Module 1-Effective and Successful Students and Teachers

Chapter one was very informative, as it helped me understand the true roles of teachers. It also emphasized how important they are and what they are facing in today's schools. One of the concepts that was talked about, was called teachers' sense of efficacy on page 5. I could totally relate to this and believe it to be 100 percent true. Teacher's sense of efficacy is defined as "the teacher's belief that he or she can reach even difficult students to help them learn"(page 5). Basically, teachers’ especially first-time teachers, believe that they could be that inspirational teacher in the movie, Freedom Writers. Hilary Swank played the role of an inspirational teacher in a low-income, high crime area school. She influenced her students to a way, where they respected her and learned to enjoy school. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work that way. Sure, if a teacher is confident in herself and in her students, they can do anything. But like the text says, without any support from fellow teachers or administration; teachers will most likely experience burnout. Also to note that, student teaching doesn't always paint a good picture for the real world either.

For example, my friend Stephanie just was hired as a 4th grade teacher. She loved her student teaching experience, and thought she would love her current teaching job. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Since she was a new teacher, she really didn't have a clue what she was doing and needed support. But the school did not give her any support. They didn’t even have a curriculum set up for the teachers to follow. Now because of all this, she is experiencing burnout and will less likely return to this school next year. 

This is so unfortunate not only for teachers, but for students as well. Teacher-student relationships are huge for students. The text states that, "positive relationships help students with behavior problems, and are less likely to have problems later in school"(page 7). While poor teaching leads to the exact opposite.  It is important for future educators to understand that these things can happen and we have to be prepared.

In chapter 2, it talks about the sources of cognitive development. In my opinion, the concept of nurture (environmental contexts) is how people develop. I mean it is very debatable, but how could it not be? Nurture is all about education, parenting, culture, social policies, and more (page 31). As I stated above, an effective teacher has support, which leads to positive relationships with students. Students who receive an adequate education from successful and confident teachers perform better in their studies. 

For example, when I was in fourth grade, I had a math teacher who absolutely hated me for no reason. She was my older brother's math teacher a few years back and hated him too. She thought him and I was the same person, but obviously we were not. I mean we are seven years apart and I'm a female. But she sought out revenge on me in spite of my brother. Therefore, she made my life miserable. Going to her class everyday was torture. I also of course was really bad at math, and she provided no support or help. Instead she embarrassed me in front of all my classmates, when I got an answer wrong or couldn't do it. This of course affected my learning abilities and I was on the verge of failing math. I remember coming home crying everyday, until my mom called the school and demanded I'd be switched out of this horrible math class. When I switched math classes, it was night and day. I got the support I needed, and no one made fun of me. I actually passed with a B, because my teacher took the time to help me. 

Parenting style featured in chapter 3 (also a nurturing characteristic) plays a huge role in successful students in the classroom. The text states, "European-American, middle-class families, authoritative parents are more likely to do well in school, be happy, and relate to others"(page 78). I can relate to this, because while I was born here, my parents were born in Poland. My parents were authoritative parents; they enforced rules and wanted my brother and I to succeed to school. But they also cared for us and showed us affection. I think we turned out well. We both finished college and are happy with our lives. But common sense says, of course students with neglectful parents and ineffective teachers will do horrible in school. There are exceptions of course, but I absolutely think the way a student learns is all about the environment that they are raised in and their support system. 

Reading these three chapters was very informative, while also very relatable. I could see myself based on my experiences and through the reading of becoming an effective teacher. In order to be an effective teacher, I need to understand my students and where they are coming from. But also gaining the support that I need to be a good teacher.