A Good Teacher

MyProfe · Post by **MyProfe** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 10:18 am

When I taught in language schools it was not uncommon to hear teachers say they dreaded teaching a certain group or particular level or grammatical point. But, strangely enough, there was always someone in the school who found that same group, structure or level to be the most enjoyable to teach. Ever since then whenever a class, a lesson or a grammatical explanation doesn’t work I never blame the students. I always blame myself. The most important things a teacher takes to a classroom are her enthusiasm and willingness to learn to teach. Some method books are more interesting or; let’s be honest, easier to teach than others, but that’s no excuse for skipping the sections - a common practice - that are boring or complicated to explain. It’s the teacher, not the student, who makes learning easy or difficult, fun or boring. Therein lies the challenge and the reward.
Gordon http://www.myprofe.com/tandem

JeanRezende · Post by **JeanRezende** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 2:16 pm

Right!

Learning is not so easy as a lot of teachers and book writers say!

It takes time and effort!

If the person leaves in a challenging environment as modern world is, he really needs to be challenged.

woodcutter · Post by **woodcutter** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 5:51 am

OK, but let's consider what we mean by "the lesson worked".

Let's say I have the kind of class that wants to watch a video, go to the pub, play games and chat in an undisciplined way. I do it, they like me, they don't complain, everyone is happy. Not much is learnt.

Did the lesson work?

Lorikeet · Post by **Lorikeet** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:54 pm

Was it a lesson?

woodcutter · Post by **woodcutter** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:19 am

Did the students want one?

I wonder who can go through life not noticing that some students have a better attitude than other students. How can we possibly get anywhere in educational theory when people consistently claim that black-is-white in order to make themselves look good.

Rachel_Huang · Post by **Rachel_Huang** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:03 am

In my opinion, students can also make learning easy or fun. It depends on the situation and whether the subjects are interesting or not. But, I do agree your statement that “The most important things a teacher takes to a classroom are her enthusiasm and willingness to learn to teach.” This topic, a good teacher reminds me of thinking characteristics that I have in order to be a good teacher.

woodcutter · Post by **woodcutter** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:16 am

If, as you say, enthusiasm is most important, then the newest, freshest teachers are probably the best teachers, on the whole.

Many bosses seem to think so!