I believe that all students deserve access to safe learning environments that foster individual growth in all aspects of life. Building connections with students is an important way to identify what each student needs. Thich Nhat Hanh's “teacher as a healer” is an example of how I strive to teach through having connections with students that are built on trust and mutual respect. It is important that I include “teacher as a healer” in making sure students feel comfortable to learn, grow, and be curious.
The ability to cultivate personal growth and development is a part of where I find commitment and passion while teaching. It is very important to me that students' emotional and physical well being are being addressed before concepts and learning outcomes are achieved. It is my belief that the student comes first and foremost and the learning will follow. The ability to appreciate the individual learner is a key principle in my teaching strategies especially while working with elementary learners in first-grade where their own identities are being developed and should be allowed to grow.
Creating a learning environment where questioning is facilitated and appreciated is where students are able to promote problem solving strategies and are more eager to achieve their goals. A way I have created inquiry into this type of learning environment is by asking questions to promote curiosity and collaborative learning. It is important to me to encourage students to ask questions and continually work collaboratively. Which is why while working with first grade students in environmental education I promote curiosity by asking questions that stem from my own curiosity to incorporate inclusive learning. By asking questions myself I am able to show students problem-solving strategies through the process of my own curiosity.
By having goals for each student and setting goals for yourself as the educator you are not only pushing to develop students' knowledge further, but pushing yourself. One of my goals as an educator is to be approachable to students when communicating, that means making sure I take the time to connect to each student, their interests, and their values. As a teacher it’s important these connections are made so students know not only who you are, but why you want to develop their knowledge and interests further. My goal is to not only establish respect for one another, but set forth mutual expectations and establish the “why” in the first place.
I am always working and moving towards improving my educational approach. I want to incorporate more communal growth side-by-side of the individual without sacrificing the individual's needs. I hope to achieve this goal by listening more, not only by what others are saying, but by increasing students' awareness of themselves and their environments. While taking part in observational nature walks with students I start with my own gratitude statement that the students are taking part in the lessons, and the respect of the surrounding species we should have since we are visitors in their home.
When working with students it’s important to embody what you wish to achieve, one way I have done this is by asking questions, and showing curiosity. I show my excitement to learn and show authentic interest in the activities we are doing together. While teaching an observational nature walk; if students' curiosity takes over it can be time to run with it. When a student shows interest in a bird flying overhead or a plant that has caught their eye I will adapt the lesson to incorporate the individual's interest. If there are learning opportunities that arise my goal is to take that opportunity and integrate it into something together.