#7th provocation

Ed Founds 7th Provocation reflection: Should we teach students or subjects?

Already immersed in my first Prac teaching assignment, in my viewpoint, we teach students over subjects.  We as teachers are teaching and affecting human beings.  Surely, subject and content knowledge is vital; however, to become a creative and highly effective teacher, those who can muster the most out of even the least impressive students, are those teachers who combine sound motivational methods and curricula (Snider 2006, p. 87).  The previous statement leads students over subject matter.

This topic also touches upon the question – is teaching an art or a science?  In my view, it’s likely both.  Heaps of theories abound on teaching methods and development of sound pedagogy.  It’s important for teachers’ to be cognizant of teaching theory, and how to implement these theories in the classroom environment. 

  “Our greatest accomplishment is to be sure there is a teacher

in every classroom, everyday, who makes every student feel like a human being”.

(Anonymous)

(Peters 2008, p. 33)

  The question of teachers teaching students, and not subjects also relates to real-world, everyday situations that students face on a daily basis.  I believe students look to teachers for guidance on many social and ethical norms.  Again, this relates to teaching students, and not raw subject matter.  Students likely look for teachers to instil right from wrong, address everyday social behaviour, promote public speaking and how to dress.  It’s my opinion that teachers have a dramatic and long-lasting influence on their students, which can last a life-time.

References:

[1] V. Snider (2006) Myths and misconceptions about teaching. p. 87