Steve Yurek, the Associate Director of the Center for Mathematics Achievement, is a former high school teacher. Steve taught at the high school level for 38 years and now teaches in the M.Ed in Mathematics Education (1-8) program here at Lesley University. Here are his thoughts, complete with a video:
"There are so many factors that
encompass effective teaching that to mention one may seem to de-emphasize any
of the others, but the reality is that we are all different, so we may favor
one technique or strategy over another, we must not ignore all the other
factors that make us great. I’ve included a youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orBxCJL8N8Y that encompasses this sense of balance more
graphically that I have ever seen. You may have already seen it, but it
drives home the point that all parts of a well-defined system are no more
important than another. Now, regarding my thoughts and experiences, I’ve found
that answering a student’s question with another question is initially
frustrating for the student, but ultimately guides them to the understanding
that is the point of a lesson. And how can I assess that my technique
here is effective? I usually use 2 barometers: The first is visual
- the look on the student’s face during that AHA moment, and the second is when
the student asks a follow-up question that is richer and deeper than the first.
Regarding advise for a first
year teacher: When I began teaching, I was told “Never smile before
Christmas”, but that didn’t work for me because it caused me to present a
false/forced image of myself and I was very uncomfortable and quickly realized
that I just had to be myself. I learned to treat my
students as fellow humans beings, in a manner that was appropriate for the grade
level, while maintaining that separation between student and teacher.
As with effective teaching,
there are so many things that first year teachers should know, but I
think that most important are (a) stay true to yourself, (b) be prepared for each class, (c)
volunteer for stuff (d) continue to learn about mathematics and about good
teaching."
If you have not seen the video, do watch the whole thing or at until 8 minutes. It all comes together in the last minute!
Barbara Allen-Lyall, current faculty member here at Lesley and a current K-12 teacher in Connecticut, answered with the following:
"What is
effective teaching?
When content is artfully
organized and creatively presented, the flow of learning allows students to
naturally reach a succession of learning plateaus. These seemingly level places are not a time
for practice or mental rest, but rather an opportunity for super cognitive
challenge through problem solving.
Done right, this is also
when students–not the teacher–can be heard asking the important and most
interesting questions."
I have seen both Barbara and Steve teach in the graduate program and can honestly say that each time I watch them, I learn something new. They each have very different styles, but their passion for the field and effectiveness in their teaching is evident.
What do you think of their advice? How would you answer the question?
More responses to follow! Happy Friday!
Katie
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