Everybody knows that teachers teach; they are there to educate students. What many people don't realize is that the best way to educate is first to build relationships and trust. I have experienced this through each of my practica and believe it more strongly with each day. I can feel the attitude and atmosphere in the classroom change as my students and I get to know each other a little bit better every day.
Yesterday, while trying to teach grade 10 students how to calculate slope, I ended up royally confusing them in my explanation. I became frustrated with myself when I finally figured out that I had explained it incorrectly. The mood in the room was that of frustration and I could feel the students tuning out and writing off the lesson. It was the end of the period so I didn't have time to rectify the situation at the time.
At the start of the period today, I spoke openly and honestly with them about my mistake. I took ownership and I asked them to accept my apology. At that moment, their respect for me was strengthened because they sensed my respect for them. When I restarted the lesson on slope, the students were exceptionally willing to engage with the lesson material.
I realized that what students really need - what really enhances their willingness and ability to learn - is a strong relationship and sense of trust with the teacher. In my case, building trust occurred when students witnessed my "human-ness;" that I'm not somehow an infallible robot! I can't say it was easy to admit my screw-up, but it was certainly productive to do so.
Lesson learned.
- Miss K.
Yesterday, while trying to teach grade 10 students how to calculate slope, I ended up royally confusing them in my explanation. I became frustrated with myself when I finally figured out that I had explained it incorrectly. The mood in the room was that of frustration and I could feel the students tuning out and writing off the lesson. It was the end of the period so I didn't have time to rectify the situation at the time.
At the start of the period today, I spoke openly and honestly with them about my mistake. I took ownership and I asked them to accept my apology. At that moment, their respect for me was strengthened because they sensed my respect for them. When I restarted the lesson on slope, the students were exceptionally willing to engage with the lesson material.
I realized that what students really need - what really enhances their willingness and ability to learn - is a strong relationship and sense of trust with the teacher. In my case, building trust occurred when students witnessed my "human-ness;" that I'm not somehow an infallible robot! I can't say it was easy to admit my screw-up, but it was certainly productive to do so.
Lesson learned.
- Miss K.