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.

Which theories and historical influences should most impact the schools we'd like to have?

I believe that there are many influences and theories which should be taken into consideration when building or improving our schools. But it is hard for me to pinpoint specific people, theories, or events because to each person it will be different. I believe it is those characters in history who have stood up for what is right whether it be educational, political, religious, social, or ethical. The people who have been the underdogs of our time, those who fought when no one else was behind them. Our history is the most important thing to remember when becoming a teacher. You need to know where you have been before you can know where you are going. Teaching theories I believe should be learned for each individual and their own likes and dislikes. People who stood for something, who influenced generations of teachers before me and people who will influence generations after me are the people who mean the most to teaching.

I would like to learn more about who specifically influences teaching as a profession, those who created organizations or who went against the crowd. I have learned a lot about people who have influenced history, meaning influenced our lives, but I want to learn more.

How can I use knowledge of the learner to be a better teacher?

As a student you do not always see how important it is to participate in class, to do your homework, or to just pay attention in class. But learning new things in EDU 101 has helped me to see that I am no longer a student and learning, I am a "teacher in training". I need to be aware of the things around me I so often took for granted and brushed aside. I see now how important is it to be a listener. To be able to really listen and "hear" what the teacher or student is saying is very important and crucial in the classroom. I also see now that participating in class is key in developing a good classroom atmosphere. As a student I do not always want to participate or to speak up during class. However, I understand that it is important to the teacher because without discussions and opinions the classroom can not learn and develop it's own style. It is key to helping the students understand the material as well as developing their own thoughts and fostering creativity.

I also see that it is very important to complete the work as well as understand the material. When a student does not do the work or puts forth no effort, they are not learning anything. But when the work is completed the student can become a part of the classroom and his or her classmates. Having activities in the classroom enables the teacher and students to form a bond and to have a deeper grasp of the material. I see that it is important to be available and patient with people as well as being a role model. Students will model what they see and if they see a positive environment and a caring and positive teacher then they are more likely to develop that characteristic as well. I hope to be like the teachers I have had in my past, lively, thought-provoking, and most of all inspiring.

I hope to learn more about what is important or key to a teacher to have a positive environment. Through understanding my role as a student and my hopes as a teacher I can understand my role as a teacher.

How can I be successful at UMF?

Since being here at UMF, my eyes have opened to a variety of learning and teaching styles. I believe that to be a successful college student and eventually a successful teacher, I must absorb the information around me. It is more than just attending class and doing the work. It is actually learning and understanding the material. I am only hurting myself if I do not do the work and understand the material. In order to be successful, I must strive to go beyond what I believe my limitations are as well as erasing my expectations to learn new things. I need to complete not only my classes but my tests, practicum, and student teaching. But in doing all of these I must be able to gain something from every experience and use those experiences towards my future.

I also believe that I need to have good time management with my studies, my work, and my play. I need to be able to balance my classes, my homework, my jobs, my dancing for UMF dance team, as well as my personal life. Being able to develop academic skills, time management skills, and social skills now, will only benefit me in the future.

EDU 101 has helped me realize that college is a fun time, a great part of my life, but in order to be successful in the real world, I need to start now. I see the importance of learning when I will be in the teacher's shoes in just a few years. I hope to see more information on how others are successful and the strategies they used.