The Key by Courtney

The Key by Courtney - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

If I could give a teacher advice, it would be this… Students want to learn. No matter what anyone says, people like to feel knowledgeable and educated. It makes students feel like they are successful and have a purpose, but not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. Some students struggle in certain areas of study, and others just aren’t interested in the subject.

But that’s the key.

Just because that particular student doesn’t thrive in math doesn’t mean to give up on them. They want to learn. My advice to the teacher would be to take the time and effort to find out what they do excel in and utilize their strengths. If they are a kinesthetic leaner, use that. Make a lesson a movement or a hands on experience. It will resonate with that student and spark their interest again. That student will pay more attention and will be willing to learn again.

I believe that one of the biggest issues faced by teachers today is they teach their classes to a certain type of student, but not every student is the same and that is what people need to realize. You can’t teach to a certain population and expect everyone else to keep up. Teachers need to have variety, patience, and an open mind. Everyone wants to learn, they key is being able to teach everyone.