Craft Your Words Carefully

I think I had mentioned this before but the more time I spend in the classroom the more I see the nuances of teaching that make or break a lesson, teacher, or classroom. There are also many misconceptions about what an ideal model of a classroom or teacher is.

For example, I know a teacher who is seen as a good teacher but I question the actual learning taking place. Sure, she has what seems to be control over her classroom but the students learning is in question. Additionally, I think classroom management is more than just "controlling your students" but rather, getting students to buy into the idea of schooling and do the right things because they want to. I believe Eisenhower said "leadership is getting others to do what you want them to because they want to." Some teacher just use scare tactics and verbal acrobatics to criticize students leaving them no where to go besides being outwardly quiet yet brewing inside with dislike for the teacher and the system of learning. I think there is a strong presence for wit from the teacher in order to build rapport, at least with older students, but it has to be carefully done. It must be an interaction of joshing each other and not placing oneself over another. Done carefully, students come to respect and appreciate the wit building relationships.