How can we inspire a student? Well before we can answer that question we have to actually develop a working/direct definition of what we mean when we say inspire.
Personally what I am really asking is this - how can I get students who "don't care" to put in a little bit of energy and effort to better their academic performance?
I believe that there is always underlining reasons behind student behavior - and for the most part we overlook this reality - most of the time labeling students as lazy or troubled.
In reality its probably one of the following that is blocking the student from becoming better capable at school:
1) Issues outside of school - family/economic
2) Low reading abilities
3) Undiagnosed visual issues
4) Avoidance
5) Anger and frustration
So how do we help these students?
Get to know your students. Ask them a question that doesn't come from a textbook or help their SOL or SAT scores. In doing so, they will begin to trust you and feel safe in your classroom. Though it may take some time, perhaps even the whole year, you'll find that one of the five or so issues mentioned above are at the root. Once they surface, you can begin to make progress.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to get to know your students is to make yourself available. Go to sporting events, plays, walk around the hallways, and even build time into your lessons just to talk or reflect with your students.
While it seems simple, this task is very hard because you have to be consistent with it. In the teenager's live there are so many changing parts, new experiences, people, and stresses that if you falter, the "getting to know you" method will be less effective because they'll see you as another aspect of their crazy world.
The job is tough but so are you, that's why you became a teacher.
Thats true - But is this not a personality trait? There are many educators who do not see their role this way - how do we inspire teachers to inspire their students?
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