What makes a good class according to students?

We constantly hear what makes a good classroom according to other professionals and standards. But what do students feel? There are in fact the one's we are teaching?! I was pleased to find an article by DePaul University, where they researched into what students thought made a good class. Now you would think students would like classes that are easy A's, which can be true, but most students also like actually learning something. According to students, a class that is an "easy A" is quite different from a class that "is interesting".

One thing students say affected their ability to learn was the motivation of the teacher. If the teacher seems discouraged or unmotivated to teach or even be there, why should they feel motivated to learn? If a teacher just sits behind a desk, reading a power point, the students feel cheated. They want their teachers engaged and interacting with them. 

This leads to my second point. Students want to build a professional relationship with there teachers. Students desire the same respect from us that we expect of them. It's important to remember though to always be a mentor, not a friend. Another thing students appreciate is open-mindedness. We are supposed to "know it all", but that doesn't give us a right to judge students opinions. Students want to feel heard, and not be criticized for there opinions. Students also don't want to feel pressured by your opinions. 

Students want freedom as well as structure. They want to feel challenged, but not confined to a strict protocol. Some of the student's claimed that they learned the most when given some freedom to be creative. They also want to know that what there learning means something. Why? That's something I get challenged with everyday. 

There are many more reasons, but these I feel are some of the most crucial. It's important to always remember that not only to you have to do right by your profession, but also by your students.

DePaul Study
Hamer, Lawrence. “What Makes a ‘Good’ Class?” DePaul University Distinctions, DePaul University, 15 Aug. 2011, resources.depaul.edu/distinctions/words-and-deeds/Pages/a-good-class.aspx.

Natue-Deficit Disorder: 21st Century Problems

How lucky are we?! We are considered the pinnacle of society. But are we? We rank in the middle of the pack when it comes to English, Math, and Science. According to a review in 2003 by the Organization of Economic Corporation and Development, Finland beat us and 30 other countries.There students don't enter any formal schooling till the age of 7! US students have already been in school for 2 or 3 years! Finland offers no gifted programs and spends less per student on education. Finnish educators are given wide girth on how to teach the required national curricula, and the best part, Finnish educators believe in the power of play!

Another problem with the United States, we as a people, are greedy! You constantly hear no matter where you go about lawsuits and liability. We are a sue happy society! Some people are looking to get money any way they can. So people are constantly worried about liability. People close off there properties from children with no trespassing signs so parents cant sue if something happens to there child in the owners woods. Even places such as state parks and other recreational places are having to limit play due to possible lawsuits! 

This book connected with me on many levels. As an outdoors enthusiast and aspiring teacher, I want all my students and future children to be in tune with nature to the best they can be! Some of my fondest memories occurred in the woods, and I want to continue to provide that opportunity.