Weekly Writing #1: Effective Teaching

What is effective teaching? This question has been the basis for not only AEE412, but for our assigned readings as well. Effective teaching is not only teaching the content, but it is also creating a positive learning environment that fosters student learning and success. Effective teaching plays a large role in inspiring students and affecting their lives, which is the biggest factor that has inspired me to pursue this degree.

As all of the readings hinted on, effective teaching does not mean only teaching content effectively. In fact, I believe that a teacher’s focus should be two-fold; student’s understanding of content and student success. While writing the letters in AEE412 this week, I found myself thinking about some of the teachers who have impacted my life. I realized that I would consider all of these teachers ‘effective’ and noticed that they all shared some common characteristics. The most effective teachers that I have ever had have wanted to see their students succeed in class (with content and assignments) as well as outside of class.

This week’s readings can attest to this, as well, particularly the article written by Wong, et al.. This article hinted at the importance of an effective teacher’s desire to affect student’s lives, while teaching content. I found this particular reading extremely insightful, and it really hit home for me as an aspiring teacher.

As I was searching for more resources on effective teaching, I found the following article from About.com. This article provides ten qualities of effective teachers. As I read the article, I began making connections between our readings, our discussions in class and my own personal experience with teachers who I have had.

http://teaching.about.com/od/pd/a/Qualities-Of-An-Effective-Teacher.htm

In conclusion, I am hopeful that I will be able to combine my desire to make a difference in the lives of students with my eagerness to spread knowledge in order to develop into a more effective teacher.