How do you view yourself as a teacher?
My definition of a good teacher is a person whose attitude is always warm, calm, and firm. S/he is willing to share experiences and knowledge and help students to meet their needs. I view myself as a guide, a helper, and a companion who shares a common goal with my students to help them experience their learning journey. As a teacher, it is my duty to challenge and support students according to their individual strengths and differences. Therefore, I believe that learning guides teaching, that teaching is a response to learning, and that the beginning of teaching, is learning.
How do you try to accomplish with your students and believe that they learn best?
My students learn best when their passion meets their talents.
- Valuing Individual Difference Highly
As a teacher, I prefer to offer scaffolding and have students to construct their own knowledge through exploration and discussion. Students are naturally curious about their surroundings and the events around them. Using student exploration as an instruction method allows students to be active explorers to realize their talents and find their passion. Once these elements are built, students become self-motivated learners, synthesize knowledge, and reveal their potential.
2. Helping Students Find Their Educational Independence.
My goal is to show all my students that there is value in what they do in my classroom. Much of what they do in life may seem insignificant, but it’s very important that they do it. The main thing I try to accomplish with my students is shedding light on the reality that without education, they can never truly live their own lives. They will depend on other people as their sources for knowledge. Independence is gained from education. You can use it to go anywhere. It is a valuable ability that no one can steal from you.
3. Optimism and Encouragement Are Powerful.
Students thrive in a positive atmosphere and grow in positive reinforcement. Optimism and encouragement serve as a driving force for people to move forward. It is crucial that each student is recognized for his or her strengths and contributions and given credibility within the classroom. This makes the classroom a safe place where students can make brilliant discoveries and risk making mistakes.
What do you hope your students will be able to do once they leave your class?
I hope my students will take away a new aspect and understanding of education, as a whole. I want my students to know their individual differences, embrace their independence, and learn to use education for themselves. I hope students will leave my classroom with the ability to apply what they know, to know how to get what they don’t yet know, and most importantly, keep their creativity and original passion to explore the world.
