In Mr. McClung's post What I've learned this year, he recaps from his first year being a teacher. In my opinion experience is one of the best teachers that we can learn from. Mr. McClung shares many significant lessons that he took away from his initial experience in the classroom. The point I favored and found most beneficial was the one in which all other points can be based on. He mentioned that sometimes it's easy to be so concerned about your superiors that you can lose focus of what your students need. As teachers we should let our student's needs determine our instruction. If this is our focus as a teacher, all other important principles will follow. For example Mr. McClung also mentioned the importance of communication. Communication is not the easiest and most fun to do among co-workers; however, it is very beneficial in producing the most effective school system. He also mentioned that many adults fear computers or have cyberphobia (sahy-ber-foh-bee-uh), which greatly inhibits what we as teachers can introduce and incorporate into our student's lives.
Mr. McClung agrees that change is a good thing. As teachers we should never stop learning. We expect students to learn everyday so we should be willing to grow everyday as well. Our role is to learn to give out and if we stop learning, then we are limited in what we can give. It is a fact!
In closing remarks, another thing that Mr. McClung stated that holds great significance in becoming a successful teacher, is that the key to becoming great can't be found in a certain formula, guide, or from a well put together lesson, but it's from simply listening to the students. When given a chance, the students will show what they are interested in, how they can learn more efficiently, what works for them, what areas they struggle in, and what areas they are strong in, we just have to be there to listen, guide, and grow them. That's success! Dr. McClung discovered a lot in his first year of teaching and I am confident that he has learned much more as he has progressed, but one thing is certain. He is successful, because he is student centered. I found what he said to be very true and challenging for all teachers. He makes teaching a daily evaluation and I agree it's absolutely necessary. 
Hey, Carrie. I agree that experience is one of the best teachers. Since I have not taught a class, I can relate experience with life lessons. You can always learn from mistakes and from life experiences. Mr. McClung did make quite a few good points in this post. He learned very good lessons that we all can learn from as well. I agree with you saying that teachers should focus on what the students need.Not just in the teaching world, but in other jobs, employees often forget what their main goal is. In education, a teacher's main goal is the learning experience for students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers should never stop learning. Teachers should always want to learn more. The world changes so rapidly from day to day that people in general can't afford to miss out on too much. Being student centered can make all the difference. I hope to be successful in my career. It might take time and experience, but it will be well worth it in the end. Great post!
Excellent post Carrie!
ReplyDeleteI agree, we must listen to our students. This is a big part of one of our resounding themes in EDM 310, that we should be willing to learn with the students. If we think we are always right then there is no way we could listen to the students. As long as we are open minded and willing to learn then listening will come automatically. This is also one of the reasons reflection or "reflecting" as Mr. McClung has demonstrated in this post is an important part of being an effective teacher. The mindset of reflection invites openness and a willingness to listen for usable feedback or new ideas. SS
Thanks for your feedback on my post. I like how you put that: "the mindset of reflection invites openness and a willingness to listen for usable feedback or new ideas."
ReplyDeleteI do think that reflection is what causes us to think beyond the predetermined class room structure and move into a realm of creativity and imagination!