Teaching the Uncommon Sense Method
By:John S. Mayher
Starting the book Uncommon Sense by John S. Mayher I was trying to comprehend the difference between common sense and uncommon sense teaching. I also tried to figure out which one was more effective to use in my future classroom. The author brought forth strong points throughout the chapters. Mayher introduced mastery in being an effective teacher in a way it brings more success in a child’s mind to learn. He showed a desire for future teachers to understand that we shouldn’t be just another teacher in a student’s life; we are not to stay contented with traditional teaching skills. As leaders we are to excel and challenge the students at all times. Once a teacher believes she/he is doing enough, the capably of the student’s learning begins to be limited. Education should be taken and shared with one another and it ought to form a love for learning and greater understanding, because learning is a process in life.
Mayher’s beliefs deals with what is being taught throughout a child’s development, but also about a requirement for different styles of learning to the student while in school. I learned that uncommon sense is about handling the classroom by the pace of the students. Making them feel important but teaching them whatever has to be understood to achieve more later on. As the leaders in the class we have to benefit the students with anything that is going to help and raise each one to be a part of a better generation. Being open-minded is essential, to include the outside world in schools to seize a greater awareness of the real-life. Not every student is raised the same or have the same resources, so we cannot judge but we have to be alert to all their needs. I learned that teachers should teach in any style the student comprehends the subject more, by trying various forms. Teaching them different styles, students will work on their own consciousness as individuals. It’s not about being a pushover but about exploring learning from the students as well. We are always learning to be a part of a child’s future to teach to be remembered, for the best quantities and the most understanding subjects within the class. As future teachers we also have to learn from what our past teachers did best and take the good and throw the bad out. We have to adjust a community of understanding and communication to see a flourish student. I also learned that every class would not be the same or learn the same at the same pace. Before I thought learning, was only done in school, involving only the student’s school. I learned and reflected in how teachers are not the only leaders in a child’s lives. “…schools must be dramatically changed if they are to fulfill their educational mission in a democratic society. Teachers are the only people who have the power, commitment, the desire, and the capacity to be leaders in the process of change. But to take on such leadership roles we must substantially change our conceptions of the nature and processes of schooling.” (53) Even though our role in a student’s lives is very significant and ideal to their future, I had to disagree with Mayher with this quote in his book. We are not the only figures that have the power to impact their lives. As future teachers we have to encourage our students to explore in their interests further. Everyone is always learning and everyone in a child’s life is apart of his or her learning development. A student’s knowledge is a motivation that can be expanded in different roads and opinions to pick from. In the end road they are the ones who analysis their lives and choose the best form of learning by using their own judgment. As teacher we have to encourage them to dream big and helping them in any way possible, to see them accomplishing something new. Expanding the knowledge of each student is important. Mayher shows us the use of group work can have a great affect on their lives. A classroom has to be a space that students can interact with one another and see what other classmates have to say about what is being learned at the moment. I remember when I was younger I learned and understood more from a classmate than the teacher. By engaging students in group-projects they will learn something and stay involved with the teacher’s input, presence, and agreements. Together they will consume another way of thinking. Allowing the students to expand their way of thinking, interpreting with the class, raising their hands isn’t something that is bad however useful for the student to get their doubts answered to capture a better understanding. Mayher teaches us to not expect the right answers from the students but to work around a discussion not only lectures but a conclusion to the question. Students should be active in their learning and not just taking information that is being drilled into their brains. I remembered trying to memorize information for a test, but those exact things drilled in from a test what’s gone by the next day. I tried to forget them because the process of memorizing the knowledge was horrifying, because of the large amount information being taking in. Subjects that may be drilled in for a moment won’t always be remembered years from now. So Mayher writes about how a teacher can teach with sources they already know either inside or outside school, colliding it with other subjects. This book focuses on the English Education more than any other subject. By focusing on this one subject he focuses on all subjects. Every subject has to deal with another subject. Without reading or writing we cannot get far in education. As students now we have to read in our textbook to gain more insight in what is being taught to us. We write to show we understand the subject by handing in homework. If there is a struggle in homework, the teacher can then center their lessons on the topic or subject still not being comprehended. Everything a teacher has to do is focus on the student’s development that insures new discoveries. |