I decided to become a teacher because of all the “bad” teachers I had. I have learned reflective and interesting teaching techniques from college. When I was student teaching I helped out a first year teacher many times. This first year teacher graduated from Nazareth, so I know that she learned just about everything I learned. Some techniques I refer to are incorporating many different learning styles, differentiation, hands-on work, out of the box (non-traditional) ways of teaching. This teacher did none of these strategies and was really struggling. I have never had my own classroom so I don’t know how it feels, but once you have your classroom you may feel overwhelmed. I find that this teacher like so many resorted to teaching how he/she was taught and ”forgetting” everything he/she learned from college. The way she was taught would look like the teacher having all the knowledge and power and the students are to listen. Worksheets were used to teach many easy hands-on concepts. This type of teaching seems like it could be easy to do under-pressure, but teachers are still learners and should learn how to face their challenges to promote learning. I was wondering if anyone had any tips or experience of being a first year teacher? How could one avoid falling into “traditional” teaching and views in the classroom?
Technology can help us differentiate and gain students’ interests. This is one tool to help teachers go against “traditional” ways of teaching and it is not hard. Schools have programs and they are just waiting to be explored.
I have heard the same thing about new teachers. I hope I don’t fall into that trap when I start to teach. I do not have an experience with a new teacher, but a veteran teacher. He lectured and tested regularly and it was nto that fun to observe. He was not going to change his ways which is unfortunite for his students. My only advice would be to seek out all the teachers in the building that are differentiating instruction and teaching to the multiple intelligences and use them as resources. Bounce ideas off on them and see why they didn’t fall to old teaching techniques. The more support and mentoring the better for you as a new teacher. I know when I get into a school I am going to find the best teacher or teachers and absorb as much as possible.
Jennifer, when you have time, check out this blog post by Vicki Davis:
http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2008/03/technology-driven-differentiated.html
Being a new teacher is truly a challenge. They need support and nurture – often lacking in some buildings! This is why, as we talk about web 2.0, these new networks of collegiality are so important. There are so many ways to feel supported and not alone beyond the school walls.