What do students like in their teacher?

by Randy Tudy

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In one of the alumni homecoming in my department, I was struck with what the alumni did to their former teacher.  It was a kind of tribute to their teacher way back 20 years ago.  After some singing and dancing, they asked this particular teacher to come on stage and let her sit on a chair in the middle.  Then, each alumnus gave her a rose.  These alumni were the sponsor of that gathering.  By the way, they were all men because the high school department was exclusive for boys before.  It was a touching moment to witness.

While watching this event, I asked myself what do these grown up men liked most on this teacher?  There must be something that really touched their heart why they gave such honor to this teacher.

Two weeks ago, I posted this question in a teacher online forum and I’m going to share to your some of the answers of my online friends based on the title of this article.

 “Students like to see their teachers as loving as possible.  They need to be listened to and like to see their teachers more than their parents.  This is because once pupils have built trust on their teachers then they are able to be free and open up.  They expect their teachers to have patience, tolerance, kindness and love.”

 “They want teachers who truly care about their welfare and are always there for them. Students see right through teachers who are just going through the motions. They want teachers to be fair and forgiving and realize that everyone makes mistakes. Students will not remember their teachers for the academic lessons they taught. It will be the teacher's character or something they did to show they really cared about them.”

"Students will not remember their teachers for the academic lessons they taught.”

“I've noted that kids also like the teachers that provide structure. They need to have expectations made clear. A sense of humor is also important, as well as a caring, compassionate personality.”

“In my experience, kids responded when I acknowledged who they were as people as well as students. We know that students learn differently, come to school with the different experiences, perspectives (or baggage), and they all have different interests and personalities. I think teachers are respected by students when they acknowledge these differences, not just within their instruction but also on a personal level. I remember one particular student that was quite challenging. One day I discovered that he loved Tony Hawk. I sat with him at lunch and asked him to tell me all about skateboarding and Tony Hawk. After that single conversation, it seemed like we saw each other differently.... and he was a different kid.”

“Students like their teachers to be their supporters. They want appreciation from their teachers. Sometimes students in order to attract the attention of their teacher become undisciplined and when scolded feel adoption. Students like their teachers straightway frank that they can easily share their view with them. Students believe their teachers more than their parents if teachers are ready to accept them.”

What about you friend?  Share your own answer on the comments below.

Message to the Graduates (Advance,Unite and Reach out)

by Randy Tudy

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Advance, unite and reach out.  These were my introductory words when I spoke this afternoon for the opening remarks of the Alumni Acceptance Ceremony for the graduating students of our college and graduate school departments.  Let me share to you my points.

Advance.  Graduation is a testament that students excel in their chosen course.  If not, they would not be able to make it.  They might not be all Cum Laude awardees but they are all winners for achieving their dreams.  Moreover, graduation is also called a commencement exercise.  It means to begin.  Graduation is not the end as what students would say “thanks, it’s finished.”  Commencement means beginning a new life.  What does it mean?  It means excellence in their field.  They are trained and formed in school so that in the field they will excel and perform of what is expected and even go beyond.  Graduates are agents of excellence.

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Unite.  One of my inspirations as a post-graduate student before were my classmates.  I was inspired and motivated to go on because we had a good bonding with each other.  In other words, I found a community.  I found a family.  I suppose all students experience this in one way or another. A school is really a community or big family.  After leaving the portals of their alma matter, graduates are called to bring the experience of a community to their family, workplace and society.  In other words, they are called to become builders of community.

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Reach out.  The last words of the priest during the mass are “Go in the peace and the love of Christ.”  It is the commissioning part of the mass.  Graduation or Alumni Acceptance Ceremony is actually a commissioning event, hence, a commencement exercise.  As graduates, who are formed according to the vision, mission, goals and values of the school, they are called to reach out to others especially the least, the last and the lost.  Graduates are called to be agents of God’s love and compassion to other people in need.

I ended up my talk with these words, “Give justice to the blessings God has given you.”

How to face the rigor of the teaching profession (Teachers’ perspective)

By Randy Tudy

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Student-teachers are given lots of exposure to gain enough knowledge and skills to prepare them for the practice of the teaching profession.  However, many new teachers finds it hard to adjust to the real world of teaching particularly on the first year of teaching.  As mentioned in the article entitled “Tipsfrom teachers on classroom management”,  class discipline continues to be a challenge. Moreover, teachers have to be really well-prepared in other skills.

Let’s look at what other teacher have to say:

 “The status quo, mediocrity can not be challenged. Many educators are scared that they might learn how to become a better educator. The 21st century student is looking to follow leaders that are current and communicate at their speed. Parents need to demand that educators step their game up and produce and I agree cut the lip service.”

“Exposure to many types of cultures will support a teacher. The teacher must be a mature individual and able to balance and manage the students' and their own behaviors. Life is the best classroom management course.”

“It is true our students come to the classroom with more than their fair share of baggage/obstacles. The only thing we can do as teachers, is to give them a safe venue to develop as positive human beings. We can't change what has already happened in their lives, but we can give them tools to change their futures. Obstacles are not always in our classrooms, but in areas where we have no say or right to be.”

In addition, new teachers need to be adoptive and creative to learn new things.  On the other hand, it is best to learn from the seasoned teachers.  In my work as a principal, I encourage peer observation.  I encouraged new teachers to observe seasoned teachers and take note of their best practices.

But most importantly, new or seasoned teachers must face the rigor of the teaching profession with great love.  Without it teaching is just work.  With love it is a mission.

Tips from teachers on CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE

by Randy Tudy

As I mentioned in my previous article, there are many classroom discipline techniques.  In order to learn more about this topic, I asked some educators and with their permission I am posting their answers.  Let us together learn and reflect on their answers.

  “Unless a teacher possesses the ability to maintain control over disruptive discipline in a class meaningful instruction cannot take place.”

“I went to college 34 years ago. No classroom management, but we did have cut-and-paste and how to write in script. Seriously, this was the most difficult part of being a new teacher(and both of my parents taught!). Yet, during my career I have taught in four different school districts for ten different principals. The accepted "classroom discipline" changed each time.”

“My advice:

1. Keep it simple (just a few rules)

2. Focus on learning (respect, do not disturb, etc.)

3. Be consistent (don't tolerate behavior from the social butterfly that you would not tolerate from the school thug)

4. Model what you expect (you can't be disrespectful if you demand respect). There may be other ways, but this works.

5. You keep the fire alive by celebrating your successes. Daily high fives! Develop a new way to say "great job!" every day! Send home a brag letter! Call a parent and thank them for raising such a great kid! You improve the way you deliver that passion by internalizing your failures. What could I do differently? How can I do this better?”

 “Nothing beats real life experience, I'd strongly recommend that anyone thinking of teaching should seek out opportunities to coach youth sports or work as a camp staff member.”

“My classroom management skills came from a variety of sources, some from my pre-service training classes, but more from good clinical cooperating teachers, working in summer camps and a couple of years as a substitute teacher before my first "real" teaching job.”

What about you?  Share your tips on classroom management based on your experience.

What teachers say about being a great teacher?

By Randy Tudy

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Excellence is value that all teachers witness and teach in their lives.  I’ve seen this value in my teachers from elementary all the way to my doctorate.  As part of faculty development, teachers are sent for training and seminars in order to raise the bar of excellence both for the profession and the education program.

Being a teacher myself I also try my best to live up to the expectation and the essence of being a teacher. 

In a simple survey, I asked my co-educators on their take on being a great teacher.  Read their comments:

 “It's very simple - if you know your subject and you genuinely want to teach it, then you find the way to do it, though it may require some time (the less experience and knowledge you have the more time you spend). If you don't care about your subject or about students learning something, then you never succeed.  Best teachers are not well-programmed robots but people who care. That's what matters.”

 “Great teachers inspire creativity and offer the support that encourages a courageous approach to study.”

“Learning has its roots in relationships. We can build those relationships at arms’ length through the printed word, digital mediums and screens yet, as human beings, the strongest relationships are physical.”

“As teachers when we connect cognitively and emotionally with students we offer them an opportunity to see how positive relationships fuel the learning process. This is internal and external - learners need to trust themselves as much as they trust those they call their teacher.”

“Teachers are to be made better within the teaching process. Teachers must teach with all passion targeting the development of children. Let every student be efficient enough.”

“Teachers are to be made better within the teaching process. Teachers must teach with all passion targeting the development of children.”

What about you?  What is your opinion of becoming a great teacher?  Write your comments below.

Dream, Passion and Commitment

by Randy Tudy

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Dream, Passion and Commitment.  This is the opening statement of my wife’s speech as the commencement speaker in her alma matter- Tulunan Elementary School, North Cotabato, Philippines.

Of course, I had to leave from my work and supported my wife with my loving presence.  I was there listening to her very intently.

The message was very strong.  It outlined a framework for success.  I am also a teacher, like my wife, and I work hard for my students’ success. I want them to succeed not only in my class but in their life both in the present and future. 

Let me share my own points on this framework of success. 

Dream.  As teachers, we need to let our students dream.  I feel sad looking at a graduation program of an elementary school which looked like a semi-year book.  Being a very poor school, students could not afford to have a year book.  But through the creativity of the teachers, the commencement program invitation includes the pictures of the graduating students and their ambition in life.

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 What made me sad?  Two of the students dreamed of becoming a security guard.  I am not downgrading the dignity and work of security guards.  What I was sad about was how the students dream.  When I talk about dreams it should be dreaming big, really big, after all we don’t pay to dream.

As teachers, it is our duty to change the mindset of our students from smallness to greatness.  We need to let their imagination work and force their minds to be creative.  With that they will be more encouraged to work on their dreams.

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 Passion.  As teachers, we need to let our students be passionate in achieving their dreams.  It starts with being passionate in doing their activities in the classroom.  It means having enthusiasm and positive energies in all they are doing.

Commitment.  As teachers, we need to let our students achieve their dreams with unwavering commitment.  They should be taught in doing their task diligently and to put their 100%.

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What about us, teachers?  This framework of success is surely ours too.  Personally, I am blessed to have teachers who have big dreams for themselves and their students.  I have teachers who were very passionate of their teaching profession.  I have teachers who showed unwavering commitment.

Fellow teachers, let us continue to dream and never lose sight of it.  Let us continue to be passionate in giving justice to this noble profession.  Let us continue to be the models of success.

Another example of creativity

by Randy Tudy

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Yesterday, I shared an article entitled "Lessons on wisdom, creativity and hardwork" together with a very creative video.  This time I would like you to watch this video.  It is really fun and amazing.  I'm not sure if the students really learn something from the lessons but for sure they enjoy.

This is an example of how creative we should be as teachers.

CLICK and watch this VIDEO.

Lessons on wisdom, creativity & hardwork

by Randy Tudy

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One of the things I learned as a college student is to be creative.  As teachers to be, we were taught how to maximize indigenous materials as visual aids.  We were also encouraged to use community resources in order to supplement our lessons in the classroom.

In one of my classroom visits as a principal, I was impressed by teacher Verns' creativity.  She made a "sampayan" or clothesline clothing.  During the interaction part, she asked students to pick up papers on her table which correspond to the answer to her question and put them on the "sampayan" using a clip.  It was really fun.  Kinder pupils were giggling while doing the activity.  That's creativity.

Indeed, as teachers we need to find creative ways so students will not get bored in our class.  

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I like elementary pupils because they have so much enthusiasm especially if you introduce new things.  One time I told my students to bring used newspaper.  I didn't tell the what is the use of it.  Actually, the following day, I brought them outside the classroom under a big tree within the school and held my class there.  The old newspaper?  They used it because we just squatted on the ground.  After that, the students kept asking me when will I ask again for them to bring an old newspaper.  

I'm going to share to you a video.  It is not only about creativity but it talks about wisdom and hardwork.  As teachers, we need to have these 3 and also teach these to our students.

Are you a judge or a talent discover?

by Randy Tudy

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This question came up to my mind when I saw a video of one of my favorite singers- Jackie Evancho.

I would like you to watch this video and gain inspiration not only by this little girl but how her parents discovered and how the America's Got Talent showed her talent to the world.

Thus, the question propped in my mind.  As a teacher, how can I also discover my students' talents and skills?  As a teacher, how can I provide opportunities so that my students' talents and skills will be known to the world?

When I was teaching in the elementary, I remember one kid who was not really doing well in class.  One time the  moderator of a school paper looked for a cartoonist.  This kid was chosen but nobody believed.  In fact some, including myself, thought it was just done to complete the line up of students since it was needed for a contest in journalism.  It turned out that this kid won first place. 

Opportunity was given.  The stage was the Division Press Conference.

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Friends, watch this VIDEO.   I know you will be interested to see more videos about this girl.  Just type her name in Youtube.  

Teaching students to succeed

by Randy Tudy

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It is always a joy for teachers to see their students succeed in class.  However, the joy is more than doubled when they see their students succeed in real life.

We have one professor in our school who always teaches principles of success during the first day of each semester.  There are college students who already memorize these principles because they are under these professors for several subjects.  

When I see this video below, I remember professor Jun.

As teachers, it is our goal to lead our students to success in life.  Watch this video and learn. 

Reasons why college students lack EMPATHY

by Randy Tudy

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I read an article about the Generation Me who lacks empathy.  While this study is done in the United States of America, the findings of this study are worth reflecting in understanding our college students. With the advancement of technology, we expect change in behaviour among students.

So what are the reasons why college students lack empathy?  Click here to read the entire article and watch an attached video to it.

Discovering talents among our students

by Randy Tudy

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Have you known students in elementary who are not performing well but excel in high school or college?  Some of these students are called late bloomers.  Well, this is not only true to students but to a lot of people.

This idea brings me to think of my role as a teacher.  If there are students who only excel in later years, it must be because I am not able to draw out the best in them while they are still with me.  This could be worth reflecting to all teachers.

This is where assessment based on the multiple intelligences comes in. It is part of our mission as teachers to let the students discover their own talents and skills.

The video below is an example of a young girl showing her world class talent.  What I also appreciate about the sponsor (American Idol) is its focus on discovering talents.  I suppose this is also the role of teachers to some degree.  That is why there is high hope for the K to 12 program because Grades 11-12 are the years of mastering particular competencies.

Very inspiring story for teachers

Yesterday, a teacher posted this story in her FB status.  I then searched for the source and found this in the internet at http://www.mrsciguy.com/teachstories.html

I have read this story long time ago but I am posting it here so that those who have not read it will be inspired.

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The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest;

"You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?" 

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

You want to know what I make?

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I make kids wonder.

I make them question I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English.

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I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, must pay no attention because they just didn't learn.

Susan paused and then continued.

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?

Love that makes the world go round

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Again, I was invited this afternoon to be a judge to a speech contest.  One speech which really caught my attention was entitled "Love that makes the world go round".    After the contest, I immediately search for this speech.

I am posting the speech here.  Hope it will inspire you and reflect on this most used and abused word.

Love that makes the world go round

Maham Nadee

Love is the basis of our lives. It might even be the reason for our existence. To love and to know love is the single greatest gift we can experience. Despite our great discoveries in math and science, love remains a mystery to us. Yet it is something that is so complex and powerful that it guides and rules our lives.

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Knowing true love is being in a state that is tantamount to bliss. It is as close to heaven as we are likely to get in this life. Without it, our lives are reduced to meaningless drudgery, misunderstanding and emptiness. What is this mysterious thing called love? Poets, lovers and scholars down the ages have tried to capture it, define it, to depict it and tried to analyze it. Above all, they have sought to understand it. Is it a thought, a feeling or an emotion that simply passes through us or something far more substantial?

Amazingly, might the force of love be a vital energy as important as life itself? Could it be possible that love may even literally make the world go around? Love is the center of our attachments. It is the objective of our lives. Our well being, health and happiness, we think, relies upon our diets, our fitness, and our wealth. Yet none of these things mean anything without love. Love can make us glow and transform our lives.

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 To be unloved turns us painfully into beings without purpose and direction. Isn't it true that love is the basic force that unites us in our families and relationships? Parents don't care for a child simply because they ought to. They care for that child because of and through love. We are united to our siblings and our families not through duty, but through love. That same feeling extends outwards through our friends and even our neighbours. It is the force that enables us to form and live in communities. It becomes clear very quickly that amour  is the fabric of our society. It is the fuel, the driving force and engine, all rolled into one. Without it would we do one single thing for another?

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 Real love asks for nothing in return and wants only to give. Where there is love there is harmony and balance in the world. Where it is absent there is misunderstanding, hatred, fear and jealousy. Look at the troubled spots in the world. Who could say that if love ruled there, the killing, the fighting and the hostility would not stop immediately? Unconditional love for one another has nothing to do with sex, exploitation, or subjugation.

Real love will not allow these things to operate or function. To love unconditionally is to be completely selfless and focus on others. To be unloved is to be misunderstood, to be discarded. It is to suffer the loneliest of all fates; it is to be less than human, utterly miserable, and disconnected from the world. Love is the force that binds us all and drives us forward. When we love to do something don't we do it with passion, with care and with enthusiasm? So much has been achieved in the world through love and the passion and commitment it forges inside us.

To be out of love is to be at the bottom of despair and melancholy. Doesn't the world suffer in the same way when love and the respect it engenders disappear? When we hurt, destroy each other and exploit our planet, aren't we turning our backs on the source of the very energy that is our world? Can you think of one conflict that would not be resolved if love was allowed to rule?

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 Love is being completely selfless; it is to radiate energy so powerful that it could, if we let it, stop conflict and violence throughout the world today. Violence and hate end where love begins, they cannot exist or compete with love. Love is far stronger than hate, fear or despair. That is not wishful thinking, it is a fact. Yet, sometimes we let love out of our lives thinking we can survive without it, but we are wrong.

We all possess the gift to love. That gift lies dormant in us and can be ignited at any time. Love costs nothing but it requires courage, belief, and understanding. That understanding is this: loving is easy, it is free. Fall in love and we have the energy to work day and night, to move mountains. There is a fountain of love energy in every person. Depression, illness, and anxiety can all be battled against with love.

Negative thoughts can be changed into positive ones. Love is simply the most powerful force in all our lives. We can let this force work for us or try and repress it. You can let love into your life or  pretend that it does not exist. Doing so will only make you the most miserable lonely figure of despair. Love, because you want to change things. Love will alter the way you see the world and through that, the way the world is. Love, not because you expect something in return. Love what you do. Love to learn new things, to meet and to know others, to understand and to help. Love makes the world go round. It is why we are here and what we are all looking for.

(taken from http://www.scribd.com/doc/11863904/Persuasive-Speech-Love-Makes-the-World-Go-Round)