Reflection 1

The definition of “learn” is the acquisition of knowledge of a skill by study, instruction or experience. It is gaining wisdom and values. The definition of “teach” is to impart knowledge of a skill, or give instruction to. I believe that both the teacher and the student should benefit in the learning process. The teacher needs to be prepared and knowledgeable about the subject being taught. But to merely know the material being presented doesn’t make one a good teacher. A teacher must know how to convene his/her knowledge of the subject to the student well enough that, that student could in turn be a teacher of that subject. They should also be able to give the students a way to acquire the knowledge on their own. Students should be presented the problem, shown how to solve that problem and then left on their own to figure out the whole solution to the problem. They need to discover, create, and construct the solution. If we as teachers, who obviously know the answer to the problem, simply give them answers, there is no learning present. I believe that kids can figure it out, it may take some longer than others and they will have to struggle but only by doing can they learn. We need to be an example and a model to the students. They will do and copy us in our manors, speech and actions. After the students succeed in finding the solution or answer a question correctly we should praise them. We need to support them and be there when they need help. We learned about the PRODUCT, EFFORT, and GROWTH relationship that exists between a student and a teacher. The more effort and growth results in a better product and it’s our goal to produce a good product. If we both put in the effort towards the learning experience we will both learn and grow. We need to be proficient and effective to do this. We must be organized. Also as a teacher we need to find out about the students. As teachers we are to impact the lives of our students.