Let’s
define experiential wisdom as the knowledge and insights gained through years
of experience. Can we reach consensus
that experiential wisdom can be both a strength and a limitation in the
teaching profession? This wisdom often
reinforces familiar practices and approaches, which can create a sense of
comfort and reliability for both teachers and students. However, it may not
always lead to the most effective or efficient outcomes.
Yes,
experiential wisdom can reinforce the familiar. Experienced teachers often rely
on tried-and-true methods that have worked well in the past. This can create a
consistent learning environment, which can be reassuring for students and help
maintain classroom
management. Over time, teachers
develop a nuanced understanding of student behavior, learning styles, and
classroom dynamics. This insight helps them anticipate and address issues,
tailoring their approach based on past experiences. Experience allows teachers to make quick,
intuitive decisions in the classroom. They can often sense when a lesson is
going off track or when students are disengaged, and they know how to
course-correct based on past experiences.
However,
there are potential limitations, especially in relation to resisting new
methods. Teachers with a wealth of
experience may be less open to experimenting with new teaching
methods or technologies that could be more effective or efficient. They
might prefer to stick with what they know works, even if it’s not the best
approach for a particular group of students or a changing educational
landscape. Experienced teachers might
default to familiar techniques that have worked in the past, even if those
techniques aren’t necessarily the most effective for all students. For example,
a teacher might rely on lecture-based instruction because it’s comfortable,
even though more interactive or student-centered approaches might yield better
learning outcomes.
Arguably,
the benefit of experiential strengths compared to limitations is grounded in
the pursuit of the balance between efficiency and effectiveness.
Experienced teachers might prioritize efficiency, which means getting through
the curriculum quickly or managing classroom time well, over effectiveness, which
might involve more time-consuming but impactful teaching practices like
personalized feedback, project-based learning, or formative assessment
approaches.
The
educational landscape is constantly evolving, with new research, tools, and
methods always emerging. Experienced teachers might find it challenging to
adapt to these changes, especially if they feel confident in their established
practices. This can lead to a gap between current research-based
best practices and what is being implemented within the classroom.
To
optimize the balance
between effectiveness and efficiency, it's crucial for experienced teachers
to remain lifelong learners. This
promotes open-mindedness towards integrating new methods with their wealth of
experiential knowledge. Professional development, collaboration with younger
colleagues, and a willingness to experiment can help balance the comfort of the
familiar with the potential benefits of innovative practices. Remaining a lifelong learner
is crucial for educators to stay current, effective, and engaged in their
profession. The following nine strategies are effective for educators to foster
continuous learning:
· Join and participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). A PLC within your school or district provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, share best practices, and discuss challenges and solutions. Join online forums, social media groups, or educational networks like Edutopia or LinkedIn. This allows collaboration with educators from around the world, thereby sharing resources, ideas, and experiences.
· Dive into reflective practices. Keep a reflective journal to document your teaching experiences, challenges, and insights. Reflecting upon your practice helps identify areas for improvement and reinforces effective learning. Regularly assess your teaching methods and student outcomes by using feedback from students, peer observations, and self-evaluations to identify your strengths and areas for growth.
· Stay informed with educational research. Subscribe to educational journals, blogs, and magazines. Reading research articles, case studies, and expert opinions helps you stay informed about the latest developments in education. Exploring books and podcasts on education facilitated by authors and expert speakers often provide in-depth analysis and practical tips that can enhance your teaching practice.
· Experiment with new teaching strategies. Try new teaching methods, such as flipped classrooms, project-based learning, or gamification. Experimentation can lead to discovering more effective ways to engage students. Explore and integrate new educational technologies in the classroom. Tools like learning management systems (LMS), educational apps, and virtual reality can enhance learning experiences.
· Pursue advanced degrees or certifications. Consider pursuing an advanced degree, such as a Graduate Program or Doctorate in Education, to deepen your expertise in a specific area of interest. Seek to obtain certifications in specialized areas like ESL, special education, or instructional technology. These credentials can expand your skill set and open new career opportunities.
· Participate in mentorship and peer collaboration. Serve as a mentor to less experienced teachers or seek out a mentor for yourself. Mentorship provides opportunities for both giving and receiving knowledge, fostering mutual growth. Minimally. Actively collaborate with colleagues on joint projects or team teaching. Working together allows you to learn from each other’s strengths and approaches.
· Attend and present at educational conferences. Regularly attend conferences to network with peers, learn from keynote speakers, and participate in hands-on workshops. Presenting your own research or educational strategies at conferences is a powerful way to operationalize your understanding (Slife, Wright, and Yanchar, 2016), gain feedback, and contribute to the broader educational community.
· Stay curious and open-minded. Maintain a curious, growth mindset. Willingly exhibit an intentionally caring, optimistic, respectful, and trusting (ICORT) mindset. Be open to exploring new ideas, subjects, and disciplines outside of your usual focus. Cross-disciplinary knowledge can enrich your teaching. Engage with diverse cultures and perspectives. Understanding different cultural contexts can improve your ability to connect with students from various backgrounds.
Besides
pursing life-long learning, educators need to maintain work-live balance and practice
self-care. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or other self-care techniques helps
to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook. A balanced life supports
effective learning and teaching. Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance is
important to avoid burnout. Lifelong
learning is most effective when it’s sustainable over the long term. To
summarize, lifelong learning, intentional
invitations, mindfulness, and work-life balance benefits the educator and
enhances the learning experiences of their students.
To Cite:
Anderson, C.J. (August 31, 2024) Effectual
teaching experience: Accentuating the positive
and mitigating the negative. Retrieved
from http://www.ucan-cja.blogspot.com/
References:
Anderson, C.
J. (2021). Developing your students' emotional intelligence and
philosophical perspective begins with
I-CORT. Journal of
Invitational Theory and Practice, 27, 36-50.
Purkey, W. W., & Novak, J. M. (2015). Fundamentals
of invitational education. (2nd Ed) International Alliance
for Invitational Education. Retrieved from: Fundamental of Invitational Education |
IAIE
Slife,
B. D., Wright, C. D., & Yanchar, S. C. (2016). Using operational definitions
in research: A best-practices approach. Journal of Mind and Behavior,
37(2), 119–139.
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