Lasting Impressions

The teacher I observed this semester left a huge impression on me as far as connection with students and enthusiasm about teaching.  This teacher took the time to get to know at least one little thing about each student so that he could connect with them during class time.  He would talk with his students colloquially and jokingly, creating an air of fun and ease in his classroom.  I really felt that the students responded to him during this time and allowed them to view the class as inviting, even if they struggled with some of the assignments.

With this connection came a struggle as well, he cared so much for these students and wanted them to be successful, however, he had to resign to the fact that some would not do what they were supposed to do.  He shared some of this frustration with me, telling of how the students struggle in other classes as well.  But he also always tried to be as generous as possible with his grading, so that even if the work was not done well, it could still earn a fair grade.  He would even go so far as to go hunt down student work from their shelves so that he could grade it even though the student had not turned it in.  I really connected with this teacher and his methods in trying to connect with his students despite everything else he had going on.  This experience observing him truly influenced how I examine my own teaching style and method as I move into situations where I will be able to develop them more.