1/14/21; Week 2: Response to "Is the Great American Teacher Dead?"

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        Do you remember that teacher in your early years of school who made you feel excited about what you were learning? That teacher who built a real connection with you, who made you feel important, and even made you think of maybe becoming a teacher too? Well, I am pretty sure you have someone in mind as I do. Why do you think that teacher influenced you? What have she/he done in the classroom? 

      I know that there may be many answers to that question. However, some specific practices that teachers embrace can be more effective than others. I would like to highlight just two.

    1. Engaged in a great work:

        In the article ""Is the Great American Teacher Dead?", Professor John J. Ivers (2012) mentioned something about that, he says "Teachers should not fear to be a little more exciting, a little more courageous, a little more entertaining, a little more stimulating, and a little more inspiring. If one believes he or she is engaged in a great work, one’s comportment and bearing need to be proportionately reflective."

        The students need to see that the teacher has passion, in other words, the students need to find in the classroom a teacher who has enthusiasm and zest for what he/she is teaching. This can be done by putting some drama and dynamism into the teacher's delivery. This attitude will impact the students positively.

    2. Invitational Education:

        In the same article, Professor Ivers emphasized an essential aspect of a teaching process: the relationship between teachers and students. Foreign language is one of the most scary classes that usually makes the students feel anxious. Creating an inviting environment where there is trust, respect, empathy, and caring, can make a huge difference in the students' development.  

        Professor Ivers cited that "people do not learn or perform well if they do not feel emotionally safe" (Medina, 2008; Purkey & Novak, 1984). 


            Becoming a great TESOL teacher is a process. I know that we all have the potential to become those types of teachers that are never forgotten by their pupils. Please, share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you! 😊

Comentários

  1. Rosa Sepúlveda16 de janeiro de 2021 às 00:19

    Larissa, I love your post!!
    It has a nice graphic design, and I like the way you addressed the theme too.
    The title of your article made me think of the opposite: the influence of a bad teacher can never be erased either. I have bad and good memories from my teachers. The good ones have to do with those teachers who encouraged me, and made me feel “good.” As learners, we can forget concepts or information, but we will never forget feelings.


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    Respostas
    1. Larissa Yopan16 de janeiro de 2021 às 15:35

      Great point, Rosa! I hadn't thought that way and you are totally right, I also have some bad memories of some bad teachers. I really loved your last sentence. I agree 100% with that. Thank you so much for commenting on my blog and for sharing these amazing insights.

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  2. Rosa Sepúlveda16 de janeiro de 2021 às 23:52


    Thank you for answering.
    Have a nice weekend!

    ResponderExcluir

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