Page 5 - TEACHING STUDIES DIGITAL BROCHURE

For example, instead of treating learners as empty vessels who need to be

filled with knowledge, it is always a good idea to let them work on their own

to discover and construct knowledge. In this way as an ideal teacher you are

able to gage where they are at with their learning and what it is that you must

work on in order to create effective learning experiences. Commit to knowing
your learners well with regard to academically, socially, and emotionally.

Learn about their families, cultures, and interests. Ask questions, talk with
parents, community members and colleagues, read books, watch movies,

listen to music. Make home visits, or create opportunities for learners to
share and celebrate their family traditions and cultures (and never

underestimate the power of the positive phone call home). Be aware of

different worldviews, and learn about the ‘collectivistic-individualistic

continuum’. Be explicit and talk to your learners about ‘code-switching’ – the

choices we make in how we talk and present ourselves. Help learners to

know when and why it is appropriate, while valuing their home culture and

language. An ideal teacher also has to work on developing personal

relationships with the learners, this is very imperative especially in cases

where a learners is having difficulties with learning. The personal relationship