What I've Learned this Year
by: Mr. McClung
After reading Mr. McClung's What I've Learned This Year it occurred to me that he was truly honest and right. The best way to be a effective teacher is to be able to read the crowd. What Mr. McClung means is to never lose touch with the children. They are the ones that will, or will not, take something away from your class. Not the Administrators that you are trying to impress. Being flexible is another approach McClung takes to being a effective teacher. He says nothing will ever go exactly as planned. When something goes wrong, don't stress about it. You learn things through trial and error.
McClung goes on to mention that "Communication is the best medicine". He says that communication is the best way to resolve any conflicts in the workplace. Communicating is the best way to establish relationships with coworkers and your students. Being reasonable and listening are two key factors in building a relationship with students. What McClung is saying is to not set the bar. Sure you can have basic goals that are to be met but, do not have a limit on where to stop after that. The number one key to building relationships with students is listen. Students will feel more comfortable and trust you more if you just listen to what they say.
One of the last thing Mr.McClung writes "We do everything short of beg students to learn on a daily basis, but sadly some of us refuse to learn and grow as professional educators. We work in a learning environment, so why not soak up as much as you can? We owe it to our students." I believe that this is so true and we should never stop learning. A good example that comes to my mind is technology. McClung says that "We should not become overwhelmed by technology and simply give up before we start. We cannot expect to master computer skills the first time we attempt them, so jump in head first....the water feels fine :)". This is so true considering that technology is an essential part of everyday living for so many of us. We should use technology to our advantage seeing how it is such a rapidly growing part of our present and future.
Thoughtful. I can tell that this post has meant a lot to you. Keep on learning.
ReplyDeleteLast week Mr. McClung posted his third annual reflection. I think they get better and better. It will take only 5 minutes or so to read the 2010-2011 What I Learned This Year. I highly recommend it!
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI love your picture: think do be POSITIVE. That little picture and such few words means so much.I agree with when you say that Mr. McClung is honest and right. In order for us to be the best educators we can be, we must never lose touch with our students.In more situations than one, communication is definitely a winner. In order to be productive and get anywhere, communication is key. I agree with you when you stressed how important it is to keep learning. This is so true and very important! I enjoyed reading your post!
Sarah Nelson