Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I'll understand.
Native American Saying

            I do not believe that any student really learns from pure direct instruction from the teacher.  A child, especially an elementary school student, needs to be involved in their learning in order to develop of love of knowledge and the process of accumulating knowledge.  It is a teacher's job to guide the student in their academic endeavors, as well as in their social and emotional endeavors.  How can a teacher be a good guide?

            I think a student should be presented with many different learning styles, including visual, auditory, and hands-on learning.  Each student learns differently and a teacher must equip all types of learners with the tools to gain knowledge.  I think students should learn according to the multiple intelligences, learning not only math and reading, but also art, music, interpersonal, and intrapersonal knowledge.  If a classroom integrates an interdisciplinary curriculum, this makes learning much more interesting for the student. 

            It is absolutely necessary for a teacher to relate learning to a student's real life experiences.  This gives the lesson and the information such a deeper meaning in their growing minds because they know that they will use this information.  They know this information is valuable to their existence and everyday activities. 

            A teacher needs to provide a clear structure for every student.  The students need to know what direction they are moving in and how they are expected to perform, both academically and behaviorally, in the classroom.  A student will panic if this structure is missing and will therefore act out or simply not achieve their highest potential. 

            My most defined educational passion is technology and how it can contribute immensely to any classroom, if used effectively.  Having an Internet connection in a classroom is like having every library book, museum exhibit, and encyclopedia right at your class' fingertips.  I believe that computers should be used as a tool in the classroom, but not as a substitute for a teacher's attention and instruction.  In the modern professional world, it is just as important for a student to have strong keyboarding skills as it is for them to know cursive.  During my student teaching, I have experimented with technology use and all my attempts have been more than successful with exuberant student response.

            As a teacher, I show the students that I care about them, because I truly do care about every student.  I want everyday that they are in school to be a good day, even if I am not feeling at my best.  The classroom should feel like a miniature community, where we all do our best to help the community succeed and achieve our goals.