Attributional Tendencies

05/01/2018; TESOL 103-LESSON 2.

Is the Great American Teacher Dead?

“In this article, I attempt to provide ways in which the great American teacher can be resurrected through the use of meaningfulness, metacognition, Transformative Education, cultural introspection, cross-cultural exploration, brain research, Invitational Education, and the study of human universals extant in all cultures.” Says John J. Ivers before start with the article.

One thing that called my attention is when he says that he wants to provide ways that the great American teacher can be resurrected. The word “resurrected” was the first word that make me ponder about this article. Resurrect the great American teacher, so this maybe can answer the title of this article, Is the Great American Teacher Dead?

Here are the ten most important elements in good teaching. (All the is in parenthesis are my own comments).

1.Positive teacher-student relationship (bring a supportive, inviting environment will help to develop the relationship, also the teacher needs to have the real intention to know the students background, etc.).

2.A good “delivery”

3.Edifies rather than damages a student’s self-concept.

4.Clarity [through the use of many examples and Stories]. (Clarity is the way to the students feel that can learn in the classroom with the teacher. Using examples and stories are perfect to make to the students to understand the theme).

5.Encourages deep and critical thinking.

6.Variety instead of monotony [Do not forget the Ten- Minute Rule]. (Variety, powerful word. It would make the class looks unique and the students would be exciting to be there).

7.Grading and workload is generally perceived to be fair.

8.Enthusiasm and zest for the topic.

9.Meaningful to real world problems

10. Potentially transforms one’s world view from one of uncritical acceptance of cultural dictates to one of deep, reflective, and compassionate thinking

Knowing these ten important element, Are the teacher going to apply this knowledge? Using it, is the great American teacher can be resurrected?

We talked a little about the teacher, but is something else with relationship here and are, students and parents.

“In the U.S., almost one in five college students is seriously considering suicide.”

“Mario Martinez (2007), an expert in culture and health, has suggested that causing people to feel shame increases the production in their bodies of proinflammatory elements that lead to heart disease and strokes in the long run.”

John J. Ivers said: When teachers interact with students, their actions should embody the immortal words of Mark Twain when he said, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

Invitational Education attempts to create inviting, and therefore ideal, learning environments by emphasizing optimism, trust, caring, intentionality, and respect.

If teachers, students and parents apply the optimism, trust, caring and respect; this can be totally different.

I enjoyed reading this article and also, I learned a lot and I have too much to apply to be a good teacher too.