How do I start thinking like a teacher (instead of as a student)?

As a student it is sometimes hard to see the other side of the story, being a teacher. I used to have a hard time being able to view the classroom or subjects from a teacher's perspective. But being surrounded here at UMF by others who have the same passion for teaching as me, I have opened my eyes. To start thinking as a teacher and not as a student I need to envision what kind of teacher I want to be and what kind of classroom I wish to create. I see now that being active academically and socially helps me to develop various skills as well as manage my time. I try to think as a teacher but being a student sometimes you just do not want to participate, to pay attention, or you are focused on the next class, your friends, your boyfriend, and other things you may be worried about.

I think the best way to help me think like a teacher is to realize that I only have two years left at Farmington after this year, and the time is going to fly by very fast. I believe that I need to start looking at my classrooms with a new perspective. What can I do to help the discussion? Am I really listening or am I thinking about everything else for the day? Am I truly understanding the material or am I just trying to learn it for a grade? These are all things that i think will help me on my way to thinking like a teacher. If I can fulfill my role as a student then i can surely fulfill my role as a teacher.

In class it truly helps when i can see the topic from someone else's perspective. I think that hearing all of the different beliefs and opinions on teaching can help me formulate or even mold mine into something better.