I think we all have these relatable experiences that tell us more about one another. I think in this regard, having a support structure available is extremely important in our profession. But man I get tired of the students and their incessant whining about the terms being difficult. This is because I give them videos I provide them with examples, I make them read. But hey if they don’t want to put in the effort I am not going pick up their slack. We can’t save every student is what I am learning more and more, it is not me but a bit of them and me mixed together. I try and I agree finding our voice is difficult, but what about the students who don’t want to find their own?

I believe what you mentioned about giving students opportunity to question what they learn is such a valuable goal. In connection with the notion of critical thinking, I believe students do not have that much opportunity to practice to think and reflect critically on various topics. Most lecture-oriented classed do not support that kind of environment. I also think your emphasis on team and the role of relational capacity can lead to the learning context in which students actually have a better chance for fostering critical thinking.

Thanks for the post. We all have certain ways of do things, but as an educator I believe it is important to teach to the population that you serve. I say this because your style may not be the best approach to reaching students. Once again, getting to know your class (relationship building) being creative and meeting students where they are is the key to successful learning.

Thank you for the wonderful post! I had some similar pictures in my mind after reading the article and thought what might be good teaching styles based on my personality. But sometimes we are not exactly the same as what we think of ourselves. Thus, even we make strategies based on our personality or advantages, they might not be as ideal as we thought. I guess that having plans is good, but practices and adjustments are necessary before understanding ourselves as teachers.

Your posts are always fun to read because they encapsulate the reading so well, and you provide resources just in case. But I think you are right in terms of academic pressure, teaching is hard. But what about the inverse of this situation, what about no pressure? Would teaching be better or worse? Is there a reason for these institutions, if so what do they mediate? I don’t mean to quiz I am just interested in this idea.

Good afternoon Arash,

You would use a building as a metaphor! LOL! Great points! Being “in control of the classroom without controlling it” is a brilliant statement that I really connected with. As someone who tends to have control (and likes it!!!) in most situations this would be a natural fit for me which is why I love teaching. I actually really enjoy being in front of the class and talking. I probably include 75% Q&A in my classes which is how I get student involvement to 1) check if they did the reading and 2) see how they express the knowledge in their own terms.

Thanks!

Cheers, Lehi

Institutional limitations…better known as the State. The State set guidelines of how students should be taught and how they should learn, but the majority of the people who are setting these guidelines have never set foot in a classroom as a teacher or building administrator. These individuals, who less likely have a degree in education, are able to tell the expert, the highly qualified teacher what and how to teach.

I really like how you bring in contemporary examples. But I also think that while alternatives exist, it is difficult to apply them in many classes. This is because of naivety in teaching. These alternatives exist but we usually teach how we were taught. Call it human nature, but getting out of this process is deadly difficult.

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Great point. I did face this sort of fear. I think part of this is going to be resolved as we do our best in preparation and anticipation of different issues students may face. Another part, which I think is related to authentic voice is the fact that I as a teacher might not have answer to all questions or be comfortable about all details. I think being honest about this might be really helpful.

Good afternoon Ali,

I had this very discussion on Saturday at the CIDER conference! We were asked to write down three things that we though would help facilitate getting “the message across” to students. While others wrote down new technology, building infrastructure/etc I had written down: 1) Teach what you love!! 2) Be real!! 3) Accountability!! It truly comes down to how well the instructor can break boundaries and create a bond with the students.

Thanks!

Cheers, Lehi

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