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Critique

Decent Essays

Critique of “The Importance of the Person in the Role of Teacher” Quality relationships between students and teachers are foundational to an effective learning environment. David Hansen, author to “The Importance of the Person in the Role of Teacher” shares his observations of three teachers that have established good relationships with their students. The relationship between these teachers and their students is strong and genuine, so that these teachers have a positive influence in their students’ lives. That is the essential question that Hansen seeks to provide the answer. The question being “how can teachers have a positive influence on their students’ behavior and learning?” Hansen’s answer to the question is to have a person committed …show more content…

Hansen seems to suggest that a committed instructor through consistent care, attentiveness, and trust will have all students participating, willingly. Examples of unmotivated students becoming motivated learners through the sense of trust and community facilitated by the teacher would strengthen the article. I agree a committed teacher can build strong relationships and form a community of learners in their classroom; but I wonder about ways to reach unmotivated students. Even though, unmotivated students are not explicitly addressed in the article, I found the work of the teachers and Hansen’s observations to be …show more content…

In my practice, I prioritize treating my students with respect. I believe that respect is the foundation which grounds the sense of community in my class. Respect also begets the trust that is essential to engage students in their learning. Viewing students as “persons-in-the-making,” allows to approach student learning holistically. Ms. Smith, in an interview with Hansen, states “learning subject matter involves learning how to conduct oneself confidently and wisely” (Hansen, 1998, p.401). This statement rings true to me, as I agree, student learning is not reserved to subject content only but encompasses the student’s sense of self and capability. Guiding the student to develop their sense of self and their academic knowledge enables the student to participate in class discussion with

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