"To be a teacher in the right sense is to be a learner. I am not a teacher, only a fellow student" - Soren Kierkegaard

Chances are we have all experienced those teachers who loved learning and saw themselves as students and those teachers who believed they had nothing else to learn. Which type of teacher was most influential in your life? In my story, my best teachers were those who viewed themselves as learners. They seemed to have more passion about the subject and were open to explore different perspectives on the subject.

The teacher who believes he or she has arrived typically sees one perspective on the subject. Students can either learn the one perspective and mimic the perspective on assignments or risk failure. Teachers who are still learners welcome dialogue for their own benefit as well as the benefit of students. Why?

Those who love to teach never stop learning and are true teachers. True teachers impact the lives of students. They transmit their passion for teaching and their love for learning as much or more than the content of lessons. True teachers want students to learn and will do whatever is necessary for this this to happen. Will teachers connect with every student? No. But, we will at times find that diamond in the field. All of the preparation and continued learner is worth it when this happens.

As an "old" teacher, I know my commitment to learning will influence my effectiveness in the classroom. I often tell new new teachers that you can only give what you have. If you are apathetic about learning guess what your students will receive from you - apathy. If you ever feel that you have arrived as a teacher and no longer need to be a learner, the students will absorb the same attitude.

How can old teachers learn new tricks?

* CEUs - Strategically choose these required learning units

*A new degree - Be what we want our students to be - life-long learners

*Hang around great teachers - We pick up traits from those we "hang around"

*Learn from the masters - What makes master teachers? What can be learned from their style?

*Be open to helpful praise and criticism - Both can help to fine-tune our teaching style

*Pursue your curiosity - Topics we find interesting could prove interesting to students

Can old teachers learn new tricks? If we want to remain effective in the classroom we will. True teachers want to learn whether the topics are pedagogy, content-related, etc. In the end, Kierkegaard was right; The most effective teachers are always learners too.

Learn more about this author, Robert Grice.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Can old teachers learn new tricks??
We want to hear your view. Write now!