Reflection: The Learning Process

I know education is where I can have the greatest impact. As an instructor, I lead my students on an intellectual journey through their course of study. My role is to point out the scenic attractions, highlighting particular features of the subject matter, and focusing attention on major points, important terms or concepts, relevant issues, and significant relationships. One of the most important concepts I hope to impart to students is that learning is a process that never ends. I provide the scaffolding they need to build connections between what they already know and the new understandings they seek to create. I believe the learning process can be enhanced by a collegial relationship between teacher and learner, evident pride in scholarship

On the first day of class, I ask each student to fill out an individual information sheet. I use this information to learn about my students. Throughout the semester, I attempt to call on each student by name and to know a little about his or her background, treating all students with absolute equality, regardless of age, gender, nationality, intellectual ability or personal attractiveness. When I know my students, they feel valued and enjoy the experience of participating in my class. When I walk into my classroom each day, I want my students to know that they can succeed. I then strive to turn that feeling of confidence into real knowledge. As I teach, I work to empower my students by creating an environment conducive to learning both in the classroom and in the real world. I believe that a key element in the classroom is keeping the students motivated. My personal style of teaching brings enthusiasm, cultural elements, and technology into the classroom to increase learning motivation. I teach with a contagious smile and open personality that helps me to interact with my students as I guide them through their learning