Teachers and students working together in the classroom

I think this weeks topic is an important one because it shows that teachers and students are not separate entities. The word classroom (talking about the building itself) does not bring about many good memories. We were taught mostly in prefab units, which are made from rhinoboard (I think) and not bricks. They had no air-conditioners, no real way of keeping out the harsh conditions, and very little modern resources found in some schools today. I'm pretty sure my mom was taught in some of those classrooms. The classroom itself was not the greatest, but if I think 'school', the thing that stands out the most are those few teachers who managed to impact me beyond the uncomfortability of the classroom. The ones who made me feel like I belonged.

Those teachers are also part of the reason I decided to pursue a career in education. That kind of inspiring teaching is needed to both enjoy school and assist in learners learning. But how do teachers be that inspiration? I think it has a lot to do with involving students in a meaningful way.

I emphasize meaningful because some teachers think that by handing out notes and teaching students by throwing knowledge at them is the way it's done, without any need to get learner involvement or feedback. Those are extreme cases, but if I've experienced a teacher like that I assume its not as extreme as it may seem.

We as teachers need to look after our learners' wellbeing, which goes past each one getting a desk and a chair and a place to put their bag. It means that the school atmosphere is one where students are excited and look forward to go to school, while teachers feel empowered to make a difference in their lives. Teachers can do this by allowing feedback and being open to communication. An effective teacher is one who impacts the child on a personal level, and that can not occur if learner-to-teacher communication is not encouraged.

Effective teaching stretches beyond academic involvement (although that is important!). We learnt about the concept of in loco parentis, which is how teachers take the place of the parent in the school and thus have to look after them as if each one of them were one of their own. This means that teaching students about professional and respectful ways to communicate are as important as teaching them the format of a letter. We teach for lifelong learning and lessons which change their lives forever, and we need to interact with learners in order to do so.