By Janset Neris
Ah, the age-old question: “What’s it to be a teacher?” It’s a role many of us step into, sometimes even before we realize it. With around 2.2 billion mothers worldwide naturally transitioning into educators’ shoes, there’s no doubt about the significance of teaching in our lives. But how do we determine the most effective teaching style? Are we even asking the right questions?
Reminiscing about our earliest lessons, it wasn’t textbooks or rote recitations that sparked our curiosity. Instead, it was the vibrant world around us – the colors, sounds, smells, and textures. Infants, driven by boundless curiosity, naturally lean into sensory-based learning. Their fingers, eyes, and ears aren’t just body parts; they’re their very first tools for discovery.
Yet, many of us have veered away from this intrinsic style of learning. We’ve become attached to traditional methods that, ironically, may stifle the curiosity we aim to nurture. But the winds of change are blowing, and a revolution in the education landscape is underway.
My personal mantra – “Continuous Learning” – goes beyond accumulating facts. It’s about adaptability and progressiveness in our teaching approaches. And that, my dear readers, means favoring the student-centered approach.
The days where pencils and papers reigned supreme are fading. We’re in an era where hands-on learning is not just preferable, but essential. This technique reconnects students to the innate, sensory-driven learning style of their earliest years, infusing joy and wonder into the process. And, believe it or not, there’s strong research to back it up.
A 2015 study by the Canadian Center of Science and Education delved into the tangible impacts of hands-on learning. The findings? Students involved weren’t just more interested, but they also exuded a newfound confidence – an outcome often elusive in traditional educational settings.
But what about leadership in teaching? Absolutely, leadership is crucial. However, the true essence of leadership isn’t about holding the torch solely for oneself; it’s about illuminating paths for others. Teachers must transition from being leaders to guides, lighting the way and letting students carve out their unique trajectories.
In essence, education is more than mere information transfer. It’s about empowerment, engagement, and evolution. As educators, our goal should be to step back, empower our students to take the lead, and marvel at the wonders of their journey. We’re not just altering our teaching methods; we’re pioneering a transformative future for learning.
Connect with Me!
Feeling inspired by what you’ve read? Dive deeper into the world of progressive education with me. Follow my journey and let’s engage directly on Instagram: @teachwithjanset. I’d love to continue this conversation with you and together, shape the future of learning!
