Reflect and Connect 1

One of my most important beliefs about teaching that I have formed based on past experiences is that we should always encourage students. When I was younger, I had a music teacher who was very negative. If my class could not understand a concept, he would call the class dodo birds because we were as unintelligent as extinct birds. After constantly hearing that as a child, I refused to grow up and let that happen to other students like me. School is a place where students should be welcomed and encouraged. Once students feel like that are inadequate, they tend to shut down and give up. Teachers should prevent this at all costs. In my internship, my CT has also taught me the same thing. She encourages all her students just to do their best. As long as they have completed with their best effort, then they have succeeded.

Another belief about teaching I have formed is to always be there for my students. This belief of mine formed after watching my CT with her students. Even if my CT is busy with work and a student comes up to her desk with a question, she stops everything she is doing to help them. The students in her classroom understand that she is working with them to help them learn and achieve their academic goals. She has taught me that showing your students that you are there to help them succeed will build trust between them and you. Actions always speak louder than words. I hope to one day be as inspiring as my CT is with her students.