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what do you think about the teachers who say: "whatever I try, they resist and don't learn." :)

Submitted by zeynex on 22 September, 2008 - 15:19.

sometimes I hear "whatever I try, the students resist and don't learn." I can't say "can it be about your demotivated attitude towards all the people inside the classroom?" to my collegues. Everybody calls themselves as teachers when they get the certificate but in fact teaching is not so simple as they think it is.do you agree? is it all about the diploma on the wall?

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Heath

It depends...

Submitted on 24 September, 2008 - 08:12

It's a tricky one actually.

We can deny that:

some people really are inherently bad at learning languages
some people actually reject learning English
(whether it's teens who've been forced to study by their parents
or due to culture clash or historical differences, or something else)
some people have had a really, really long day at work, haven't had dinner, are tired, exhausted, and don't really want to be in class this particular day
some people don't like you for some reason they can't explain

So there might be times when what that teacher says is true.

On the other hand, you're right. Teaching is a huge and complex field and we never stop learning new skills, techniques, and approaches for dealing with the infinite different student types and situations we meet...

"Whatever I try, the students resist and don't learn" should probably be replaced with "All the many things I have tried, the students have resisted and haven't learned - but I'm going to keep trying. Any suggestions?"

Right?

Nik Peachey

Teaching is about motivating

Submitted on 24 September, 2008 - 09:57

Hi Zeynex I think you have identified a genuine problem / misconception about teaching. Teaching really has more to do with your understanding of your students and how to motivate and encourage them than it has to do with knowing grammar etc. How do you motivate your students? Best Nik Peachey | Learning Technology Consultant, Writer, Trainer
http://nikpeachey.blogspot.com/ http://quickshout.blogspot.com/
http://daily-english-activities.blogspot.com/

nidia cecchetto...

What do you think about the teachers ......

Submitted on 26 September, 2008 - 23:42

I think they do not find the way to teach their students. The key is to know the group and have a good relantionship with the students. It is not an easy task. Formulas do not exist. The teacher has to discover what the group needs.He or she has to motivate them, encourage them and show that he /she is really interested in their learning.

In my opinion when you demonstrate that they can do it, and you are happy to teach them, it always works.