In her article, "Why Great Teachers Are Also Learners," Vicki Davis (2012) talks about how educators can inspire students with their own curiosity. Davis states that "As a teacher, the most important asset I can teach my students is a love of learning. In my 10 years teaching high school, I have found that making a deliberate and transparent effort to continue my own learning allows me to inspire my students to follow my footsteps." She describes nice best practices that have served her well throughout her career. The three that resonated the most with me were:
- "Talk about the new things you're learning, and let your enthusiasm show,"
- "Show students that you are willing to investigate," and
- "Let students see you proudly sharing your learning."
What am I learning about collaboration:
My love of math has grown exponentially since I became a math teacher. (Seriously, I was not a fan of math when I was in school.) But I think since starting the Math Leadership program at Bank Street, and doing math with my colleagues this year in our team meetings, my love of math has grown even more. I used to be afraid to try and solve problems more than one way. Now, I get excited when a student does. I used to only focus on getting the right answer, because I thought that that was all that mattered. Now, I love hearing a student explain their whole process... it's beautiful!
Basically, since becoming a math teacher five years ago, my appreciation of math has grown. But I don't think an appreciation is enough. I can appreciate good art, or a good piece of music, but when you create that piece of art or music, that brings your appreciation to a whole new level. My new thinking? I don't just appreciate math. I do math. And every single day, I strive to inspire my 8th graders to do the same.
Davis, V. (2012, February). Why great teachers are also learners. The Atlantic. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/impact-of-one/archive/2012/02/why-great-teachers-are-also-learners/253376/
Davis, V. (2012, February). Why great teachers are also learners. The Atlantic. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/impact-of-one/archive/2012/02/why-great-teachers-are-also-learners/253376/