Inspiring the Students of the Future: What Really Works

Introduction

• Presenter: Tanya Cushman
• Topic: Inspiring students through effective teaching techniques and relationships
• Audience: People who work with students (14-18 years old)

Key Elements of Inspiration in Teaching

• Two Essential Elements: Research-based techniques and relationships

Traditional vs. Modern Teaching Techniques

Teacher-Centered Classroom (Traditional)

• Teacher as the authority
• Students in rows, not allowed to talk
• Focus on information download and regurgitation

Student-Centered Classroom (Modern)

• Five Cs approach:
  • Choice: Multiple learning activities to suit diverse learning styles
  • Collaboration: Teamwork in learning
  • Communication: Essential for collaboration
  • Critical Thinking: Problem-solving and analysis
  • Creativity: Unique, pleasurable human activity

Implementation

Importance of Student Choice

• Inspired by students' love for choices in the cafeteria
• Created a learning menu with various activities
• Students can choose activities based on personal learning styles

Classroom Activities Examples

• Computer Tutorials: Self-paced, interactive, replacing traditional lectures
• Website Activities: Online exercises
• Videos: Accompanied by questions
• Laboratory Activities: Hands-on experiences
• Educational Games: Teaching biological concepts
• Simulations: Hands-on, minds-on learning
• Reflection Sheets: Encourage self-evaluation and connection to new knowledge
• Arts and Entertainment: Creative, non-traditional project presentations
  • E.g., Gumdrop models of chlorophyll, genetic inheritance skits

Impact on Teaching

Transition from 'Sage on the Stage' to 'Guide on the Side'

• Teachers mentor, coach, and nurture students
• Opportunities for small group interactions and one-on-one mentoring
• Utilizes the teacher's passion for the subject and genuine love for the students

Inspirational Quotes and Influences

• Plutarch: "The mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting."
• Albert Einstein: "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."
• Influential Figures: Montessori, Piaget, Dr. Sam Postlewait, Tom Watts, Steve Randak, elementary and special ed teachers

Love in Teaching

Teacher's Passion

• Passion for a subject inspires students (e.g., reading "Tom Sawyer")
• Freedom to inspire without strict standardized testing

Genuine Love for Students

• Agape love: Self-sacrificial, putting students first
• Emotional and decisional love
• Motivates and inspires students

Final Thoughts

• Sixth C: Caring
• Importance of personal connections and genuine interest in students' lives
• Building a classroom environment where students feel valued and motivated
• Quote: "The greatest of these is love."

Conclusion

• Effective teaching combines student choice, the five Cs, passion for the subject, and genuine caring for students' well-being
• Main takeaway: Relationships and modern teaching techniques are key to inspiring the students of the future