Comments on MikeArsenault.net Blog: Who Is The Best Teacher You Ever Had? Why?

I think it's good that young teachers won'...

2010-03-06T15:06:32.292-05:00

I think it's good that young teachers won't rely on technology. I'm a first-year teacher myself and I do use technology at times, but I've seen teachers that think the use of technology can make up for lackluster teaching. No matter how many great things are out there, they have to be used the right way to be effective.

My favorite teacher ever was VERY old-school, but I'm not just like him as a teacher. I can't be. However, the things that I appreciated most about him, I try to emulate.

I did have other teachers that used technology, though. And not even the latest and greatest- basic computer programming (we used Q-Basic, which was ancient even then) is a great way to teach critical thinking and logic. The teacher I student taught with would plan virtual expeditions around the world with the students.

Just because my favorite teacher didn't especially use technology doesn't mean that I won't. I think your students' responses only indicate that technology does not make a good teacher.

I think the future teachers will carry us over jus...

2010-03-02T16:51:41.068-05:00

I think the future teachers will carry us over just fine... if they have the right support.
It seems there is a difficult relationship regarding technology in the educational world. They tell us to use it, but can't fund it. They tell us to show it, but block the websites.
It will be interesting to watch it all unfold in the coming years.

Paul, I see your point and agree on some pieces a...

2010-03-02T14:27:36.565-05:00

Paul,

I see your point and agree on some pieces and disagree a bit too. I agree that you can not be someone else. If I tried to teach like one of my former great teachers I would fail miserably - I'm not him. However, if I take the bits and pieces from what I really admire from the best teachers I had and personalize it with my own skills I will do very well.

I don't think your analogy is completely true in this case. You can't give someone directions of how to care or be demanding for the same reasons I mentioned above. Each person needs to embody good teaching characteristics and find a way to make it their own. Otherwise, they become the mean or nosy teacher you referenced. The fine nuances are where you're bound to fail if you are not genuine (not yourself).

Thanks for the comment.

They can tell you about their favorite teacher, bu...

2010-03-02T14:11:07.160-05:00

They can tell you about their favorite teacher, but can't be like their favorite teacher. They don't know how their favorite teacher did those things..got to those places. I know that sounds silly but think about it...
Why is one teacher mean, and another demanding?
One teacher is nosy and another is caring?
We need to spend more time with pre-service teachers talking about how to get to be great, not what to do to be considered great. Kind of like telling people a great vacation spot but not giving them directions to get there.
What do you think?