Blog #58 – LET OTHERS BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN THE LEARNING PROCESS
Although teachers tend to control what is being taught in the classroom, success is more likely if students are allowed to be active participants in the learning process. In developing a lesson, teachers should include ways that students can take a more active role in how and what is being taught. Although having a plan for what is to be taught is important, teachers need to be prepared to be flexible when working with students. During the teaching of a lesson, teachers need to observe their students and listen to what they say. If students are being inattentive, a teacher needs to make adjustments to their presentation to engage the class. If students’ questions indicate that they are confused, a teacher needs to be willing to clear up the confusion.
Sometimes teachers need to ask students why they do not understand a particular concept that is being taught. Teachers need to give students an opportunity to sometimes take charge of the lesson. There may be times that students may have an idea of how to explain a concept that is better than the way a teacher presents the concept. If students are given an opportunity to take ownership of what they are learning, they will be more likely to be successful in the classroom.
Keep in mind that as a teacher, students see you as being a role model. Your willingness to allow them to be active participants in the learning process is going to have a positive impact in their lives in general, and careers in particular. As a parent, I know that I allowed my children to be active participants in the decision making process as it pertained to things that we did as a family. Each of my children knew that I valued their opinions. I never claimed to know everything. As my children have established careers and families of their own, I am proud of how they have allowed others to be active participants in what they do. What we say and do is constantly being heard and watched by those around us. We need to act responsibly. We need to learn that working together is more likely to bring success to any endeavor than working as individuals. Make sure that you create an environment where those around you are invited to be active participants. Trust that others can contribute to your success. Be willing to relinquish control to reach a desired goal. All of us want to be a part of the decision-making process when it comes to things that we do. If our input is valued, we will be more enthusiastic about our involvement. Be aware that the best leaders are those that have followers. If you want to be a great leader you will need to allow those that follow you to be an integral part of what you do.