I sat with forty-three grade 12 students two days ago to ask them what really makes a difference in their learning. These four ideas repeated themselves in slightly different variations forty times.
- A teacher who is passionate about their subject
- A teacher who cares about me and connects with me as a person
- Interactive lessons and discussions–not just taking notes, taking a test, and repeating the process
- A teacher who connects their subject to the real world
I think it is important to ask kids what they value and I am so glad I did. It really goes to show how very important our impact is on students and their learning. Their list is quite simple, isn’t it? And yet, the passion and longing with which some students shared these desires was quite startling to me. It’s amazing how a simple good morning and a warm smile and a “hello” can have!
I am reminded of a powerful post from my friend, George Couros from a few years ago, 10 Easy Ways to Create an Amazing #ClassroomCulture this year. . which lists very simple ways to ensure a child feels valued and cared about.
Their responses also made me to connect to this oldie but goodie by Sir. Ken Robinson which was shared by Dr. Erin Keith in my Dynamics of Change class:
Teachers are the lifeblood of the success of schools. But teaching is a creative profession. Teaching, properly conceived, is not a delivery system. You know, you’re not there just to pass on received information. Great teachers do that, but what great teachers also do is mentor, stimulate, provoke, engage.
It is not lost on me that this is near the end of the year, but NOW really is an amazing time to loosen up and really get to know your kids, to have fun with them and help connect them to their passions. It’s never too late to connect with our students. Here are a few ideas for the end of the school year which may help with the “interactive lessons” part.
