Novel by Parker Palmer
We teach who we are
There are so many times when we do not know what to do, and we don’t have the answer, times when we have the best lesson, something you are so proud of, and the students are not engaged.
This. is . terrifying…
What can we do about it?
Don’t be so quick to react.
Breath. Relax. Reflect. We all have certain impulses that are triggered by our personalities, emotions and situations that we experience. Take a step back before you; a short pause can be so loud.
Don’t take things personally
Quite often, almost always, when students act out, it doesn’t mean that they are bad nor that they want to be perceived this way. Quite often people in general are weighed down by social norms and expectations that shape their behavior. It is our job to be sensitive to this and to not take things personally; don’t react. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
Meaningful Dialogue is key.
Our best role as a teacher is being completely present; to with-hold our response until we are truly present with the moment, reflecting on the dialogue you are about to create.
I agree with your comments on how we teach who we are. We are all raised within a variety of settings which establish ingrained perspectives stemming from our social belief systems and childhood socialization. When you and I were raised in a middle class, anglophone-community, dual parent house-hold, we need to consider that we have these myopic perspectives shaping our realities; yet it may be just our own. This can disable us when we begin to transpose our belief systems onto others as I have come to realize is unique to the Pendree upbringing. I can see how these factors can impact your ability to be a mindful and objective teacher and through self reflection I have become a better dental hygienist once I have identified my unique value sets.