Becoming a Teacher Maxwell, Meiser & McKnight Chapter 1

The Most Memorable Teachers “He changed the way I thought, the way I looked at the world.” “She changed my life” He “lit a fire” in the students. “He said, ‘When the dream dies, you die. He made me see that I could be anything I wanted to be.’”

*Successful Teachers share these qualities: Realism Openness Positive expectations Responsiveness Flexibility Sense of Humor Fair Intellectually curious

It’s all about RESPECT for our Students

Understanding Adolescents Middle School Students vs. High School Students

Eager to assume adult roles Need self-expression Need support although independent Developing self-confidence Concerned with personal future

Middle School Students Impulsive and impatient Preoccupied with popularity Self-conscious about appearance Influenced by mass media Mood swings … forgetful, bored Assertive, moved by competition Fearful of failure Embarrassed by social situations, covered with wisecracks Sense of unfairness

Students need activity

Motivating Students to Learn Learning Styles –Multiple ways to learn –Connect to lives –Encourage responsibility –Interconnect learning –Encourage self-confidence

Multiple Intelligences Verbal Logical Visual Bodily Musical Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalistic

5 ways of connecting with multiple intelligences 1. explaining a concept 2. using deductive reasoning 3. giving philosophical background 4. including music and art 5. hands-on experiences

Classroom arrangement

Good Teacher Knows material Listens Helpful Interesting Makes kids feel smart Makes kids feel wanted Gives choices Creative Flexible Fair Adjusts to levels Controls class Energetic Open-minded Sense of humor

Ratings Middle School –Listens –Gives Choices –Values opinions –Fair High School –Listens –Fair –Values opinions –Gives choices