What Do Best Teachers Do?

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"What Do Best Teachers Do?"

Introduction

Teaching Philosophy

Student learning objectives are the most important part of all lectures and class discussions. Rather than attending class to learn facts, critical thinking and reasoning abilities should be the major objectives. Utilizing a constructivist philosophy, it is our belief that learners construct their own meaning and knowledge and it is the educator's task to offer proactive coursework designed to encourage active participation and discussion in class, while at the same time acknowledging and respecting student differences. The role of the educator is not being the source of all truth, but as a guide creates a sense that everyone works together. Students can learn from one another, gaining confidence as they share.

Creating a good teaching environment involves creating an atmosphere of trust allowing students to feel comfortable enough to share in discussions. Every class discussion calls for involvement and is facilitated through asking questions, but should not be dominated by the instructor. Construction of knowledge involves two levels, the social level as well as the individual level so the fostering of a community of learners is an important aspect to teaching. Promoting this type of learning would include creating some sort of hands-on project around which they can base their understanding. More important than testing well on the material is the point that all students "get it." Success is measured by the ability of students to take elements of what was learned in the classroom and find application outside of the classroom.

Assumptions on How Humans Learn

Society and Self

Society is something that is constantly changing. And with that, change is also brought to the world of education. Teaching styles, learning styles, and the characteristics of students and teachers are constantly shifting. It is very important for teachers to keep up with these societal changes in order to keep affecting their students in a positive manner.

Bill Gates was quoted in an article saying, "...they [schools] were designed 50 years ago to meet the needs of another age. Today, even when they work exactly as designed, our high schools cannot teach our kids what they need to know." (Pournelle, 2005, p.1) This was a very bold statement and was not well accepted by very many people. Even though this quote may have been extreme, there is some part of it that should be considered. With the constant changes going on in our world it is of the utmost importance that teachers keep up with the changing times. Doing this will allow them to make that connection that will help them to relate material in a personal manner.

Critical Thinking

Among the many desired outcomes teachers want to see as a result of their efforts, critical thinking would be at or near the top of the list. Brightman (2005) provides the most basic definition of critical thinking as simply an ability to go beyond what a person knows without falling apart emotionally. Good teachers are always seeking ways to be more effective in the classroom. In order to facilitate learning, students must be kept from sitting by passively, accepting information while it is dispersed. Critical thinking involves questioning. Beyer (1995), goes so far as to say that critical thinking is necessary in order to make sound decisions personally and in daily affairs if one is to be successful in the world today.

As the second part of this section of Assumptions on How Humans Learn, Bain (2004) suggests that the best teachers should consider integrating explanations with questions and problems into classroom experiences rather than just teaching the facts. In addition to questions, group learning situations and case study discussion are also a means for teachers to encourage development of critical thinking. By presenting topics for discussion where no predetermined conclusion exists allows students an opportunity to challenge their own thinking.

Teachers must be aware that students will do the majority of learning outside of the classroom and must include proper instruction in class that will facilitate this process. Effective teachers will help students think about information and ideas that (Bain, 2004) says will encourage them to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. Eanes, (1997) suggests four teaching methods to improve student critical thinking. A. When assessing student learning, instructors should avoid literal-level questions in favor of those requiring critical thinking because student responses will reveal the extent of their literal understanding of the facts. B. Student interest and motivation is enhanced by questions that help students relate what they are learning to their own background knowledge, experience, and values. C. Teachers should make sure their questions can be classified as application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. D. One of the keys to formulating questions designed to develop critical thinking is to use verbs associated with critical thinking tasks.

Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning

Core Beliefs

For the purpose of this paper core beliefs represent statements about the practice of teaching assumed to facilitate adult learning. These core beliefs are based on the understanding that external forces influence the successful development of the whole student and include intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development. Good teaching practices focus on developing creative people and giving them confidence in themselves through the use of planned curriculum. Knowledge is largely external to learners, learned through application, and is not limited to any select group. Besides a thorough knowledge of the subject to be taught, the instructor must continually develop their skills and update their knowledge base, but the following represent the core beliefs of instructors involved in great teaching!

1. Teachers must be committed to students and their ability to learn. This implies a continual evaluation of student learning knowing that when success is not achieved, it is more proper to look at the curriculum for a reason instead of the student.

2. They have the ability to facilitate critical thinking by asking questions rather than spoon feeding the information. They have the ability to use multiple perspectives in finding creative ways to challenge students through a problem-solving orientation.

3. Great teachers consider themselves part of a larger community. These instructors are not only