Early in my Master’s program, I remember one of the experienced teachers (a wise, wise man) say that one of the big difference between novice and experienced teachers is that novices think a lot about themselves in the classroom: how they are doing, what techniques they are using, etc, and experienced teachers think about the students and what they need.
I am getting pretty good about thinking about my students (being a parent has really helped me there) but I tend to transfer my feelings about life, learning, and success to my students. I think my previous post is an example of that. Who says my students want to do learn and do a good job just for the sake of understanding the joy and beauty of chemistry? Second chances, and all revisions, are a lot of work, and that is one thing they really don’t want more of.
I do think I am still too self-centered in the classroom. This is one thing that my students don’t see directly, but affects how I plan and my expectations for their reactions.
I should think of someone I know who thought that high school was okay, and that chemistry is okay, and try to plan for them.
