As I mentioned in my previous blog my teaching experience is very limited. However, when I reflect upon the roles teachers have played in my life and what they have contributed to my education I know what kind of teacher I want to be. My objectives are centered on the student. I want to increase critical thinking and assist the student in developing analytical and problem solving skills. Acquisition of facts can be of some use but only if the student can apply that knowledge. I believe that developing critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills is the most important part of a teacher’s job. I believe that being able to apply knowledge is just as important if not more important than acquiring knowledge. The goal of education should be to create well rounded individuals. The purpose of education is not to produce human computer who can spit out useless facts but to create individuals who can take the wealth of knowledge they acquire in school and apply it to the real world and real life situations.
Teaching critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills requires moving beyond traditional ideas of teaching. Traditional teaching theories will only create individuals who can spew the facts and dates they were required to remember. If we want to create a different type of student then we need to be a different kind of teacher. In order to accomplish this I believe it is necessary to move away from the traditional teacher-centered teaching methods to a student-centered teaching method. I believe it is more important to focus on the needs of the student as opposed to those of the administration. Critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills cannot be taught through lecturing. Students need to be actively engaged in the subject matter. Group work will be a much more effective method. Students should be active and responsible participants in their own education.
Students traditionally learn what is on the examination. However, it is difficult to test a student’s ability to apply information. Projects and assignments that challenge student’s ability to apply information are better indicators of academic achievement. Teachers also need to be measured according to a similar method. Aptitude tests and standardized tests are not the best method for measuring a student’s ability nor are test scores the best method to measure teaching ability. Teaching is one of the most important jobs. Everyone must interact in some manner with an individual who occupies some sort of teaching role. It is paramount that the individual be as effective as possible so that the student can be the best he or she can be. No matter what subject I am teaching I believe that imparting these skills to my students is paramount to their eventual success.
I have described what kind of teacher I want to be and what I want to impart to my students but how does this directly relate to teaching Composition? Composition courses are often filled with freshman college students. Teachers of composition are often manning the front lines. It is the first opportunity some of these students have to acquire these skills. In addition to acquiring these skills students have an opportunity to develop their communication skills. Acquisition of critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills are essential for success in any field.
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Nice thoughts here, Andrea. I am particularly pleased to see you write that "being able to apply knowledge is just as important if not more important than acquiring knowledge." This is getting at the Ancient Greek concept of 'praxis', which is the synthesis of theory and application. It involves bringing to bear knowledge on real problems--another way of defining rhetoric. As long as you keep that in mind as a writing teacher your assignments and interactions with the students will be relevant and engaging. For that matter, your own writing will always be better if it brings these two vital components together.
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