1 Joel Lewinsohn ED 427 7 Keys to Spark Student Thinking Additional 500-Level credit assignment Activity 1 Resource: Clark, Ron. (2004). The excellent 11: Qualities teachers and parents use to motivate, inspire, and educate children. New York: Hyperion. Summary: Having been teaching for nearly fifteen years, it is easy to lose the spark that I had for teaching when I first started out. The last four years has seen some changes in education that have changed what and how I teach. Leadership styles have changed to match the new pressures of collaborative or shared leadership. Although we, the teachers, have more “power” to make positive changes in our buildings, this power does not seem to come with additional time or funding. Ron Clark, is an inspirational writer concerning his experiences as a teacher. It was a good read to spark my own thinking skills concerning what I continue to value about my teaching career. His concluding remarks concerning passion as the personification of teaching reminded me that I need to continue to maintain a level of compassion and excitement in my daily teaching activities. According to Clark (2004), passion is “the fire in our hearts and the determination in our minds to make a difference” (p. 242). Quality 1 is enthusiasm. Enthusiasm provides us as teachers with the self-esteem and energy necessary to accomplish our jobs. While it is important to be fun and exciting, the focus should be on the educational purpose of the lesson. Motivating students is fine, but they also need to learn the concepts.
2 Quality 2 is adventure. Teachers “have to place a spark in their [students] hearts and give them [students] something to look forward to” (p. 23). Keep the adventure within realistic limits. Plan out the “adventure” before each unit so that the excitement can be built up to exciting climax of the unit. Quality 3 is creativity. “The best teachers and parents are the ones who are able to think outside the box and put themselves in the mind-set of the children they teach” (p. 52). Teachers that take the time to treat children like they are special will maximize the potential for students to achieve higher standards. Quality 4 is reflection. It’s important “for children to be able to see how they have grown and improved” (p. 82) throughout their education. This is not just a grade on a report card, but an actual chart, portfolio, or accomplishment that they can reflect upon and gain an understanding of their own abilities. By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, By imitation, which is easiest; and third, By experience which is bitterest. -Confucius (c. 551-479 B.C.) Quality 5 is balance. Teachers should “make sure they are using a balanced approach toward education and addressing all the different learning levels and styles that are present in the children” (p. 115). The same is true for discipline. There is a fine line between balanced classroom management and authoritarianism. Teachers must be willing to work with children to attain a comfortable classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Quality 6 is compassion. We must teach compassion and kindness in our schools. This includes paying attention to bullying of all sorts. Children must feel safe and respected at all times. When conflicts arise, children need to be taught how to resolve these situations.
3 Quality 7 is confidence. Through repetition and mastery of skills, students will gain confidence. Teachers have the “ability to inspire our students to greatness and truly make them realize their potential” (p. 159-160). It is just not setting the bar for student achievement that is important, but to also build a fire to inspire children to reach for it. Teachers have the dual responsibility of both establishing the goals and helping students to reach them. Quality 8 is humor. Humor, “when present in the learning environment, the joy and delight that come from humor can be powerful tools when getting students to put forth effort and achieve at the highest levels” (p. 166). Teachers should use their personalities to bring about a positive and humorous classroom environment that will lead to an energized learning environment. Quality 9 is common sense. It is not just enough to tell children what you want them to do, “but to take the time with children to develop skills” (p. 181) and ensure that they understand. Activities that provide children with the opportunity to become self-sufficient are important for development. Quality 10 is appreciation. Teachers should reflect upon the awesome responsibility bestowed upon us by parents. We are entrusted with educating children. Children should learn to feel appreciated and to show appreciation for others. Quality 11 is resilience. Teaching can be a difficult job to maintain a positive attitude. It is important to maintain perspective, use your resources, and keep the focus on the students. Teachers need to take care of themselves to avoid burnout. By drawing on the other qualities a teacher can maintain a satisfying career.