Respect the Learner

Shane Hawke

I believe teaching is the preparation to learning, and learning is

the preparation for life. Everything we learn makes us who we are, and
indicates what we will do in the future. It is important that we learn the
right skills and habits early so that when life hits us we are ready.
Teaching will occur when both the learner and the teacher direct
learning. The learner brings forth the method of teaching required and
the teacher provides the material that needs to be taught. These two
come together to collaborate and allows students to prepare each
other for things to come. This requires cooperation and understanding.
The teacher must understand the needs of the learner and the learner
must understand the purpose of the teacher.
This comes from knowledge and the teachers own learning in
order for them to prepare for the learner in question. As the teacher
and the learner find respect for one another, they can cooperate in the
learning process. Once cooperation is achieved the preparation
becomes fun and engaging; this allows more learning and development
to occur. I believe the true nature of teaching is when the teacher is
also a learner and the learner is also a teacher and they strive together
to reach a goal in order to attempt at a larger goal. The world needs
innovative, hard working, creative, and respectful members of society.
This all starts with what each of us have learned and how we were
taught. When teaching and learning is reflected upon, the value of that
preparation becomes clearly apparent. When there is a relationship of
trust, the learner needs only to know that the teacher feels the
preparation is important; therefore it is important. This trust is gained
by respect and acknowledgement that each learner is unique and
cared for. By being aware the teacher shows respect and support for
each and every learner.