learner-centered teachers

For once, a chapter that I did enjoy. As I was reading through the chapter, I started to question my abilities and my strategies as a teacher. Often nodding at the suggestions the book offers as guides for designing a learning environment, I am pleased to say that I actually do perform some of these techniques.

For me, it is a good reflection of my abilities as well as a reflection of thing I could alter to produce more out of my students. Referring back to Chapter 1 and how teachers need to consider students prior knowledge and build upon it was a great emphasis that really stuck in my head.

"If teaching is conceived as constructing a bridge between the subject matter and the student, learner-centered teachers keep a constant eye on both ends of the bridge." (136) In response, I really enjoyed this analogy and will always measure myself to it. I need to focus on helping students see the connection and value of what is being taught. Only from there can I guide them from one end to the other and hopefully let them move forward to the next step of understanding at a higher level.