Confidence & Life Long Learner

Right away I’m intimidated about teaching. I’ve been under the impression that I was a pretty good teacher, but I have a lot of work to do. A lot.

I need to explain things better.

I need to involve the class more.

I need to be specific in my learning objectives and making things relevant to the learners.

I've realized that I'm too self aware. I worry way too much about what the class thinks of me. It is so important to know the material and be organized. This is an automatic confidence boost.

Sometimes we might think, "My students don't care about what I'm teaching" We need to help them care. There has to be a reason why you’re teaching what you’re teaching; so share with them those reasons.

At one of my observation I remember something that the teacher said and I didn't like that they said it. The kids had an assignment and before explaining it the teacher basically said "the reason I'm making you do this is because the school district wants me too". They need better reasons than this.

Showing them the importance of the material helps with them becoming life long learners. I want to always continue to learn new things as well as look for ways to improve on what I already know or current techniques. I would be doing my students a disservice if I don’t try to build upon and improve my own knowledge. I can’t expect my students to be life long learners if I don’t do this as well. This is something to talk with students up front to let them know where I’m coming from and what my expectations are.

Yeah, I have a lot of work to do.