Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Team Learning
Team learning in my district is usually by department. For example members in my department share curriculum materials. However I beleive the most team learning I have experienced as a educator is working with Varsity Coaches. We share many of the same philosphopies and beliefs, but the greatest part is sharing directions. I have learn so much just observing the head coach, my first couple of seasons. His approach with the students/ athletes was one of such support and caring. I have used this approach with the students in my class room, and it made a real difference in my entire experience as a teacher.
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I agree with you on connecting well with Coaches, and sharing visions and team learning.
I also feel that good, caring coaches, who are a classroom teacher as well, have a better chance of forming a bond with students than other classroom teachers. The more involved you are with the students and the more interest you show in their extra-curricular activities, the more trust and respect you gain.
There were a couple of boys I taught, who were quite rebellious in the beginning, causing all sorts of mishaps in the classroom. However, I decided I wanted to gain their trust and respect, so I decided to attend their basketball games and baseball games. So on the days they had games, I would go watch and the next day make it a point to congratulate them on their playing, or comment on how well the team did overall. I also had a few students who were really into art. I made it a point to venture over to the art rooms and see their pottery, paintings, etc. After a while the students realized I had their best interest in mind, and they began to settle down in the classroom. A couple of times, they went as far as telling others to straighten up too. If you can portary to them that you truly care about them and what they like best, they will trust and respect you more as a teacher. I still have some kids that I keep in touch with periodically from the schools I taught in in TX and CT.
The kids just want to know you truly are interested in them and that you respect their goals and what they are passionate about.
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