Greetings bloggers! This blog I am going to discuss some key learning goals for middle level students. I am also going to discuss some key attributes of effective middle school teachers.
I often think to myself, "What does the perfect middle school child act and look like?" Because I know we live in reality, I realize this is a pretty impossible question to answer. In order for middle school students to be successful, I believe in the necessity of having goals for the future. By having high goals, middle school students set themselves up for success. Some goals may include becoming more fluent in reading, being able to comprehend more knowledge faster, and being able to write effectively with an active voice. I see school (particularly middle school) as an opportunity to truly mold and shape adolescents for the future. By having high goals and standards, middle school students are building their sense of ambition to prepare themselves for adulthood. It is the teachers' job to challenge the students just enough so they are still disequilibreated, yet not too frustrated to continue with the task. This should be done at all grade levels. Teachers can distinguish goals for elementary schoolers and high schoolers by simply communicating them differently to both levels of students. It is imperative to speak with the student, not at the student. Teachers ought to build solid relationships with their children to ensure a successful classroom.
Whether I want to believe it or not, I am getting closer and closer to graduation. With that said, I need to start getting ready for the "real world." I am going to teach in my own classroom sooner than later. I NEED to start thinking about how I will be an effective teacher. I aim at building a comfortable, noncritical classroom climate, one that is a tight-knit community. I aim at also continuing my outgoing, passionate love for helping the common good. I believe I am very ambitious because I enjoy going above and beyond. I believe these characteristics will enable me to operate and facilitate a successful classroom. Effective middle school teachers NEED to have patience. Even though I still need work with this virtue, I believe I have become a little more patient in my professional career. By taking this course and having the opportunity to teach in a local school, I want to gain valuable experience of actually teaching in a classroom. I want to implement what I have learned from lectures and textbooks in an actual school.
So that is it for now. Remember readers: Carpe Diem- Seize the Day.
This is a good list of things teachers can do to help ease the transition of students into Middle School. I think that is an important part of it. Not everything is all about the student and their social changes- much of the transition happens in class and can be helped by the teacher. Good job!
ReplyDeleteTony: I really like what you say about having your students set goals. In high school basketball, my coach used to make us write down our goals, and then after a game we'd have to check the ones we accomplished, and then add a new one for the next game. Though that was both basketball and high school, I think it works the same for any kind of student. If a student has something to shoot for, then they are going to be more willing to work hard for it. I think that's especially important for students who come from broken homes. If you (the teacher) believe in the students, then they'll have a reason to believe in themselves too. I'm glad you agree!
ReplyDeleteWow Tony! Your comments are very refreshing to read. I have come to the same realization that before I realize (starting in January, 2011!) I will be teaching. TEACHING. In front of the class, practicing management, creating a safe and warm environment, engaging students, encouraging students...the whole nine yards. I also aim to provide a "tight-knit community," as you phrased, in the classroom. How is this done, though? It is not a simple download, set it and forget it task. I believe it must be more of a daily dedication; one which will constantly ask us to be considerate and self-less. It must become a lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteAfter four years of learning all the "right ways to teach," it is easy to feel trapped under following strict techniques. Although I believe- I hope!- that we will find the elements and niche our classroom works best in. Each one- year, day, class and student- is bound to be unique, right? Why not throw our arms open and accept that now? It's a beautiful thing, actually. No two years, classes, or students will ever be the same. We are going into a field where our experiences will never be dull. There will always be a scenario of sorts. As scary, and unbelievable, as our approaching turn to teach is, with a step back, it's not so bad. It's our chance! Our time to get out and begin; the learning will never end :)
Great sign-off line by the way!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kaitlin! Learning with never end. I see teaching as an opportunity to better myself and others.
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