Preparing to teach a new class or delving into a new subject is always a learning experience even if you have taught the subject in the past. It is uncanny how the same text of Scripture has layers of meaning that are further explored each time a detailed examination takes place. Most people think the teacher possesses the information they try to disseminate in a classroom setting. Little do they realize that thoughts the teacher never imagined are brought to mind as the teacher goes about the task of lecturing. The questions students ask, the emphasis placed on participation, and the openness to listening all contribute to a new perspective or deeper understanding.
Teachers have the responsibility of sharing what they have observed about a particular subject. But many teachers never come to the realization that the purpose of teaching is learning. It is not about the teacher. It is about the student and their understanding of the subject matter. If the students are not learning, the teacher is not teaching. This includes all the students from the least informed of them to the best informed of them.
Attitude and motivation are as important as the actual instruction. When the teacher approaches the classroom with the expectation of making a difference in the life of the student and learning something along the way, real learning will take place. Going through the motions is not acceptable for either student or teacher. Excitement, anticipation, and a sense of wonderment are all ingredients in the teaching process. That means the teacher is not just interested in the subject but desirous of having a deeper understanding of how the subject matter will impact the life of both student and teacher.
A teacher is a student first and an instructor second. The moment the teacher thinks they have it all is the moment teaching stops and dissemination of information begins. Anyone can repeat information, but only a teacher can take that same information and touch lives in the process. Teaching is not a task to perform. It is a ministry conducted through the power of the Holy Spirit. A successful class is one in which learning takes place for both student and teacher.
Teachers have the responsibility of sharing what they have observed about a particular subject. But many teachers never come to the realization that the purpose of teaching is learning. It is not about the teacher. It is about the student and their understanding of the subject matter. If the students are not learning, the teacher is not teaching. This includes all the students from the least informed of them to the best informed of them.
Attitude and motivation are as important as the actual instruction. When the teacher approaches the classroom with the expectation of making a difference in the life of the student and learning something along the way, real learning will take place. Going through the motions is not acceptable for either student or teacher. Excitement, anticipation, and a sense of wonderment are all ingredients in the teaching process. That means the teacher is not just interested in the subject but desirous of having a deeper understanding of how the subject matter will impact the life of both student and teacher.
A teacher is a student first and an instructor second. The moment the teacher thinks they have it all is the moment teaching stops and dissemination of information begins. Anyone can repeat information, but only a teacher can take that same information and touch lives in the process. Teaching is not a task to perform. It is a ministry conducted through the power of the Holy Spirit. A successful class is one in which learning takes place for both student and teacher.
No comments:
Post a Comment