Core of Learners
I've been reading Writing Without Teachers by Peter Elbow, which is an excellent book full of practical suggestions about how to improve your writing. If you write, and you hit brick walls like most of us do, Elbow has some good ways to break through those walls, and I highly recommend the book to any of you who are serious about writing.
Anyway, one of Elbow's main points is that students don't need teachers, but teachers absolutely need students. In other words, people can learn quite well on their own, and they don't need teachers to make it happen. He advocates that the teacher get off his high horse and approach students on their level, as a student himself. If the teacher gives an assignment, he should do the assignment, too. He should participate in workshop and open his writing to criticism.
As all of you pursue your educations, think about that. You don't need teachers. Teachers need you. You have all of the power, but the system is rigged to keep you from figuring that out. I think the lesson to learn is, take control of your own learning, and learn because it is a worthy pursuit in and of itself. Immerse yourself in your studies. Do more than is required of you. Make your education YOURS.
In another class, when I told them about going back to school to work on earning a Ph.D. one student expressed her amazement that I was so excited to be going back to school, like something was wrong with me for actually liking school. Learning is the most rewarding activity I do in my life. If I stopped learning, my life would effectively be over. If more students would embrace learning instead of fighting it, they would find similar enrichment, and I encourage all of you to seek that in your lives.
Lastly, another point that really resonated with me in Elbow was an observation of his about how courses tend to develop a core of learners, and it is a shame that the core forms just about the time that the semester ends, students disband, teachers get another section, and that chemistry that was formed is lost forever. Think about that, how if things were structured differently and you could carry on that core, how deep and wonderful the learning experience would be. I think, overall, we had a special group, and I think we could have accomplished a lot more than we did had the time frame been a little more forgiving.
Anyway, one of Elbow's main points is that students don't need teachers, but teachers absolutely need students. In other words, people can learn quite well on their own, and they don't need teachers to make it happen. He advocates that the teacher get off his high horse and approach students on their level, as a student himself. If the teacher gives an assignment, he should do the assignment, too. He should participate in workshop and open his writing to criticism.
As all of you pursue your educations, think about that. You don't need teachers. Teachers need you. You have all of the power, but the system is rigged to keep you from figuring that out. I think the lesson to learn is, take control of your own learning, and learn because it is a worthy pursuit in and of itself. Immerse yourself in your studies. Do more than is required of you. Make your education YOURS.
In another class, when I told them about going back to school to work on earning a Ph.D. one student expressed her amazement that I was so excited to be going back to school, like something was wrong with me for actually liking school. Learning is the most rewarding activity I do in my life. If I stopped learning, my life would effectively be over. If more students would embrace learning instead of fighting it, they would find similar enrichment, and I encourage all of you to seek that in your lives.
Lastly, another point that really resonated with me in Elbow was an observation of his about how courses tend to develop a core of learners, and it is a shame that the core forms just about the time that the semester ends, students disband, teachers get another section, and that chemistry that was formed is lost forever. Think about that, how if things were structured differently and you could carry on that core, how deep and wonderful the learning experience would be. I think, overall, we had a special group, and I think we could have accomplished a lot more than we did had the time frame been a little more forgiving.
posted by Jason M. Wester at 9:02 PM
2 Comments:
Good post. I will definitely have to read that before fall classes start back.
He is right. Teachers go off on ego trips all the time with their students, and just assume the students know nothing.. So many of my teachers have just been trying to go through the motions of shuffling students through each day just to get paid, and not really caring if anyone learns anything.The third paragraph sounds very empowering and inspiring. Taking control is matter of personal responsibility and therefore hard to do for most people. Doing more than is required is like pulling teeth for most people. I love school (college not high school) anyone who doesn't like school is usually not very good at it. The core of learners is so true. I watched it happen in your class both first and second semester. It always ends right around the time it starts getting really deep.
You are a one of a kind teacher Mr. Wester. I hope I get lucky enough to have even just one more as good as you. Good luck with your PH.D, keep us updated every step of the way.
Great post Mr Wester, and I must agree with you 100%!
Sorry that it has taken so long for me to respond but I am currently running my own store for Sprint and taking online courses.
As to the blog, teachers need students yes; but students do need teachers. Namely teachers like you, Mr Wester, who do not place themselves on a pedistal and act as if they are so far above the students that only thousands of dollars and years of college will ever even the levels out. I have learned more outside of school than I have learned in school. Because I venture to learn something new everyday, I read everything, if I disagree i do background research...I disect things and try to find the truth.
Teachers can give students direction, but the learning process should never be over, learning is exciting and should be looked at it that way. Knowledge is power, although that may sound a little cliche it is so true. You can not be ignorant and make it very far, to fully accomplish what you are able to you must learn all you can and place it into effect in your day to day life.
Mr Wester I personally applaud you, as a teacher and as a friend, which you became to all of us. I think the way you handled our class gave some of us hope and direction, you make people want to learn, and the fact that you dont just preach but you act on what you talk about makes a huge difference as well.
I am proud of you and excited for you, I know that I am glad I had the opportunity to have you as my English teacher, and you are one teacher I will never forget.
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