by Randy Tudy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55948751@N00/ |
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.