How to be a teacher!

Recently, I have read a quite...eye opening article, if I do say! As part of my project, I plan to analyze the current model of education, its flaws, and work my way up from there. In order to do this, I must learn current teaching methods. Oh, the irony! Learning to become a teacher! Gah!

Anyways, according to an interesting article entitled "Effective, Efficient Teaching" - published by Purdue University, mind you - the most important thing about teaching is for students not only to learn the correct content, but also - to learn how to learn! 

I have also learned from this handy little article that teachers have to be organized, analytical, and be able to set boundaries between students - In fact, that's essentially the entire point of the beginning of the year syllabus! In order for students to learn the most effectively, they also have to take tests, be given material that reinforces the knowledge of previous material, and be given short breaks. The average student has an attention span 15 to 20 minutes long.

Perhaps the most important element of effective teaching is a style of learning found prominently throughout IPoly - Hands on learning! Many studies have found that students learn most effectively when included in active learning exercises such as discussion and problem solving within small groups, as well as brainstorming.

Many teachers have also personally found that individuals will respond best when treated as individuals, and as fully responsible adults.

In short, effective teachers have a lot of responsibilities. They must be attentive towards their students, providing them not only with the needed materials to learn, but with respect, courtesy, and individual attention. Most importantly, teachers have to teach students how to learn on their own.

And this is going to bring us to the wrath and ingenuity of the Individual Component, but more on that later! For now, good teachers and staff, farewell.