"It's the questions we can't answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact. But give him a question and he'll look for his own answers." -Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear
This is kind of my teaching "mantra", as it's something I really feel is important to think about within a classroom. As a teacher, I need to remember to not always give my students the easy way out. That sometimes struggling is ok. Sometimes struggling is important. And that sometimes, without struggle, there really is no learning. Our instinct, when we see students who are having trouble, is to give them the answer. The trick is to encourage them to not give up when they don't know something. I hope, more than anything, this year will help me learn how to keep students from giving up, and to show them ways they can be accountable for their own learning.
It's only day three of the semester, and day three of my pre-student teaching, but I already have a good idea of some things I need to work on and remember throughout my career:
- If you are going to ask them to do it, you should also do it. If I am going to ask my students to keep an organized binder and to write in their planners everyday, I should also have to do the same thing. If I forget something, I should also take their word for it that they forgot. We are all in this together.
- Good sleeping and eating habits will lead to good mental health. It's only day three, and I'm exhausted. But I've been chugging coffee, and getting only about 6 hours of sleep at night. Being my best within the classroom means trying to make healthy choices outside of it.
- Stay organized. I get a fresh start every year, and get to begin with a blank slate. Being organized, and planning out the days to the best of my ability means less time spent in front of students trying to figure stuff out, and more time for valuable learning.
- Be honest with the students and with your colleagues. We are not perfect. We are not teacher robots. Sometimes I will struggle, or need some time. Sometimes I will forget something, or not know an answer. Let them know. I do not need to pretend that I am perfect. The more honest I am with students, hopefully the more honest they will be with me.
- Seek out assistance and advice. It is okay to ask for help. A lot of the teachers around me will know how to handle something I am at a loss with. Maybe a fellow student teacher with have a different perspective on a problem I am having within my classroom. I am surrounded by great resources, and I just need to reach out and use them.
