Thursday, September 9, 2010
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East Alexander Middle School
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PLC group Oct. 20
I think the more you know about a student, the more you will be able to teach on their level. You will know what ways work with them. Also, you will know whether they are having a bad day or good day, sometimes that also makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteRegina Millsaps
By listening to the students and learning who they really are, you as a teacher are able to relate to them and gain respect from them. The kids know that you understand them or at least try understand them, that goes a long way. If the kids know that you personally care about them and are invested in them, they are much more likely to listen to what you are trying to teach them.
ReplyDeleteEach student is a unique individual with unique circumstances in his/her life. As a teacher, if I can understand the student and make a connection with him/her, the student is much more likely to respond in class and be successful.
ReplyDeleteBefore you can make a connection with a student, you have to know where he/she is coming from. Each student has different life experiences(good and bad), and to listen to their thoughts and feelings shows them that we value them as a people, not just as a student. We need to provide safe opportunities for them to share these thoughts with us. In many cases, it is extremely enlightening when I find out a student is exhibiting behaviors based on an incident from his/her past or something going on at home.
ReplyDeleteWhen you listen to the students, you learn who they are and what interests them. I would take it one step further and say you need to not only listen, but also observe how they act, what they do, etc. I firmly believe, since we are all so different that by learning about your students, you can change your teaching methods to meet their needs. By teachers changing the way they teach to fit the way their students learn, instead of molding the students to fit their teaching style, the students learn more effectively and teachers become better teachers. Teachers are in the business of helping students learn, not just teaching the content. If teachers are able to listen and observe in such an effective way so that they really know who their students are, then the learning will be more effective and long-lasting.
ReplyDeleteWhen we slow down enough to really listen to our students we often realize that some of them are dealing with adult issues. Children are faced with so many things that I never had to think about as a child. We as educators need to provide a safe haven for our students. Sometimes all that they need, is to feel that they have been heard.
ReplyDeleteOnce we have gained their trust the task of teaching them is easier.
Communication is vital to promote student learning. Good communication requires being a good listener. When we listen attentively, we are better prepared to send the message to our students. Therefore, we should strive to know all we can about our students.
ReplyDeleteWhen we truly listen to someone, we are getting a real glimpse into their lives. Far too many students are facing adut issues that they should not be having to deal with at this time in their lives. When I hear "I didn't get my progress report signed because my Mom had to work.", I know that they most likely have not had any assistance on their school work either. Listening is key for any releationship.
ReplyDeleteGoble definition: Hearing is an auditory response. Listening is processing by the heart.
Suzanne Goble
By truly listening to students, a teacher can gain so much insight to their unique personalities. If a teacher is aware of students' personal concerns and interests, he or she is more understanding to individual achievement and behavior.
ReplyDeleteListening is the beginning of all relationships. If we listen and know where our students are coming from it can be the beginning of a working relationship. I believe once a student knows you are truly listening to what they have to say or express, they will be more willing to work with you and not against you.
ReplyDeleteAmber Treadway
Students need to have a certain comfort level with a teacher before they are willing to lower their barrier, don’t expect to much to fast. Before they are willing to let down their guard they have to see that teachers are real people willing to let down their own guard. Show them that you are human, capable of making mistakes and not everything is about grades, and performance. Then they will slowly show you who they are.
ReplyDeleteOh... also, take interest in thier lives. This may require you to do a little research. Watch "Jersey Shore" on MTV or listen to 96.1 every once in a while. Read their favorite books, watch their favorite movies. Have discussions about topics they are interested in. Then they will listen to you when you talk about topics you want them to be interested in.
ReplyDeleteI know everyone has heard the old saying, "Listening is more important than talking, or God would not have given us two ears and only one mouth." If we listen, we can learn so much about a student and their life away from school. How many times did we hear,"Well when I was your age..."? When I was their age, I never had to worry or even consider some of issues they face today. Listening to what they have to say is one connection that just might make a student more receptive to what teachers and the school have to offer. Why would anyone want to listen to us if we aren't willing to listen to them?
ReplyDeleteI could not agree with Mrs. Lackey more, my pastor has always said we should listen twice as much as we comment. We have so much to learn from our students but it requires that we listen to what they have to say. Sometimes this is not easy for us as educators because we think we have to know the answers to everything. Sometimes I think the older I get the less I really know.
ReplyDeleteMark Ford
Every student comes to us from a different place with different experiences. What each child feels will be completely different depending on those factors. The more things you can learn about each child will help you understand why they feel what they are feeling.
ReplyDeleteI love this comment because it is the way we should strive to treat everyone. If we take the time to really listen to those around us, it is amazing what they are really telling us. Most people, including middle school aged people, tell you more than their words can say. I should take the time to listen to what is really being said and how it is being said. If I ask a student a ticket question about what we just went over, I can tell by the questioning in their answer if they understood or not. If their voice is free of doubt and question and they got the answer wrong, the wrong answer is one of 2 things, I did not explain it as well as I thought or they calculated it wrong. With adults, if I ask you “How are you?” and you answer “Good.” and are not smiling, you may not mean it.
ReplyDeleteListening is important to any relationship. It is possible, however, to listen and not really hear. As teachers, it is important to really hear what our students say. Many times, they speak without saying a word and it is our responsiblity to "hear" those things as well. I have found that when they know I am truly listening to things that are important to them, they will truly listen to things that are important to me. They will know if we have really heard them, just as I know if my concerns have been heard. My father has said for years that there is a reason that God gave us two ears and one mouth. I have carried this thought with me into my profession. Teaching is not all about talking, it's also about listening....twice as much!
ReplyDeleteCassie Crowder
As I was reading everyone's posts, I found myself thinking about the journal entries I assign once or twice weekly. At first, students grumble and moan, "I don't want to write." But after I read their first jounals and mention comments they've made, the grumbling ceases. Instead, my students would be happy to write a journal entry everyday. I don't think this is because they've suddenly fallen in love with writing. Rather, I think they want to write to me when they know I'm going to "listen" to every word, respond to their questions, laugh at the jokes . . . I think it's as important to "listen" to students' writing as it is to listen to their speaking.
ReplyDeleteJulie Eudy
As a teacher, we need to listen with more than our ears. We need to listen "between the lines" to be sure we are really hearing the unspoken messages our students give us.
ReplyDeleteBeing a good and effective teacher requires you to empathize with your students and let them know "that you really care about them" whatever their range of worries or concerns are about life. Just as when a good teacher is able to communicate with passion and electricity about why a particular subject is important for students to study and learn, a good teacher much show that he/she cares about his or her students just as much as individuals. Students who walk into a classroom where they feel comfortable enough with the teacher to talk about topics, ask advice, share concerns, etc. are going into a classroom environment where they feel it is friendly and inviting, and that friendly learning environment will also motivate students to learn better in that particular class. Teachers who listen to their students as individuals are much more likely to create a successful learning environment and see better academic results from students.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that until we meet the needs of our students we will not be able to impart knowledge.Those needs may be giving a student a pack of crackers or listen to their opinions and veiws maybe laugh at their jokes. Sometimes we need to show intrest in what students do outside of our subject matter and in return, they listen to us .
ReplyDeleteRelationships are vital to the success of any operation. When you listen to your students, you are demonstrating that you have a concern for their interests and well being. The individual student's value is affirmed when the teacher cares enough to take a personal interest in the student. Relationships are two sided. Students may not respond to teachers until an interest is shown in them as a person. Someone once said. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
ReplyDeleteFor a student to really open themselves up to learn more, they need to feel comfortable with the instructor. Students will get this feeling from knowing that a teacher will listen to them about anything. Like Mr. Wiesend said, students want teachers to relate with them on things outside the classroom setting. Also, as a teacher you need to listen with your eyes also. You can learn more about the way a student is feeling by the way they hold themselves.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see 9th grade students most of them say they miss East because they feel like they don't have any adults who care about them the way we did. I don't know if that is true for other middle school students who didn't come from East. There is just something special about our school. I think we have found the right recipe. Each grade level has the perfect combination of teachers to give them exactly what they need both academically and emotionally in that stage of their life. While each grade is in a different stages of development our level of expectations are united. We have a way of letting them know who is in charge but we also let them see that many aspect of our lives are like theirs. At the beginning of the year I have my students make a collage about themselves based on a questionaire that I give them. I made one of myself and they have discovered that I actually watch and like some of the same TV shows and listen to some of the same music that they do. We let them know we are the adults but we honestly care and respect them and their feelings. I also know when we can admit that we are wrong and tell them so it makes a difference in their level of trusting us. Lets face it...they know when we are we are not being honest, don't particularly like them or are just going through the motions. We (East) have developed a wonderful sence of balance with our level of expectations, discipline and genuine care for our students. Just ask a former student what was so good about East and they will tell you. The teachers really do care!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I get to know a student and learn about them (especially when I learn about their background) I will approach my job differently than before. I think that it makes me a more sensitive person and a more empathetic teacher, which in turn makes me feel more successful in what I do. When a student knows that I genuinely care about them, we will develop a better relationship which generally affects the way they behave and perform academically in the classroom and around me.
ReplyDeleteEach person is different so what is imprtant to us is not always the same as what may be important to someone else. Young teenagers are the same. What is important to each on of our 100something students is different. I can't form an opinion or even a reaction to a situation based on what seems important to me. I have to remeber that the student is thinking something completely different. Also, since what is important to them is changing so often something may bother them one day and not another. I need to remember to take the time to explain what I'm thinking about the situation and then listen to what they are saying about what happened, how they are feeling or what they are thinking. My reactions will be more helpful if I listen.
ReplyDeleteI think it is also important for the students to know who we are too. This may be in the form of bringing in a personal picture of yourself. Perhaps even showing/talking about a hobby. I have found that this gives students something to relate to and perhaps show a common ground.
ReplyDeleteIn order to understand the students we teach, it is imperative that we know who they are, how they function, and their likes/dislikes. Creating a student/teacher relationship helps encourage positive behavior and student achievement. By listening to our students, and showing that we do care about their lives, I feel that we can better serve them as teachers. I also feel that by treating them as human beings, and by that I am implying that we listen and talk to them with care and concern, we can them translate that care and concern to an effective classroom strategy for success.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Melina. Most students that I have had in the past wish they were at East again. A child must feel safe and cared about before they will open up. If the students feel this way they do better and achieve more. If you listen to them and pay attention they will tell you anything you want to know and would do anything for you. You have to have some type of relation with them beyond the teacher's roll you play in their life.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is important to be relatable to your students-- I remember never having teachers in school that came across as real people. It was always a shock to see them out in public doing "normal" things like grocery shopping or checking their mail. When students view you as a real person, because you allow them to see you that way, you automatically become more accessible to them, and in the process, you eliminate a lot of discipline issues. I don't necessarily think it's a good thing to immerse yourself in their culture (as I told one student the other day, most "reality" shows kill brain cells more effectively than drugs), but I think sharing our outside interests with them and hearing about what they enjoy is an awesome tool to be a more effective teacher. You have to get them to hear you before you can teach them anything,and when you talk about their interests, they listen. We are also placed in the unique position of being able to convince them to give the "geeky" things we do (like read and share books with each other, watch the news, discuss current events and politics, and be socially responsible) a chance. It's important to meet them where they are, but it's equally important to let them see how they can be better people.
ReplyDeleteOne of the key parts of the statment is building relationships with students, and that is done through listening. When that relationship is built, then you learn how to engage and support that student, and in turn they give you and your subject an exta level of respect. Also, knowing my students hopes, fears, and dreams, I can cater to them and teach them the skills to attain their dreams and overcome their fears.
ReplyDeleteI feel that getting to know your student is one of the most important things a teacher can do. Learning students past, present and future goals along with what matters to them is key if you want your students to succeed. If students feel comfortable with you they are more willing to comply with directions, work hard on their task, and want to do their best.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that the more you consider the student's emotions, questions and home life the better you can relate/teach them. Knowing their worries and doubts give you the knowledge of where you need to build on their confidence. For example, if they feel uncomfortable in reading, it is generally a sign they need to build on this skill.
ReplyDeleteAnna Hicks
Yvonne Locklear said.....
ReplyDeleteThe more you listen the more you know. I tell my kids to be great listeners but I also tell my self that. Kids do know if you are listening when they are telling you something. Even if you are busy take the time to actually hear what it is they say. Yes we all have those students who just want to tell you story after story day after day. But that in itself tells you something. It tells you that maybe there is no one outside of the school listening to that child. So shhh...listen what they say or may not say will tell you a lot about them and this will help you become a better teacher to that child.
YVONNE MILLER LOCKLEAR
By learning how to listen to our students, we will begin to start to recognize the inner delemas and questions that they are having therefore, tranforming your classroom environment to beeter meet their needs.
ReplyDeleteIf you have ever played the gossip game,you know that it is hard to listen and "correctly" hear what is being said. You have to practice listening and like Fonda said, "Listen between the lines". In order to build those middle school relationships, we must listen, learn, and respond if necessary.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOne more time as anonymous. Jenkins
ReplyDeleteI so agree with Mrs. Lackey. We do need to listen to our students. They are going through so many things in their lives that we never had to consider. If we listen to them, we can find out more about them and as Amy said, build those important middle school relationships with them.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say...mental health has always been neglected in education. Listen to what they are NOT saying as well as what they are saying!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Connections and relationships are the key to effectively teaching our students. Regardless of what they may or may not express at times, they are seeking these connections.
ReplyDeleteIn order to be effective in the classroom, you have to understand the students in your classroom. I think it is completely impossible to teach a student that you know nothing about. I try to get to know my students, what they like/dislike, extracurricular activities, etc. By learning about my students I can try to play to their interest with my lessons. I believe that students will work harder for a teacher if they know that teacher cares about them.
ReplyDeleteAshley Campbell
It is so vital that as teachers we listen to each and every student. At the beginning of the year once students have become comfortable enough around me, I try to meet with each student one on one. During this meeting I ask a series of questions so I can understand what kind of homelife they come from along with how they learn best. It really does make a world of difference when a teacher takes a minute to ask how things are going. By doing just that I have had so many students open up and pour their hearts out. Lastly, I have seen that when I take a minute to talk with them I able to teach at their level as well as gain their respect.
ReplyDeleteCandace Heffinger
I find myself sometimes amazed at the amount of things that spew from the mouths of students. It has taken me a while to realize as they all talk at one time, and I try to quiet them (sometimes without success) that they all just want to be heard.
ReplyDeleteThey want someone to know who they are, and in turn care about who they are going to be. If we do take an interest in their preferences, in their current situations, that makes us a safe place, somewhere they can truly be themselves.
I know that I would not be who I am today, had it not been for those teachers who looked past the quiet girl, discovered her potential and interests, and helped her grow the confidence and skill necessary for who she is today.
Meshia
Test-Jenkins
ReplyDeleteThe art of listening is undervalued. We can speak at approximately 125 words a minute whereas we have the capacity to take in 400 words a minute. So, from an efficiency standpoint we can learn more by listening than speaking. I have met many brilliant people in my life who do not listen. They speak and capture an audience. But I am finding that listenening has such great potential to open up a wellspring of creativity in others. Most humans want to be heard because they are exposing a piece of their soul to us. Children are no different. They want so much to be heard. When we listen, they are empowered and tend to open up to us.(adults). Do I want to be the brilliant old man that captures and audience or do I want to encourage the youth of this world? It is just a question. I know that listening is difficult. Especially in a classroom full of children wanting to be heard. How is it that I provide and create a space for those children to be heard? I must show them be my own listening. Listening to each child one at a time. I suppose this reflection can help me find better methods in which to listen to my children.
ReplyDeleteI read all the teacher's comments and I must admit that they were impressive. I still think that it's important to know how to listen, how to give feedback and then how to let children know that you are open to discussing things with them. We have to remember that we are not their parents and should not try to assume that role, but to show a sincere interest. Sometimes listening is just that-no comments necessary. Just a smile and an attitude of appreciation goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteListening to children to understand their situation will help us to become more sympathetic. I don't want to allow them to use excuses, but maybe I will appreciate the fact that they will need more time to complete an assignment. I don't want them to continually use their situation as an excuse, but I want to help them deal with it and move forward.
ReplyDelete