Lead by Example

I found this fascinating quote today:

It is so hard for research studies to isolate the effect of technology because it is so unbelievably hard to isolate for the effect of the teacher. Often, technology may actually improve a classroom due to the research study because of the feeling of the classroom and teacher because they have been paid attention to — they are important.  Attitude, emotion, relationship — these are things that are important in teaching.Cool Cat Teacher Online, Cool Cat Teacher Blog: PreK Secret to Success: Give me relationship, Jun 2009

You should read the whole article.

I think it is so relevant not only to the buzzwords of RIGOR, RELEVANCE, AND RELATIONSHIP; but it also resonates to the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of technology in the classroom.  Some teachers turn on a Powerpoint full of notes or pop in a video and think “Boy am I using technology!”.  In reality they are creating a virtual babysitter.  The relationship is severed and the student feels disengaged.  Technology and the teaching that should be enhanced by it is no good.  I challenge all of us to find ways to be good teachers that care.  Once we seek to know our students then make our curriculum and methodology decisions based on that, we will finally reach the kids and be effective.

Filed under: Education Insights