Teaching Expertise

In the world of education, upon stating their subject of expertise, it’s not uncommon for teachers to hear the remark, “Oh, I always hated that subject at school.” It might seem like a harmless comment or an offhand response, but the truth is- these seemingly inconsequential words can leave a significant impact. Join us in analyzing the echo of these types of remarks and unearth 3 new ways of participating in constructive dialogue! 

The Echo of Disparaging Remarks

It’s crucial to understand that when teachers hear phrases like, “I never liked math”, or “I just couldn’t grasp science”, it’s not just a casual comment. For educators who pour their heart and soul into devising engaging lessons, offering personal assistance, and striving to demystify complex theories, such words can feel like an affront to their dedication and passion.

While these remarks might be based on personal past experiences, they often overlook the commitment and hard work that teachers invest in their professions. Instead of feeling encouraged and valued, these comments can leave educators feeling as if their efforts go unappreciated.

Furthermore, it’s not just teachers who are on the receiving end of these words. Imagine a scenario where a student overhears a parent saying, “I found history so boring”, in a parent-teacher meeting. Such statements can unintentionally seep into impressionable young minds- leading them to form preconceived notions about certain subjects and make them less inclined to engage.

3 Ways Of Promoting Constructive Dialogue

It’s evident that these off-the-cuff remarks can have more of an impact than we may realize. But the question is, how can we change this pattern? Here are a few suggestions, with examples, for engaging in constructive dialogue:

Learn More: K-12 Dive

1. Offer Constructive Feedback

Instead of sharing an outright dislike for a subject, it would be more beneficial to share what particular aspects were challenging. This can lead to constructive conversations about improving teaching methods or strategies.

Examples:

  • Instead of saying, “I always struggled with algebra and found it frustrating” you could say, “I faced challenges with algebra, particularly with understanding the abstract concepts”. Perhaps more real-life examples or practical applications could help students like me.”
  • Instead of, “I never understood the point of studying Shakespeare” try, “I found it difficult to relate to Shakespeare’s language. Maybe a modern translation or contemporary performances could make it more accessible to modern-day students.”
  • Rather than saying, “Geography was so boring”, consider saying, “I found it hard to stay engaged in geography. Perhaps more field trips or interactive activities could spark more interest for present-day learners.”
  • Instead of, “I hated gym class. I was always the last one picked”, you could say, “Gym class was challenging for me because I felt left out. Maybe incorporating more cooperative games where everyone can contribute could improve the experience.”
  • Rather than, “Art class was a waste of time” try, “I struggled to see the value in art class. Perhaps a better explanation of how creativity can benefit other areas of life and learning could have made it more relevant for me.”

This way, instead of expressing a blanket dislike for a subject, you are pointing out a specific challenge you faced and suggesting a method that could help current students better understand the topic. This approach will help you open a constructive conversation about teaching strategies, which can potentially improve the learning experience for students.

Learn More: UAF News and Information

2. Praise Learning

Teachers deserve to be commended for their work and the dedication that they put into educating the next generation. Expressing gratitude and acknowledging their efforts creates a positive learning culture. 

Examples:

  • Instead of saying, “Science was always a boring subject for me” you could say, “The way you bring science to life with experiments and demonstrations is really engaging. I wish I had experienced this interactive learning in my school days.”
  • Rather than stating, “I used to find literature dull and uninteresting” consider saying, “Your innovative approach to teaching literature, making the stories come alive, truly fascinates me. This is a significant improvement over the traditional methods of reading and interpreting.”
  • Instead of saying, “I never understood why we had to learn so much math” try, “The hands-on learning approach you employ in your math class helps students understand the application and relevance of mathematical concepts. This is a fresh perspective compared to my experience with rote learning.”
  • Instead of, “I always dreaded physical education” you could say, “Your fun and inclusive approach to physical education is commendable. The way you make every student participate and enjoy the activities brings a new dimension to what I experienced in gym class.”
  • Rather than saying, “Art classes never made sense to me” try saying, “Your way of teaching art fosters creativity and innovation. The encouragement of free expression over mere copying of classic artworks is a breath of fresh air compared to my experience in art class.”

Learn More: Responsive Classroom

3. Instill Openness

It’s vital to encourage children to approach each subject with an open mind. With this in mind, it’s important to not have our difficulties become their mental hurdles. By maintaining a positive attitude and underscoring the importance of every subject, we can help them nurture their interests and skills.

Examples:

  • Instead of saying, “I was always bad at English, don’t worry if you don’t do well” you could say, “English can be tough because it requires a lot of interpretation and understanding of context. But remember, it’s okay to ask for help and explore different ways of understanding the material.”
  • Instead of, “I hated history, it’s okay if you don’t like it too” try, “History can seem dense with all the dates and events. But remember, it’s about understanding our past and how it shapes our present and future. Your teacher is there to guide you.”
  • Rather than saying, “I could never get my head around physics” consider, “Physics is a challenging subject because it’s about understanding the fundamental laws that govern the universe. It’s okay to find it hard, just remember to stay curious and keep asking questions.”
  • Instead of, “I never saw the point in learning a foreign language, you could say, “Learning a new language can be tough but it opens up a new culture and ways of seeing the world. It’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how we learn.”
  • Rather than saying, “I was never good at music” try, “Music can be a challenge, especially learning to read sheet music and play an instrument. But remember, it’s about expressing yourself and enjoying the process, not just about getting it perfect.”

By promoting a mindset of openness and curiosity, you encourage your child to approach subjects without prejudice or fear of failure. This approach can help to foster a love of learning and a positive attitude towards tackling difficult subjects.

As we navigate our interactions with educators, it’s essential to remember that they invest their passion into their subjects- hoping to inspire the same enthusiasm in their students. Instead of sharing how much we disliked a subject, we can engage in a more meaningful dialogue that respects their dedication and potentially enriches the learning experience for modern-day students. Ultimately, as parents and fellow educators, the onus is on us to ensure that we’re promoting a positive, constructive approach toward education.

Learn More: Inner Bonding