I was a highly motivated person in high school. Even if there was something that I did not want to do, I would still turn it in. I think it comes from my parenting and how we valued education. It was not just something that if we do well, we get an extra $20 every report card. We wanted to learn and were involved and interested in a wide variety of things.
I see some students in my field experience that do not participate, or are productive, or so anything at all other than just sit there. I think it is either they just do not want to be there, or they are not interested. But then why are they taking that class? is is required? was this the only option they figured they could stomach for the whole year?
I want to get these students involved and doing something. If i can connect anything to what they want to do and make art interesting then I should do it, but it is hard and at times frustrating, but that is they goal for all teachers. I also think that there is a valuable lesson even in the terms of "this is the assignment and you need to do it". It is called being responsible and taking care of what needs to get done.
I think if I were as good a student as you were, it would be extremely frustrating to try get students to work, or to think about how they let themselves sit there and do nothing. Its possible that some of these kids don't value education at all, but then, I guess the question is why wouldn't they, and do we as educators take it upon ourselves to make education more attractive to students?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your point about students who arent productive. It bugs me too, I want students to succeed as well! I hope you find someway to get them motivated. Im sure it will be better when you are a teacher and have your own program, you will have a better understanding of the students. Hang in there and know you are working hard and a postive influence.
ReplyDeleteSome students are not lucky enough to have role models that teach the importance of education at home. It becomes the teacher's job to show relevance and motivate students to work in class. I agree it is difficult when you do not know students well. I think that shows the importance of really getting to know students and finding projects that really connect to their lives and interests. Good work!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if a student interst survery would help in this matter. You are making such great observations in their lack of motivation so I wonder if inquiring about what they would be intested in accomplishing while in the art room could help. You are completely right about this being our jobs in becoming teachers and learning to support students through their interests.
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