As I continue to study language, I have found that, no matter the individual learning style, it is more enjoyable, more effective, and more productive to study in an environment that motivates active learning. It takes the part of the student to pursue goals with an open mind and willingness to learn, but it is equally the job of the teacher to direct students to valuable materials and to develop an environment of high achieving and open communication.
An effective teaching method is important to structure the class. It builds upon the students’ knowledge by presenting realistic goals and fostering communication. Mentorship and direct interaction with my students both in and out of the classroom is critical to my role as an instructor - this fosters open communication and gives the student a sense of investment in their education. |
Likewise, I believe that every classroom presents a unique community of learners who vary in both abilities and learning styles. My role as a teacher is to provide students with the tools necessary to take charge of their own education in a way that they see fit. Education serves to provide students with the information necessary to progress through life, and it also introduces scholars to a variety of skills that they may use to partake in the educational process as they forge their own path in their journey of academic enlightenment. The students in any class room will display a variety of learning modalities and it is the instructor’s job to discover these modalities and create lessons based upon them.
|
Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. - Plutarch