Starleigh’s MAKER

When I think about my own practice I focus a lot of method, awareness, and relationships.  I think method and awareness and relationships are intertwined, especially when it comes to struggling students. I have found that if your method is not carefully constructed relationships suffer because students become frustrated if they don’t know what to do and what’s going on. I also think the rigor and high expectations is a sign of caring.

However, in order to know whether you are really stretching students’ capabilities, and in order to develop strong relationships, you need to have awareness about them.

Likewise, if you are going to challenge students academically you need to make sure that you establish a caring relationship with them, otherwise they’ll perceive you as just a slave driver!

I don’t ponder ends a great deal.

Knowledge is important, but it can be acquired. I am trained in middle school humanities, but I have taught science, elementary level literacy and arts, PE, and a course which required a great deal of technology. You can be very knowledgable about something, but if you don’t know how to work with students it’s all for naught.

Fenstermacher, G.D. & Soltis J.F. (2009). Approaches to Teaching. New York, New York: Teachers College Press.

Method: The skills and techniques teachers use to assist students in gaining the knowledge, understanding, and skill that teachers intend their students to achieve.

Awareness: what the teacher knows about his or her students, including such things as their interests, talents, and concerns; their personal histories and family backgrounds; and their performance in previous years

Knowledge: Covers what a teacher knows about the subject matter they are teaching

Ends: The purposes a teacher has for his teaching and for his students

Relationships: The kind of connection that teachers forge with their students