Learn from Your Students by Brooke

Learn from Your Students by Brooke - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

Teachers join this profession because they have a passion for a particular subject. Maybe they have a passion for telling others about a subject, they want to encourage children to pursue their own passion, or it was a last resort for their degree. No matter the reason, those people will still be flawed, and so will their students. Not everyone learns the same way. Personally, I am a visual and kinesthetic learner. I need to be a part of the lesson, not just a bystander being lectured. Engage in conversations with me, encourage my own point of view – especially if it’s different from yours – and show me “why” instead of just “what.” Not only does this give me various outlooks on the subject, it keeps me involved and focused.

Sometimes I prefer to work alone; I understand that group assignments are mandatory in certain situations. Allow exceptions, do not force people too far out of their comfort zones, and address a problem with students after class, not just separate from the other students. Social setting does have an impact on how people learn, and forcing our actions does not make them sincere. You do not know what problems a student has outside of your classroom, and you do not understand how they affect the student in class. You also may not know the embarrassment brought on by being asked by the teacher, in front of the whole class, to step outside. Be patient, empathetic, and accommodating.

My nine year old sister has problems following written directions – only in block format. In her mind, it asks her to do everything at once. She received low grades on assignments because of it, despite our asking her teacher to help her rewrite them in list form. This example is significant because it shows how not to handle learning disabilities, even ones as simple as my sister’s. No two students are the same, and will therefore need individual treatment. Get to know your students. Know their strengths and weaknesses, and do not apply labels or assume their abilities.

Overall, treat each student like their own human being. Even elementary school-aged students deserve respect and agency. Let them teach you as you teach them. Allow them their own thoughts. Treating your students properly will create a comfortable environment and will foster a room of confident leaders and eager learners.