Today I was observing a student take a writing test. The prompt read "Describe and Explain who your favorite teacher is and why." I walked by his desk to read his writing and he was explaining how much he liked his teacher and why. Then the next sentence read, "And without my teacher, I would never learn." Now, I completely understand what he was trying to get across but, that statement really made me ponder. Without my teacher, I can't learn. It's a crutch mentality. Please-feed-me-because-I-can't-feed-myself kind of statement. It really made me think on how we can show students and model to students that yes, a teacher is important and should be there to direct, assist, and present material (or else I wouldn't have a job) but, you don't NEED a teacher in order for you to learn. You don't NEED me to feed you when you are hungry you can feed yourself if I placed a plate in front of you. Case and point, adults are still learning but, we aren't in classrooms. Students need to understand that in all situations, not just in the classroom but, in every day life you can be learning something. His statement really made me reflect on what schooling is teaching students. To be a self-learner or to be a dependent-learner? I think I found a new philosophy that I am going to work towards as a teacher. Help students to learn and find learning in every area of their life independently.
What are some ways we can teach students to be independent self-learners?
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