Teaching & Learning in a Pandemic: Spring 2021

Danielle Enz

Who am I

My name is Danielle Enz. I am 21 years old and I attend Old Dominion University, this is my first semester at an university. I am from San Diego, California and I moved to Virginia in April 2020 to be with my husband.

It took me a while to figure out that I wanted to teach, I originally started community college as a business major and wanted to own my own wedding planning company. One of my friend's mom is actually a wedding planner and I worked with her for about 2 years or so and while doing that realized that even though I love weddings, it wasn't what I wanted to do as a career.

I took a semester off of school to figure out what exactly it was I wanted to do and was babysitting a little girl during this time, before moving to Virginia, and realized I loved teaching her new things everyday. This made me want to start teaching.

When I moved to Virginia I got a job and quickly moved my way up in the company to be a trainer. I have trained a few people and I realize how difficult it was but I still wanted to do it. By training newly hired people at work, I really realized just how differently others learn.

What I know

I know that everyone has a different way of learning. For example, everyone falls into one or two groups of learners. These are, visual, auditory, or kinesthetic also known as a hands on learner. I am a visual and kinesthetic learner. This means that if someone is trying to teach me something, I know that I will learn best by them showing me what to do then allowing me to do it myself. For others though, they may need someone to tell them what to do rather then show them and other people may need to write down what they are learning to fully understand it.

If everyone understands this about one another then they will know that not everyone learns like them. If there is someone trying to teach someone how to do a math problem, maybe the student needs to be shown an example first rather than the teacher telling them what to do step by step. This will help students become better teachers for others and themselves if they know how they learn and how another person learns.

What I have to learn

I think that everyone has room to grow with whatever they are wanting to do or be in life.

One thing that I still have to learn is simple, teaching 7-9 year old's, I have informally taught students that were much younger and much older. So trying to find the middle ground and be able to effectively teach younger students will be a challenge.

Another activity that I need to learn to cope with is having patience with students. I am already pretty patient but everyone learns at different speeds and ways. Being able to teach everyone, including the students that need more help than others, will be a test to patience. I am excited to find new ways to teach everyone in different ways but also teaching the same thing so that everyone can understand.

The Teacher I Will Become

I believe that the purpose of school is to educate or teach students basic knowledge and skills to get them ready for the real world or college.

The most important things that my students will learn is to be creative, respectful, they will be able to problem solve, and critically think. My students will be learn these because I will encourage them to use their imagination to create, I will also be respectful to them and show them how we treat others and how to be respectful. I will show them how to critically think and problem solve by having them work with each other and see how they all think, this will help them think of answers in different ways. I will interact with them as if I am their guide, not their leader or teacher but I want to help them succeed and I will hope to guide them in the correct direction that is meant for them. Based on my ways I want to teach, the philosophy that fits my is existential, my class will be student centered and I am there to guide and help them.

One word that I think would best fit my way of teaching would be empathetic and I would hope that my students will be open-minded and caring towards others.

If a visitor were to walk into my classroom I would want them to see many smiling faces and see that my students are eager to learn and interesting in the lesson. I would like my students to engage in the class and be excited to come to school.

I would have my students sitting in groups, not rows so that my classroom can be student centered. :)

Comment Section:

Hi Danielle, it sounds like you had a couple of journeys before realizing you wanted to become a teacher but it's like that for a lot of us so you're not alone! I am definitely an visual and kinesthetic learner as well, any other of learning can be difficult for me. I'm glad you're aware of the different types of learners! -Maya Lewis

Hi Danielle! I'm also a visual and kinesthetic learner! I learned a new term after reading your page. I like how you are an empathetic and aware that there are different methods of teaching students so that when you guide your students in lessons, you know how to get through to them. I also think your patience is a valuable attribute in a wonderful teacher. - Desiree Tomasi

Hi Danielle! I definitely agree that the styles of learning is so important to remember while teaching. Being aware of that is going to be so beneficial to your future students so that's awesome. I love that your teaching style is being empathetic, I hope to be the same way. -Crystal Greene

I love that you talked about having patience with your students. I feel like that is something that a lot of us look over, and don't realize it's a quality we need! - Emily Cook

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