Introduction Theodor Seuss Geisel, prominently known as Dr. Seuss once stated, “It is better to know how to learn than to know” (Sherin, 2013). As I begin my journey towards becoming a teacher these words mean so much to me. There is so much out there to know, one cannot possibly begin to know everything; however, if one knows how to learn one has the ability to know anything. In the classroom, my role as a teacher will exceed teaching children the required curriculum, over and above, motivating them to love to learn and guiding them to become lifelong learners.
Students’ Ability to Learn When one is born, I believe one instantly begins learning through their everyday activities of daily life: eating, drinking, playing, sleeping, etc. Through
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I read an incredible example of this from author and teacher, LouAnne Johnson, who shares a story of her students who thought they were unable to achieve anything, therefore unable to pass her class. The prior classroom teacher had actually written in the grade book F’s in red ink prior to her leaving. When speaking of this in the classroom she saw her students’ shoulders slump and their heads droop. The words, “it don’t matter what we do” came out of the mouth of one student in response to their current lack of class participation. LouAnne continues on and lets them know that she is not using the former teacher’s grade book and has given them all A’s and it is her job to help them keep it. A student called out, “she’s lyin’,” thinking this was untrue, in response another student exclaims, “what if she ain’t lyin’? I ain’t never had an A before.” LouAnne states that during that moment the students began to realize that she believed in them, it was although she could hear the hope fluttering in those students’ hearts (2011). It is my goal that I am able to help each and every one of my students to acquire recognition of self-efficacy so that they too can believe that they can achieve whatever it is their hearts …show more content…
As a teacher I will acknowledge, honor, and build on the varied life histories and experiences of my students’ ethnic backgrounds by engaging in learning experiences that encourage interest in many cultures within the society not just of those who are the