Vision and Reality

The overall goal of a teacher should be the development of the whole child into someone who learns not just the material presented in their class but who understands how to learn and gains a desire for further knowledge and understanding. Within the realm of social studies education, the purpose should be to develop culturally literate students who understand both their own backgrounds and where others are coming from. These students should become citizens who understand and participate in the cultural, political, and social world to which they belong. In an ideal classroom, students want to excel because they are motivated and interested in the subject because of the example set by their teacher. Through the asking of questions and learning how to think through what they are being taught, students should be able to develop their own knowledgeable opinions through analyzing and synthesizing the facts that they have been presented.

Although the above vision statement sounds very nice in theory, it is a rare classroom that is full of students who want to learn about everything being taught and are enthusiastic and motivated even most of the time. Teachers should never hesitate to take any and every opportunity to remind students of the benefits of what they are learning. For the government and economics classes I am teaching this semester, real life examples are not too difficult to come by. Everyday in the news, real life applications of what we go over in class can be seen. However, some students will not be drawn in simply by news stories. The teacher needs to be very explicit when explaining how learning about government or the workings of economics can better a student's life. Much of this can be pretty easy to demonstrate its importance, from learning about the electoral process or how to balance a checkbook.
What about for those subjects that are not as immediately applicable where a proficiency in the material will perhaps only bring benefits years down the road and not in obvious ways? Many other branches of social studies are like this, especially history. It is ok for a teacher to not try to convince a student of the immediate benefits of learning history. If possible, perhaps simple curiosity or interest in the story unfolding will gain a students attention. When curiosity or desire for good grades is not enough; however, a personal relationship with a teacher they know cares for them may be the best way to motivate a student and encourage them to do the work that is needed for them to become well versed in social studies and knowledgable about how to interpret the world around them. From personal experience, I know that I am much more inclinded to work hard for a teacher who has taken the time to get to know me, what my interests and goals are, than a teacher who hardly knows my name or seems to arbitrarily assign work to be done.

This I Believe...

I believe that a positive attitude is crucial, not only for success, but to enjoy the process as well. A positive attitude can extend to belief in oneself and the people around you. While it is important to have confidence in your own abilities, expecting others to get the job done and excel in their own endeavors is equally important.

A positive attitude is not limited to trusting in my own abilities or the abilities of others to get something done. It is also means embracing the challenges before me as opportunities and chances to get things done that I otherwise would not have attempted or accomplished. By approaching a new task with a positive attitude, the process itself becomes more pleasant. To be sure, there are times when there is hard work to be done and these times may call for digging down deep within to find a way to face the drudgery with a smile or a spirit that accepts and focuses on the task at hand. The attitude does not have to be bubbly or overly optimistic. Resolute and confident will get much more accomplished than bubbly or optimistic. Once a goal or job is undertaken, once the hand is at the plow, it is no longer time to look back or complain about work before us. An interesting thing about attitudes, whether positive or negative is that they are contagious; however, only one will help yourself and others to finish what is before them.

Faith in others is often more difficult than faith in ourselves, yet it is equally necessary when working to achieve a goal- building a house or teaching math. Absolutely everyone is capable of a great deal when properly motivated both from within and without. When a struggling student or an unmotivated employee comprehends that you really believe they can do what you are asking them to do (even if it is tough to actually believe), this can greatly affect the way they view themselves and you.

I believe that everyone is capable of much more than they are willing to admit; however, when you embrace a positive attitude, whether or not you can do something does not enter your mind. Setting yourself at a task and not fearing the difficulties ahead will lead you to more than you dared hope to do.