Roots of Learning » parents and teachers

Teacher Attitudes and Student Learning

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:12:19 +0000

We all know how magic (or tragic) having the ‘right’ (or wrong) teacher can be for student learning. Professionalism, a sense of purpose and service, and a love for learning and teaching are all ‘must haves’ to ignite student learning. I recently read an interesting blog post that referenced a 1982 survey that contrasts the attitudes of Japanese and American teachers. The implications of that survey are clear even today.

What can a parent do to make the most of their child’s current learning situation in school, regardless of who the teacher or her attitudes is? Here are a few suggestions.

Always approach the teacher with the perspective of working together as a team for the benefit of your child’s education. If you have a problem or concern, think through your communication with the teacher prior to making contact.
See yourself as an important facet of your child’s education. More than anyone, parents are their children’s educators. No teacher or school can trump the influences of the home, for better or for worse.
Realize the contraints placed on the teacher, principal, and school. Be considerate of the educators’ time and be cognizant of her sphere of influence.
Show appreciation and give thanks. When things are going great, make sure the teacher still hears from you.
When communicating with your child about school, always frame the conversation so that the child understands that you are a part of a team working for his or her education.

Does anyone have any advice to add here? I’d love to see it!

Heather

The Importance of High Expectations

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:27:58 +0000

In my years as an educator, I have repeatedly experienced examples proving what intuition has always told me: People – children included – will “rise to the occasion” when high expectations set for them, assuming those expectations are reasonable, and support is provided. Even very young students know when someone accepts less than best efforts, and certainly employees perform better for an employer who expects excellence in performance.

Working at home with our children, we, as parents, face the age-old dilemma. Doing things the way we know is “right” is much more difficult than taking the ‘easy’ route, a route taken by many others. If we are going to follow the “road less traveled,” we must put on the appropriate hiking boots. Having firmly fixed, high expectations for our childrens’ performance (as well as for their good character) definitely helps during trying times when the pull of commonplace diversions, peer pressure, and the kids’ desires threatens to blow us off course.

One exercise that is helpful within the family is to make those expectations, as well as the reasons for them, clear to the kids. Involve them in a family meeting, where parents can discuss short and long term goals for learning and behavior, and the rationalization behind them. Likewise, this is an opportunity for the kids to formulate and record their own goals, evaluate how they perceive their performance, and ask questions about parents’ goals and objectives. Bringing kids “into the fold” ensures that they not only understand your high expectations, but it encourages that they “buy in” to the entire process.

As this school year begins, what time is better than now to sit down with your kids and have that family meeting?

-Heather

Resource for Educators (including Home Educators!)

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:03:09 +0000

Better Lesson is a social networking site for teachers and other educators – including home educators – to share curriculum material. In fact, an educator can upload and share a full 180 days worth of lessons. Check it out, and avoid re-inventing the wheel! This site looks great and seems to have great potential. DISCLAIMER: I have not yet used it, however. I plan to give it a try, and I’ll use this space to report back on my impressions.

- Heather

Neuroscience and Learning

admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:51:29 +0000

There have been recent developments in the application of neuroscience to education. However, they have been less than comprehensive as far as reaching the front lines of teaching and learning. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development has many wonderful resources for educators (and parents who see education as one of their primary roles) on this topic. Here are a few titles, with links provided to find out more:

Teaching to the Brain’s Natural Learning Systems, by Barbara K. Given

Learning and Memory: The Brain in Action, by Marilee Sprenger

Teaching with the Brain in Mind, 2nd ed., by Eric Jensen