Page 5 - TEACHING STUDIES DIGITAL BROCHURE
P. 5
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