Perception of Teaching

One thing I have noticed is a variation in teaching styles and trust between student and teacher. The student teacher relationship is a valuable component for developing a healthy space for students to learn and thrive. I have observed teacher - student relationships that are very distinct in where the authority and power is place. I have observed power dominate teachers who control their class with fear. Unfortunate but true. I have observe teachers giving verbal warnings to students that can be seen as “over the top” to say the least. Some can be easily interpreted as threats, for example, the reducing time at recess and losing time during gym activities.This is not something I would aspire to be. Ruling over students with a sense of fear and dominance is not a healthy environment to plant seeds of knowledge.

Students who are fearful will be less likely to ask for help, or reach out for support when the response from the teacher maybe be unpredictable. This would later lead into avoidance behaviours resulting in a negative impact on the student's learning goals. Being present, I was not sure how to handle the situation but I did observe the effects it had on the students. But I did question, how did this power struggle begin? And how can I prevent that toxic slip of authoritative power?

One the other hand, I have observe a friendly and reciprocal relationships with students and teachers in most classrooms. This is what I value myself on. Building healthy relationships with my students. Strategies such as, calling each student by name, gives them a sense of importance. Open communication between teacher and student is essential for a successful, open and safe space for individuals. In these particular classrooms, I observed that the power shifts. Both student and teacher have a common understanding and both recognized the value of education. Promoting this active framework is helping students reach their full potentials. Growing up, I only had a select number of teachers that had similar approaches to teaching. These are the teachers I can remember as been passionate, respectful, upstanding integrity and a level of professionalism. These educators set the standard and provide a platform for students to learn and grow.

In sum, what had challenged my thinking is the power struggle between teacher and student. If a student is capable of talking back and being disrespectful to a teacher it is also evident that a level of respect and integrity is not present in the classroom. For most educators this may be challenging. At this time I would hope teachers would take initiative to reverse the roles of rebuild the relationships between students and teachers. I have learned from my observation that if not done earlier on in the year, this task may spiral out of control.