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Teachers Are Leaders

Words that do the most damage

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medical suppliesTeachers lead and influence through their words. Words can add and they can subtract. The words that do the most damage are the ones that aren’t spoken when it comes to feedback. I can remember numerous times early in my career when I was hesitant to give feedback that I felt might hurt my student’s confidence. I didn’t want my words harm. Although I avoided giving that feedback, my students weren’t better off. They felt good about their grade, but weren’t aware of how they could grow even more. That was my experience in high school and I struggled in college as a result. Through experience, I had to learn to grow comfortable pressing through and giving my students the feedback that they needed. Here are a few tips that I use to give students feedback that leads to action.

1. Emphasize the positive first

Start by focusing on the victories. Students will warm up to the idea of receiving information that will help them grow if they believe that there is hope for them to improve.

2. Know how your students prefer to receive constructive feedback (In Private or Publicly?)

Some students can handle receiving feedback publicly so that others can hear and some can’t. Through your relationship-building, you will learn the preferences of your students.

3. Offer simple action steps to help them make the adjustments

Feedback should come with simple things that students can do in order to improve. Also, be sure to follow up with students about the actions steps given.

4. Celebrate the next attempt

The opportunity to try again is a blessing. Encourage students change their mindset and get started by going over the top to celebrate their  2nd attempt.

MB

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Don’t let comparisons stop you

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Currently, my twins Gavin and Gianna are one year old. Gianna started walking at 10 months. Gavin is still working on it. He will stand for a few seconds and then he will sit down slowly. I’m proud of both of my children and I’m so glad that Gavin isn’t aware enough to be discouraged because he is not walking like his sister. I know the day will come when my children start comparing themselves to each other and try to turn everything into a competition. However, I am enjoying watching both of them grow at their own pace.

I am reminded of the many times I have heard my students tell me, “I’m just not smart.” Many times when students say this, they are saying it because they are comparing themselves to their fellow students. It is true that there are students who grasp information faster than others. But this applies to many other areas in life. There are certain people who can simply pick up an instrument and play without even learning how to read music. That’s a gift. Other people like myself are going to have to learn how to read music and go through the many steps it takes in order to learn how to play. The fact that there are naturally gifted musicians out there who are way ahead of me does not prevent me from putting forth the effort to learn. It should not stop you as a student from giving your very best effort to learn new information no matter how long it takes. Your teachers are very patient and they’re willing to work with you in order to make sure that you have a strong understanding of the material. Do not let comparisons stop you from being all that you can be. Remember: failure only happens when you quit.

Marvin Byrd (c/98)

It Can Be Done

 
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