Curriculum Question: What should be the relationship between teachers and the curriculum they teach?
William Arthur Ward, an American motivational writer, quoted the following about teaching: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” This statement shows the importance of teacher-student relationships that are formed only when teachers are passionate about their craft and their students. According to Pottinger (2024) teacher passion helps students become more engaged and motivated. Serin (2023) found that teachers with passion tend to have higher student outcomes than those who are not as passionate about their craft and better relationships with their students. I believe that teachers should serve as passionate content experts who possess the capacity to adapt to and advance alongside evolving educational trends and students’ individualized learning demands.
During my years of teaching, I have found that students often match your interest and enthusiasm—but they will rarely exceed it. Additionally, if a teacher lacks passion for a particular topic, the students usually will too. It seems students need a guide to help them first recognize a subject’s value.
ReplyDeleteI would never teach English or History! Totally agree!
DeleteThis is exactly why I had to walk away from teaching Biology. Even though I know the content, I lack the passion for it. Without the passion I was unable to get excited about the subject. If I cannot get excited about it, how can I expect my students to feel that way too? Once I moved over the physical science (chemistry/physics) I was able to keep my students engaged with my excitement about the subject matter and the cool labs and demos too.
ReplyDeleteI get you, Mrs. H. I have found that as an original Biology major and teacher over the 17 years...I love Chemistry! And now I consider myself a Chemistry teacher even though I hated it in high school and college. My teachers were awful! I'm so happy you found your passion!
DeleteI love that this quote emphasizes passion for the subject taught instead of complete mastery of the subject. For way too long teachers have been put into the position of being the entire wellspring of knowledge for their students which to me, is an unrealistic model. Having the teaching position being one of passionate inquiry not only demonstrates that we are all continuously learning and growing but also puts the discovery and learning into the hands of the student. Demonstrating a passion for the subject as the facilitator of knowledge, gives the love of inquiry to the student and encourages them to claim their own point of view.
ReplyDeleteFredricks, I personally know you and the passion you have for art is inspirational! You're amazing, thank you for posting to my blog!
DeleteAnyone can teach...anyone can read a script and get the message across...What separates the mundane lesson, however, from the memorable one, is the teacher. In general, the teacher's passion and level of engagement not only with students, but with the actual curriculum is the life-line to growth. When a teacher not only knows the information, but feels the information and recognizes the importance of that information, then meaningful and solid academic bridges are not only built, but will stand the test of time. Therefore, the relationship between teachers and the curriculum should be undeniable.
ReplyDeleteKF you are one of the most passionate teachers I know! What you do with students is incredible! Great points!
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