An Effective Approach to Impact the Learning Process by Karla

An Effective Approach to Impact the Learning Process by Karla - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

It seems difficult at times to understand any subject when my teacher assumes that I know exactly what he/she is talking about. That has to be the most frustrating thing to me. While there are some who may know exactly what the teacher means, there are also some of us who do not have a clue. It does not mean I am not smart or incapable of understanding the subject. I find the best way for me to learn is to have more than one way of explaining the topic or subject. My advice to any of my teachers would be to not assume that I already know the lesson like the back of my hand and to try to have additional explanations of the lesson to make it relatable to things that happen in everyday life.

It is understandable that teachers are under extreme pressure themselves and have to abide by a certain curriculum. Sometimes when my teacher teaches "by the book" it really narrows the chances of actually understanding what is being taught. What a greater achievement to have your whole class on the same page than fifty percent of the students. I find it more effective when topics or subjects are explained in different ways that can be relatable to things that are going on now in everyday life. When I can relate to things it makes the path to understanding the lesson so much clearer. I know it may seem silly for some teachers to maybe compare the lesson to something that is going on in Hollywood, the music industry, fast food restaurants, clothing lines, but it is amazing the response teachers get when students can compare the lesson to personal experiences and everyday life in general. I know this makes it even easier for me to remember the lesson because it is compared to something I know; something I'm familiar with.

I realize that teachers are in a continuous routine teaching their subject year after year. That I find to be very difficult to do. In this routine it seems that some teachers forget that the new students entering that class have not continuously learned their particular subject or lesson. I find it extremely frustrating when any of my teachers skim through a lesson or zoom through it so fast that it leaves no room to think and let the information sink in. I understand that there is a time frame for classes, but it is important to remember that students are in the class to learn the subject or lesson, not simply reviewing. I find it very beneficial for me when any of my teachers find a pace in which I can actually process the lesson being taught. Some teachers should definitely remember to not assume that every student already knows the subject front and back.

While perhaps I may sound like a student that is venting, I assure you this is the best advice I could give a teacher to help me learn. Be more relatable and do not assume I already know and understand the subject or lesson. I know it is difficult for a teacher to accommodate every student. However, from my personal experience this would not just benefit me but all students.