Wk 2-Response to Shah's post

I truly love playing games with my students.  I feel that it provides them with a more engaging and fun way to contribute to not only themselves, but their classmates as well.  It’s such a pleasure to see my students collaborating together to make a difference.  Everyone brings a unique piece to the table and it’s as if we create a puzzle.  Contributing really allows for more interaction especially inside the classroom.  I love the relation between contribution and ripples in a pond.  One little thing can make an impact on others.  The concept of leading from any chair is motivational.  Too often people think that because they are not at the front or center of attention that they cannot lead.  I find this to be a huge misconception.  Just because you don’t have a baton or what have you, doesn’t mean you’re any less important or that you can’t make a difference.  I think it’s important for us as educators to get that message across to our students.  The concept of Rule Number 6 is a classic in my books.  I have always been one for loosening up and not being so serious.  I do believe though that there is a time and place for when we have to put our foot down and take things more seriously; however, if I was like that 24/7, then I think I would hate my job.  I have found over the past few years that by me being more laid back, my students respond better.  When I act silly, it gets my students attention to the point where they want to be engaged in the lesson.  Plus, it allows me to enjoy my job even more.

Shahe,

Your post is so well put. Sometimes we forget to let go of the lead and share the experience with our students. I also agree we need to make sure our students know their role is very important in the whole schema of things. I can’t imagine being serious all the time in the classroom. Students do relate to teachers more when the teacher is more personable. You work in an environment that can be stressful so it is wonderful that you are able to act silly with your students and that you enjoy your job so much.

Sources: Week 2 Reading: Making a Difference, Shahe
URL:http://web.me.com/smabdelrahim/Shahes_MAC_Blogger/Welcome.html
Retrieved: December 2, 2010