The week that welcomes back from a hopeful and restful Spring Recess finds students making last minute preparations as they foray into the realm of teaching. As they commence into teaching, I would like to offer some last moments of counsel for as they become teachers, I become a student (Is this fun or what?).
I think one of the most critical elements that teachers should keep in mind is how they envision their classroom. What does it look like? How does the first five minutes run? What are the students doing? I am hoping that teachers can envision the start of class and try their best to anticipate how to set the climate of learning and understanding. I sense that there would be a level of nervousness present in our teachers, and there can be some level of neutralization of this threat if there is a plan, a vision or model of how their teaching should function. The second point I would stress to teachers would be to know their story. What are the important points that they are going to “punch through” to students? It is my hope that teachers have discovered the most compelling concepts to relay to students. I think that instruction would be more meaningful if they can frame the discourse in one of meaning and relevancy of content and this would be accomplished in a clearer manner if there was a strong “story to be told.” Finally, I think that all of our teachers should ensure that there is a level of organization and clarity apparent in their instruction. Even the worst of teachers (and this I know very well being one myself) earn a level of respect for their students if organization and clarity are apparent. I think that this could be a valuable lesson as both practitioner and learner. Teachers who approach the threshold of revelation in an organized and clear manner stand a better chance success. This could be a life lesson, as well.
Once our teaching is concluded, teachers will assess student work and their performance in class. Then, teachers will help prepare their students for the exam, which is scheduled for Friday, April 11. After that, teachers will grade and record the exams. Our next phase commences on Wednesday the 16th, when students will have to make some critical choices about the shape of their learning. These choices will be critical and shall be detailed to students over the course of the next three weeks.
The threshold of revelation allows new insights to be gained, new understanding to be unveiled, and new songs to be sung. Our garden grows richer and more vibrant as all 7-1 students approach the threshold of revelation.
Best wishes.
Mr. Kannan
I think one of the most critical elements that teachers should keep in mind is how they envision their classroom. What does it look like? How does the first five minutes run? What are the students doing? I am hoping that teachers can envision the start of class and try their best to anticipate how to set the climate of learning and understanding. I sense that there would be a level of nervousness present in our teachers, and there can be some level of neutralization of this threat if there is a plan, a vision or model of how their teaching should function. The second point I would stress to teachers would be to know their story. What are the important points that they are going to “punch through” to students? It is my hope that teachers have discovered the most compelling concepts to relay to students. I think that instruction would be more meaningful if they can frame the discourse in one of meaning and relevancy of content and this would be accomplished in a clearer manner if there was a strong “story to be told.” Finally, I think that all of our teachers should ensure that there is a level of organization and clarity apparent in their instruction. Even the worst of teachers (and this I know very well being one myself) earn a level of respect for their students if organization and clarity are apparent. I think that this could be a valuable lesson as both practitioner and learner. Teachers who approach the threshold of revelation in an organized and clear manner stand a better chance success. This could be a life lesson, as well.
Once our teaching is concluded, teachers will assess student work and their performance in class. Then, teachers will help prepare their students for the exam, which is scheduled for Friday, April 11. After that, teachers will grade and record the exams. Our next phase commences on Wednesday the 16th, when students will have to make some critical choices about the shape of their learning. These choices will be critical and shall be detailed to students over the course of the next three weeks.
The threshold of revelation allows new insights to be gained, new understanding to be unveiled, and new songs to be sung. Our garden grows richer and more vibrant as all 7-1 students approach the threshold of revelation.
Best wishes.
Mr. Kannan
No comments:
Post a Comment