The Art of Teaching Sunday, August 15, 2010

Rachael Mason is a geography teacher at Beak Wing high school in Billing, Nevada.

You said it. Teaching is indeed an art. With a little practice and patience, you can master this art. But like other arts, you cannot force yourself into teaching. Face it- if you don't like teaching, you can never be a good teacher. You need to LOVE teaching to be a great teacher. You need to inspire your students to give their best.

For all the new teachers, I have one simple tip- be friendly with your students. Let them open up to you. But draw a certain line. Keep the classroom environment lively, but keep in mind that you are still in charge. Do not get to their level completely. There has got to be a blend of friendship and seriousness. If you get right to their level, they will not respect you any more, and just treat you just like their friend. This is wrong. If you want to control them, you have to show that you are the leader.

Of course you need to have a good understanding of your subject. If you do not know your subject well, then you just cannot be a good teacher- that's pretty obvious. Another important thing is mutual understanding. Understand their problems. They are also humans. Act kind and considerate. If they have some problem, you can discuss it out with them, and make them feel that they have someone whom they can rely upon. Once you gain that trust- your battle is won.

It is very important that students trust you, and respect you. If they respect you, then you have that art, because respect is the ultimate goal that all teachers want.

I have seen many teachers get frustrated at their students and telling me about how stupid their students are. I think that's a negative attitude. We all must understand that all students don't have the same IQ, and some students might be good in other subjects while they are weak in yours. You should actually take them as a challenge instead of getting frustrated. Listen to them patiently, and solve their problems. Maybe they were not taught by good teachers earlier and their base is weak. You should solve their problems so that they respect you even more for building their base and making their foundation strong. This kind of attitude will make you a great teacher. Complaining will not solve any problems.

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