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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Great Teachers

I have 3 wonderful teachers in my life.
  1. My piano teacher (and my daughter's) - She has a PhD in Music Education Research. Besides teaching me piano skills beyond anything I ever dreamed I could do, she has taught me about education. She also teaches me about music history - about the way the piano has changed over the years and how it affected the music that was written. She's taught me about composers and about music styles. She is passionate about music and music history and I always leave wanting to learn more.
  2. A history teacher at one of our museums - We go to 1 class a month "for Alexandra", but every time I learn SO much! History was always my least favorite subject as a student, but this teacher is a wonderful storyteller and she's passionate about history. I leave each of these classes wanting to learn more!
  3. An art history teacher - We get to go to 1 or 2 classes at an art museum every year. The kids are divided into age groups, and the adults and small children stay in the auditorium and a lady teaches us about art - photography in particular. Again, she weaves history into our studies and is so passionate about what she's teaching. I get to spend 2 incredible hours listening to this teacher... and I leave wanting to learn more.

So, I've been reading an article tonight about teachers and I'm realizing what makes all 3 of these women wonderful teachers: they are passionate about what they are teaching and make their students want to learn more!

So, how can I be a wonderful teacher to my child? How can I help my child want to learn more? And, am I passionate about what I am teaching? Just some questions to ponder for now.

7 comments:

  1. Great thoughts! I think that is what makes a truly great teacher.

    You know, this might be a lovely little post for the CM blog carnival. If you want to submit, here's the form: http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_2378.html

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  2. I think it's fairly obvious that Alexandra has a passionate, creative, and absorbing teacher herself. What a lucky kid!

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  3. I think it makes all the difference in the world as far as being able to ignite a love of learning in your children or in other children if you are teaching a class. I know when I have done a good job and it is usually about things I am passionate about. This is why I am a less than great teacher for things like writing and Latin...I have no fire.

    Passion is contagious whether it is about academics or spirituality or the arts...you can't help but be inspired.

    Great post.
    Barb-Harmony Art Mom

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  4. Anonymous1:52 PM

    Great thoughts! I consider myself a passionate teacher in some areas and a not-so-passionate teacher in others. Thank the Lord for piano and co-op teachers! LOL

    Thanks for submitting this to the carnival!

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  5. So true. It does help to be interested in what you are teaching. When you get passionate about it, it's contagious.

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  6. Anonymous10:53 AM

    I agree...being passionate about what you teach can become contagious and it makes learning exciting rather than dull and boring. When you teach something monotone, just "going through the motions", a lot less will stick. Children won't actually experience education, they will merely obtain it. Great thoughts, thank you!

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  7. Great post. Great thoughts. We all need to be reminded that enthusiasm and passion are contagious. Thanks

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