Teaching and Learning

Some of the important aspects I have learned from my favorite teachers about teaching is that they all built rapport with students, they were enthusiastic about the subject and supportive. As a student you knew every day in their classroom there was something hands-on that you were doing, that engaged your brain. The teachers that I had that exemplified these three characteristics created a community sense in the classroom. You knew that they really cared if you learned or not.  These teachers with their enthusiasm about the subject drew you into the topic, because if they cared about it you felt that maybe you should too..at least while you were in their class. In my opinion, it is much easier to not care about a class when you feel that the teacher has no investment in you. This is when behavior becomes a problem, when there is a disconnect between teacher and student. In college, the classes I remember the most are the ones where the teacher knew your name and created a positive learning environment. Relationships, energy and caring are three important qualities that allow teachers to stand out from the rest.