Once upon a time teaching was about building relationships,
demonstrating a caring attitude, and working to make lessons interesting and
fun. Since I decided a few years ago to back up and treat my students with the
respect and caring of years gone by I have found a different voice in the
classroom. I care about curriculum. I care more about the students. I work with
them to hear their voices, give them a stronger belief in themselves and what
they can accomplish and build on their confidence. This is the area where
teachers need to work on the most, building student confidence. It once was
that this was a given because the material was presented and built on until the
students had grasped it. Now it is rushed through like an assembly line because
“this has to be taught before I move on to something totally different.” My
students in response are more eager to learn, to ask questions and to think
creatively. My behaviour problems have toned themselves down to acceptable levels,
most of the time. Academic issues are still there but students now feel
supported rather than cast aside. Everyone is treated the same and pitches in
to help. At times it is the stronger students who lead. At times the weaker
students demonstrate the positives they have to help the others. The creative
kids feel vindicated because they can show those whose creativity is lacking
ways to make their work more interesting.
My
change in attitude towards my students and my interest in using SOLE, Self
Organized Learning Environments, helped facilitate this. SOLE allowed the
students to see each other as part of something larger. It allowed them time to
work and discuss the topics presented by them. They took ownership for their
learning and became closer as a group than they ever would have been without
it. SOLE has changed their lives and awakened in them the possibilities of what
they can be when they feel they are a part of something.
How
about you? Do you feel a part of something? Join the SOLE movement and grow.
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