My absolute favorite part of these two chapters was the Arab quote on page 47. "God gave us two ears and one mouth to show us that we should listen twice as much as we speak." That quote popped out at me. It is so powerful. It really made me reflect on my own listening skills. It is so important as teachers that we not only speak, but also listen. Everyday is an opportunity to learn and not everyone realizes that. I loved how chapter 3 spoke of the over loaded society that we live in today. There is so much on our plates and the plates of the students we teach. It is so important for a teacher to encourage his/her students to think and use their imaginations. I thought the 3 characteristics of a healthy learning space were so true. Openness, boundaries, and hospitality are all aspects that should be in a classroom. I really loved that the author wrote about how a student can feel accepted or just tolerated in a classroom. I think in everyday life you can tell if you are accepted or just tolerated and for me that really makes an impact on how I am as a person.
I loved chapter 4. I thought it was great that Durka spoke about the fact that sometimes teachers can be drained. Teaching is a job of passion and it is important that a teacher has a time to reflect and gather themselves. Being present for the students is so important and that is why I think it is essential that a teacher takes time for themselves to reflect and regroup. Teachers have to have such a high energy level for their students so it is great when they can take some time for themselves. Caring is a huge part of the teaching profession and it takes a special kind of person to do this job. Any teacher I have met so far in my classes at USF has really impressed me and I really look forward to learning more form all of you.
"God gave us two ears and one mouth to show us that we should listen twice as much as we speak." It is quite true that often we fail to listen to others specially our own students in the class room. We need to be sensitive to everyone in the class and learn from the students as well. It is very important to have openness, boundaries and hospitality in the class room situation. If we are able to have them we can really be good and effective teachers.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, sometimes listening, though important becomes hard for us because we are bombarded with so much information and burdened with a lot of responsibilities that we lose our patience. The art of listening requires that we need to spend time in silence. As you rightly pointed out that teachers need time for reflection and bring necessary changes in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI love that we appreciated the same Arab quote! i just may have to post that in my classroom this year! In addition I agree that Durka's focus on the three qualities really create a safe environment for students. We are responsible to do all we can to help achieve an accepting classroom.
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