The Hopkins reading from this week both focused on the idea of restorative teaching and the importance of individual expression and proper communication. While reading this paper, I have come to better understand not just the importance in being aware of how personal experiences affect classroom atmosphere and individual thought, but also how important it is to be extremely aware of how little actions, like the way questions are phrased or listening instead of talking, can allow for students to feel more included and valued in the classroom. In order to ensure all students are treated fairly and feel comfortable to communicate their ideas, students must all be given a chance to express themselves without judgement. This judgement may not come from a place of anger or distain; nonetheless, every person will have preconceived notions, beliefs, values or ideas that affect the way they learn and interact with others. If people are able to become aware of these preconceived notions that dictate their thought processes and attempt the be empathetic and understanding of other people’s opinions, they may then be able to listen more carefully and learn more than they would have if they were closed-minded or only receptive to things they already knew or agreed with.
The Ayers reading discusses a similar theme, with more focus specifically on the importance of creating an environment for learning. Ayers begins by explaining how all features of a classroom (and a school) contribute to the environment’s atmosphere. Although this seemed pretty obvious to me at first, the author pointed out also that every decision a teacher makes (such as the way the class is organized, how they teach a lesson and the expectations they have of student’s behaviour) gives the message to students of what the teacher finds important, valuable and right. If, for example, a classroom is run where a teacher authoritatively stands at the front, talking at the students without engaging them in conversation, students can then come to feel that unengaged talks are the right/only way to learn. Students come to view different teachers or subjects as boring, unfair/hard or uninteresting simply because of the environment they are learning in. Ayers realizes that learning is an active process and that students should be encompassed by positivity, respect and encouragement in order to promote learning and classroom engagement. The creation of a positive learning environment can only come if students and teachers learn how to work together and live together. This means that both teachers and students should be willing to learn from each other, realizing the potential that comes from varying life experiences. By respecting each other while not being afraid to question, explore and create, we are then able to feel autonomy and value in our individual ideas and contributions. During my CSL so far, I have been able to witness contrasting classroom environments. Just from going to the school for a few days, I have already seen how a classroom environment that allows for open dialogue, class discussion and further questioning allows students to feel much more comfortable and excited to be in class. This environment allows each student the opportunity to participate in their own learning, thereby giving value to each person’s individual thoughts. I have also seen even more, I guess I could say ‘modern’ ideas implemented in some classrooms. For example, in a 4U chemistry class, students are not given textbooks or notes. The teacher barely talks at all. Almost every class is focused around group work and problem solving. Although this method has indeed peaked my interest, I wonder how I as a teacher will be able to implement something as non-traditional as this in my own class. These methods of teaching definitely contribute to a very different learning environment that is usually associated with chemistry classrooms. This teacher has been able to make his classroom a fun and engaging place where students come to learn through exploration, focusing more on concepts than memorization. I think the process of becoming a teacher requires me to find my own balance in what works and what doesn’t for my own classrooms. There will always be a new technique or new hot trend that every teacher wants to try; however, not everything will always work for every classroom. I find the main idea should remain focused on giving students a comfortable space to grow as learners and as people. Although methods to achieving this goal will vary over the years, an inclusive, respectful, active environment where students learn and live in the present should be secured in order to achieve success.
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January 2017
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