I believe that each child is a curious, unique, and intelligent individual deserving of an education which gives them a chance to grow and blossom into their fullest potential. Teaching is an important and honorable occupation that demands commitment. A teacher has the opportunity to impact on students’ lives in a positive way; this is a huge privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As educators, it is our responsibility to create learning environments that stimulate students as learners and facilitates their development academically, socially, and emotionally. In order for educators to create this learning environment, we must prepare classrooms that put children at the center of instruction, that demand and expect high-cognitive and inquisitive thinking and that promote cultural acceptance and awareness.

 

First, student-centered learning means the teacher must get off the pedestal and let students take the stage. It steers away from educators viewing themselves as just givers of knowledge and students as just vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. Students come into the classroom with valuable insights they’ve gained from past learning experiences and background knowledge from their lives outside of the classroom; educators must draw out that knowledge and show students the way to build off it to learn more. Students should be a part of discussion, lead discussion and make conclusions from their discussions. I believe student-centered learning produces students who see themselves as powerful individuals who have a responsibility in their own learning.

 

Another important aspect of student-centered learning is creating lessons that implement high cognitive demand, inquisitive thinking and technology. Inquiry and problem-based learning does not tell students how to solve problems or give students answers; instead it poses problems that encourage students to ask questions and gives students opportunities to collaborate and create with the integration of technology. Students act as investigators and teachers act as facilitators and guides to learning. These types of projects are not subject to just one right answer; they are open-ended and allow for creativity and variation. With the advancement of technologies and answers right at our fingertips, teaching is no longer about learning the who and the what but rather the why and the how. Rather than memorizing algorithms and facts, students should be questioning, investigating and creating. When it comes to these skills, it is important to teach students to have a growth mindset that enables them to push through obstacles and hardships and to not give up when faced with failure. They must see failure and mistakes as a step in the right direction towards success.

 

Lastly, students will grow and reach their fullest potential when we focus on culturally relevant teaching. Before we can create student-centered classrooms and high-cognitive tasks, we need to know our students. We must learn what their life outside of the classroom looks like, what resources they have at home, and what discourse they have experienced. Students will thrive when their school culture mirrors and celebrates their own and also acts as a window into the lives and cultures of others. This means meeting with parents and spending time with students outside the traditional classroom setting. I believe we need to gain the trust of our students by showing them that we care about more than just their academics through class meetings, kind gestures, meaningful conversations and fun and playful interactions. This creates a classroom full of trust and positive relationships.

 

As an educator, I believe that students deserve to work with caring and compassionate individuals who strive to give them a well-rounded education that meets their individual needs. In order to ensure my students are intrinsically motivated, life-long learners, I will need to lead by example. I will always strive to express my dedication to student success, and convey my passion for learning.