and successfully engage students’ learning, information literacy is also important when evaluating your students understanding of a subject as well as your teaching. Becoming a future educator, being able to incorporate information literacy into the classroom setting is essential for students’ learning of all levels and various backgrounds. “As teacher educators who teach literacy methods courses, we emphasize the importance of high-quality literacy instruction that meets the needs of all students from many different backgrounds in today’s classrooms.” (Brock, 2007, pg. 18). By understanding this concept, students will be able to make informed educational decisions about the specific topic, incorporate knowledge from the information found into his/her work, and be able to assess and evaluate the information accurately and effectively.
Although being able to find and apply research in the classroom is significant for a students understanding of learning; sharing and applying the research found is just as, if not more, important to great teaching. “The importance of assigning homework as a tool for practice continues to be debated at many levels of education.” (Young, 2016, pg. 1).
As a future physical education teacher, it is questioned as to “what homework do you give as a P.E. instructor?” “Do or will students even learn anything out of homework in this subject?” The importance of physical education and health as a secondary level student is necessary for each and every student. Just as math, science, or English, physical education plays just as an important role and combines knowledge of all different subjects so students benefit greatly. Young students living in society today, need to understand that staying healthy and having knowledge on health and fitness can not only benefit them, but their future generation as well. Letting students discover various types of research and different assignments individually and/or in small groups can benefit the students understanding on the topic greatly. As Simplicio stated, “Homework is
a time honored strategy for developing learning skills and reinforcing knowledge gained within the classroom.” (2005, pg. 1).
While obesity and various diseases are more common in today’s society, especially for the younger generation; and with technology playing the key role, being active and understanding how to stay healthy is major. Again, as many believe that physical education is not as important as core subjects such as math, English, science, reading, etc. research proves that by practicing homework in this subject can in turn practice positive, active behavior in a child’s physical activity. “In yet another study, which looked at using homework in a PE class, researchers found that physical educators typically saw increases in physical activity levels outside of school hours when homework was assigned.” (Burt, 2017, pg. 2).
Applying my knowledge on this topic and topics that I have recently learned about research and information literacy is essential to my future teaching and can benefit me greatly. I will be able to ensure that students understand the importance of not only homework, but how further research and studies can improve knowledge, the understanding, and mastery of a specific topic.
As research is the topic being discussed, I came across an interesting video by researcher Dr. John J. Ratey, MD and how he discusses exercise and physical activity. Not only is it good for a students’ brain, but it can improve a students learning and knowledge in other core subjects. Thought it be a great end watch to sum up this blog!
References
Brock, C. H., Lapp, D., Flood, J., Fisher, D., & Keonghee Tao, H. (2007). Does homework matter?. Urban Education, 42(4), 349-372.
Young, N., Dollman, m., & Angel, N. F. (2016). Does homework really matter for college students in quantitatively-based courses?. Journal Of Learning In Higher Education, 12(1), 19-26.
Simplicio, J. C. (2005). Homework in the 21st century: The antiquated and ineffectual implementation of a time honored educational strategy. Education, 126(1), 138-142.
Burt, D. J. (2017). Using the TIPS method to implement homework in physical education. Strategies (08924562), 30(1), 43-46.
My name is Alexandra Karmis and I am working towards becoming a Physical Education teacher minor in Health Education. I would like to teach at the middle school level therefore I can also teach health classes as well.
I enjoy playing sports and being outside and am a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls! I love to travel and have been to Mexico and Jamaica and hope to continue to visit more places as I grow.
The reason I decided to become a physical education teacher was personally having a great P.E. teacher throughout my high school career. My teacher always made it important to ask each student how their day was going, what’s new with them, just an overall great teacher who cared greatly about his students. He believed in each one of us and made sure that we knew that as well.
One day, I hope to make sure that each one of my students knows how important and special they are as an individual. Being a great teacher takes experience, and knowledge of the content you are teaching. Again, it is also important that a great teacher cares about the students learning and understanding of the material and takes time out of his or her day to make sure the student knows that you are there to help them.
The teaching clips that we had a chance to watch of the boring economics teacher and a clip from the Dead Poets Society really spoke to me. Not only did I have a math teacher that talked just like the economics teacher talked in the clip, I fell behind in math, and couldn’t retain any information that my math teacher was teaching. However, I did have a teacher who reminded me of Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society and really wanted us as students to gain as much knowledge as we can. I thought that by having the students stand on the desk and “look at things in a different way” was a great little activity that you can do as a teacher to not only keep the students engaged and interested, but so that the students can actually be able to look at things from a different point of view and realize that everything isn’t as it always seems.
ms.