The art of teaching, the ability or skill involved in teaching, resembles the art of living in one essential feature: nobody can tell you how to do it better. There is neither a recipe nor a book containing the necessary instructions to succeed in living or teaching well. So, how can we achieve what seems to be an impossible mission?
I think one can study not only to know about the English language itself, but also to learn how to make all that knowledge that is accumulated in the to-be teacher meaningful to students. Definitely, that’s the key to succeed. However, I’m afraid, like in every other job, not everybody is cut out to be a teacher.
To name just a few examples, I would say a person needs to have certain qualities to be a good teacher. If you are narrow-minded, egocentric and a bad listener, for instance, I think it won’t matter how hard you try, you will not be a good teacher because you won’t be considering your students, and that’s the worst mistake a teacher can make.
Epilogue
By Miriam Rodriguez
I think one can study not only to know about the English language itself, but also to learn how to make all that knowledge that is accumulated in the to-be teacher meaningful to students. Definitely, that’s the key to succeed. However, I’m afraid, like in every other job, not everybody is cut out to be a teacher.
To name just a few examples, I would say a person needs to have certain qualities to be a good teacher. If you are narrow-minded, egocentric and a bad listener, for instance, I think it won’t matter how hard you try, you will not be a good teacher because you won’t be considering your students, and that’s the worst mistake a teacher can make.
Epilogue
By Miriam Rodriguez
8 comments:
True indeed, Miriam! Yet, are these "qualities" inborn or acquired? Can they be modified, become choices instead of "given facts"?
Depending on your answer to the questions above, the purpose of teacher training college should vary, I'd say... How would you define it?
Can't wait to read your answer!
Love,
Gladys
What a difficult one u´ve possed this time, Gladys!!! I believe u can improve and learn many things at the teacher training college, but it´s up to the person what qualities she/he wishes to modify in order to feel a successful teacher. Some people feel successful with so little, don´t u think?
I can´t wait to see what u answer
love
miriam
What a dirty trick you've tried to play on me, Miri! ;-) You haven't answered my first question yet: are broad-mindedness, decentredness and good listening inborn qualities, or can we choose to have them? I cannot help you answer the second one unless you tell me what you think about the former!
Let's keep thinking about it together!
ROTFWL ="rolling on the floor with laughter" ( ie LOL: lots of laughter, which is ambiguous, as it also stands for "lots of love").
:-P (tongue in cheek)
Gladys
Jeje! You got me! I almost did!
I think they are inborn qualities but, at the same time, if someone would like to change, it could be possible. Am I answering now?
Love,
Miriam
Ok, now you've made your position explicit, we can infer that the purpose of TTC would therefore be to evaluate whether someone displays such qualities or not, and accordingly certify them as teachers (or not!).
Now, if these (or any other desirable qualities) could be learned (and taught), the role of TTC would be quite different, right?
And if a trainee decided they aren't interested in acquiring a given quality, should this be accepted as their right to choose?
Keep it rolling!
Gladys
Of course they can choose, but I think they will choose to change. The key is how to show them they don´t have these qualities, and how important they are.
Wouldn´t u say if a to-be teacher gets aware of the fact that she lacks these very important qualities, she won´t be interested in acquiring them?
Perhaps I am too optimistic or curious, but... what do they want to be teachers for?
Miriam
I do agree with you, Miriam, in principle... Though I've known several teachers-to-be who wouldn't agree with their trainers about which qualities were important... I've even heard of a case in which the trainee did everything in the expected way (after their trainers had made it clear they thought this trainee "lacked certain very important qualities", if you allow me quoting you!)... and as soon as they got their certificate signed they exclaimed (in the trainer's face, mind you!) "Great, now I can be myself!"
Sad... don't you think?
Big hug,
Gladys
What can I say?
Different folks, different strokes!
Miriam
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