When The Teacher Becomes The Student

A relationship expert once said that during an argument, there are usually three sides to every story: his side, his hand, and, of course, really. This is something we definitely have to keep in mind as teachers. As educators (especially professors), we have been accused of having the biggest ego this side of Mount Rushmore. One of the fastest ways to burn in education is to refuse to accept the change. If we admit it or not, life moves and changes constantly. Students are constantly exposed to material that never ever dreamed existed. Ironically, although students are exposed to more, they usually know less and are less mature than previous generations. However, that does not discredit the fact that students still bring a unique perspective to our classroom, is through his eyes that we can become better teachers.

One of my best strategies for maintaining a high level of motivation in the classroom was the result of a technique I learned as a stockbroker and sales trainer. Rule # 1 in sales is that in order for the customer where it is (their level of understanding), must first go to where they are (are present level of understanding). In simple terms, you must know your customer (in this case, students). This simple principle and rejuvenates recharge the batteries every six months, because the more you know, the more I grow. Relating this concept to the field of education should be simple and clearly define their goals and what you would like to see happen in the course of a semester (or even a brief interaction) with a student, and then help their students do the same.