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Simple as that.




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Nice, but too simplistic. Words like “good” and “great” are totally subjective and ultimately meaningless. Teaching is a craft, and, in my opinion, all teachers (good, bad and great) are in a process of learning and growth. On a given day, I might do any or all of the above.
ReplyThis is rather simplistic, because….
Actually, it depends on the need at hand. And in real life, beyond school, this is VIP.
Some students merely need to be told something. They may understand without much explanation. A demonstration may or may not be necessary. And inspiration, sometimes is there, sometimes is not.
I have often had my boss call me, and ask me for a fact, a bit of information. He needs to be told something, He has no need for explanations, demonstrations, or inspiration.
I have often done some rather elaborate spreadsheets. For me to do them, I had to be explained what was wanted, needed. And when I was done, I had to explain how to use the resulting spreadsheet, either orally, or in writing.
But sometimes a demonstration IS needed. How do I install this part? How does this lawnmower work? Quod Erat Demonstratum, becomes the key.
Inspiration can be good or bad. Id someone has some inspiration, and you try replace theirs with yours, that is not good. But sometimes, you need to provide inspiration for someone, so that they can listen to your telling of something, understand the explanation, have some technique demonstrated to them, and perhaps, on the emotional level, THEN be inspired to think, or do something…
The inspiration can be anything: To read a book, to try doing those blasted algebra problems again, to write a story, essay, piece of music, do a bit of art, or even, if one was totally discouraged, go on with life…. Or to make a marriage work….
But it is still a fact that “each in their own place, each in their own time” matters. Tell, where/when that is needed. Explain where/when that is needed. Demonstrate when/where that is required. And sometimes, inspire when and where needed.
Killing a mosquito with a nuclear weapon, is overkill. Saying “Oh try again!”, without explaining how something is to be done, is severe underkill.
The great teacher does what is needed, when it is needed, and how it is needed. And also takes into account the “audience”.
Andrea is right: The graphic is cute, but too simplistic. And on a given day, all might be needed, at different times, with different people.
Being a great teacher. parent, business man, doctor, whatever, means doing the right deed at the right time, for the right person.
ReplyGreat teachers do all of the above.
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