What is Learning?

Learning is acquiring knowledge through various experiences. I love the rewarding challenge of discovering each student’s strengths and passions.

Learning happens when students recognize their potential and they are intrinsically motivated to behave a certain way to further their knowledge and skill.

As a teacher, I am active, inclusive, and a lifelong learner. I provide a knowledgeable platform for students to explore, practice, analyze and grow.

4 principles that are essential in creating a classroom environment for learning. ..

1. Safe Space ; Creating a safe space that is Socially inclusive of all students is essential. It is important to have kids feel comfortable enough to discuss topics like bullying, racism, and diversity. I had personal experience with this when I created a lesson on stereotypes. Here I had students dive into what assumptions are and break down what causes stereotypes and how to combat them. I had a constant reminder the “this classroom is a safe space” and it went well for most of my students. They were able to open up and express how they felt and what stereotypes they really believed.

2. Flexibility: Here I don't only mean flexibility seating but also in teaching styles. I do my must to avoid linear relationship to teaching. I believe it should be reciprocal, and ongoing. Teaching should also be a form of dialogue between teacher and student instead of a formal speech explain mathematical concepts. Academically looking into different learning styles, and provide a welcoming teaching space and teach from all points of the room.

3. Academic and personal connections: Building a relationship with my students is the key to there success. With a relationship, students will be more willing to open up, come to you for help, and feel confident enough to take initiative in different aspects of the classroom and social situations within the classroom environment. I try my best to get to know each student on a personal level. Simple things like sharing stories of a students weekend, high fives as students walk into the school, and proper eye contact will help with this. etc.

4. Rules and guidelines of Respect: Generally created and presented in the beginning of the year. This element sets the standard for the classroom. If there is a classroom that has students who are not respectful of each other it will be virtually impossible to get point across to them. Further hindering their learning experience. Set a set of class rules and responsibilities of being a student is a blueprint for running a “tight and clean ship”.