Greetings,
One of the hardest things, at least for me, is teaching those kids who just don't care about learning. What is it that happens - or does not happen - in the life of a child who, by the age of 12, does not care to learn anything new, does not care to read, does not ask questions, or desire to know? What has happened in the lives of other kids who inquire, who read, who ask, who try, who want to learn new things? Is it possible to get a kid who does not want to learn to want to learn?
Hmmmmm.
Those of your recalcitrant students who do not yet appreciate the freedom and mystery which comes from reading and exposure to new ideas, and the pleasure of conveying their own new realizations, will absorb and contract from your own good spirit and modeling, what you are hoping to impart. The actualization may not occur in your presence, but will blossom in the future. So don't despair!! Love, Dad
ReplyDeleteYeah, so we hope. It depends on inner motivation, to some degree, and future expectation of needing to KNOW.
ReplyDeleteI certainly understand your frustration here, Jennifer. Once a teacher, always a teacher so I can empathize with your feelings. I encourage you NOT to personalize in any way that your students are not learning as you would like them to. Apparently learning/curiosity has not been role modeled in their home as it was in yours and mine as we grew up. Children learn this skill by watching others model it from Day One as you know so I'm hoping for your sake and theirs that as they watch your excitement to teach and learn yourself, some important seeds are being planted. I suppose some of what's going on is cultural too. I remember wracking my brain to teach Career Ed to middle schoolers 25 years ago and feeling like such a failure until I came up with some ideas to have them teach each other what they thought they were good at. I just wanted to give you a pat on the back for trying and let you know how much we enjoy reading your blog. We're looking forward to seeing you in Switzerland in July.
ReplyDeleteJudy Stazel