After I graduated high school I went to a vocational college. I was working
toward my Associate’s in Paralegal. I would have to say that my example of
both poor teacher behavior and excellent teacher behavior came from the same
professor. I would typically go to class in the morning, then to my afternoon
job, and then to my night job. I was admittedly late to his class or dozed off in
class quite often. However, when called on to ask a question or for activities I
did participate. I completed all my assignments. One day I had forgotten my
homework at home. He got really angry with me and yelled at me in front of
the class, and said that I probably hadn’t even done it. It turned out a lot of
the class also hadn’t done it or brought it, so he designated some class time
for people to finish it. I was so frustrated at this point I walked out of class
that day. The following week he pulled me aside to apologize. He also stated
that he had heard from someone that I worked two jobs and often until late,
and I confirmed. He said he understood now why I was often late and/or tired.
He told me that my work was often top of the class, and that from now on as
long as I checked in with him during the same day as we had class and turned
my work in, he would count me as attending.
I did not have the words for how this affected my life in so many ways. I still
tried my best to get to class and on time, but some days I just couldn’t wake
up. I would check in with him during his office hours, turn in my work, and we
would chat for a bit. This was during a time in my life where I did not, and
had not had many positive adult role models in my life. He showed me more
grace than anyone had in a very long time. It motivated me to work even
harder in his class, and I was fortunate to have him for a couple other classes
later on. This changed my perspective on continuing college education in a lot
of ways, too. I had people that wanted to understand me and see me succeed,
and recognized my strengths but also helped me work on my weaknesses. He
ended up being not only my teacher, but a mentor and unforgettable role model
in my life.
This professor was an amazing example of the first principle in effective
teaching. The first principle is “Encourage Student-Faculty Contact” (Bernstein et
al., 2020). This principle describes that frequent and meaningful contact with
students can help their school engagement both academically and emotionally
(Bernstein, 2020). When students know that their teachers care, they are more
likely to be persistent in their work, even when it is difficult (Bernstein, 2020).
This connection increases the chances that students will perform well and stay
in and continue school (Bernstein, 2020). The principle that could have been
improved on was “Communicate High Expectations” (Bernstein, 2020). Yes, I
needed to show responsibility by coming to class on time, awake and prepared.
I also needed to have my work completed and brought to school each time.
However, yelling at one student in front of class and then yelling at the whole
class was not the way to bring the class back to performing well and
maintaining high standards. The expectations were communicated, but not in a
way that was perceived well by most. However, he addressed the behavior in
the next class, apologized, and repaired the relationship with his students.
Have you ever had an experience where a teacher became a pivotal mentor for
you as well? e
References
Bernstein, D. A., Frantz, S., & Chew, S. (2020). Teaching psychology: A step by
step guide (Third edition.). Routledge.
