HD Childree

Briefly, I believe that all students who have the desire to learn are capable of learning. It may take some students longer than others, but with perseverance everyone can learn something. Some students may require more scaffolding of learning than others, such as a study guide to aid in comprehending a reading section or a guided notetaking handout during a lecture. Other students may need only the assignment requirements to successfully complete an assignment.  

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Allowing students to learn the same material while scaffolding the instruction has been an important part of the success I have had as a teacher. When I have noticed that my students need help, I have been able to stop, backtrack, and re-teach the material in a different manner.  Sometimes this instruction involves the entire class, and other times this instruction involves groups of students or individuals.  But it does not mean that I am always the one instructing. Peer discussion is an effective scaffolding tool as is individually writing about and then sharing on a topic.  Every year I learn more about teaching pedagogy, and every year I am able to adjust my teaching to help meet my students’ needs.

 

Email and discussion boards can also be effective for scaffolding instruction. Students who may not speak up in class are be more likely to come to voice in an email conversation with the instructor or on a discussion board about the classroom topic. It is a place where introverts can be heard as much as extroverts.

 

As a key to changing one’s class status, a quality education is important for every person. As a lifelong learner myself, I know that persevering to learn requires much energy, and having an instructor who is available both in and out of class is important for success. I strive to be that instructor.