Fullfilling the Promise chapter 5 & 6

I thought it was interesting to hear about the two teachers and how she said one taught algebra, the other taught me German. The algebra teacher was doing the opposite of what he/she should have been doing. The teacher was terrifying the students and making them feel like they had nothing of worth to share. She actually was overcome and deconsructed rather than instructed. Something that before, she felt confident about, and now was totally defeated when it came to math. That is so sad to me. It is such a shame that some teachers feel they need to run a "tight ship" in order to teach and have classroom management, when the best way to teach is by finding out what the students know and what their interests are to teach to them in a way that they would understand. I also feel that is the way to have classroom management. When the students all know that their teacher really cares about them as an individual, they will try to please you and not have as many management issues. We shouldn't scare our students into learning, they will not learn. We need to be kind, and affirm that they are important to you and society in order for them to let themselves learn. I just wanted to say to you Nancy, that I have had teachers here at UVU, that I am so intimidated by when I am presenting or just talking in front of the class. I just am so scared to do anything wrong because of the way they look at me when I am talking. I almost feel that they think what I am saying is not importnant. I wanted to tell you that I really appreciate how you respond when I am saying something or presenting something to the class. I have noticed that you are always smiling while I am talking and you nod your head in agreement. I honestly feel so much more confident in what I am saying and feel like what I am saying is important. So i thought you should know. It really makes a difference to me. It is like the teacher who taught German. She affirmed her students with eye contact and smiles. I can really see how this is so beneficial to students.

The lesson on buoyancy was really great. It had so many levels of learning. It challenged the students but he was right there to scaffold them. I think that aiming high is an important element. if we aim low, students are only goin to get to what you expected.. Low.. If you aim high, and ensure their success in a difficult task, the students will know that they can do it and they will try their best to reach your aim and will end up going so much further than they would have with low expectations.