Student Teaching Week 9: Developing Pride in Your Work

So yes, our students may learn the content better through fun engaging activities and alternative projects, but that's not really what we are here for. We are not here to teach agriculture. We are here to teach students. Kids need a balance of both structure and creativity. This upcoming week I am going to put emphasis on structure and creativity in my instruction.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/146930006570592010/

Looking back on this week, I can't help but think about my students' work ethic or the lack there of for some. Sure every student has their niche where they can geek out, but how can I cultivate a learning atmosphere where students take pride in all areas? How do I create engaging lessons that inspire students to be "All In"? With so many different types of learners differentiation is key. Maybe I need to give students the option for their own projects.

This leads me into my biggest problem with differentiation. If we are truly planning with the end in mind, we need to be thinking about these students getting real jobs. With that being said, I still think that it is important for our students learn the content in our courses. However, the content they learn will never outweigh the work ethic and life skills learned through our program. Their boss is going to give them a task and they must complete it to his specs. If we develop hardworking students that take pride in their work they cannot fail. These are the students who will work their way up the ladder.

http://weinspirefutures.com/idea-bank/overlapping-structure-and-creativity/