Fostering a Community of Learners

The responsibility of a teacher goes beyond just relaying an academic subject matter to students. According to the book Subjects Matter by Harvey Daniels and Steven Zemelman it is about creating a "community of learners". Students must feel somehow connected to their teacher, fellow classmates and the subject which they are learning. Modern day education is not just about rote memorization, but rather focused on being able to work cooperatively with others and have a more focused understanding of a subject matter. The authors cite research which varifies that providing "social support" is the best way to do this (167).

Many of the pieces of advice which the book pointed out are things which my high school teacher, Mr. O'Malley took to heart. As suggested in the reading, he listened to what his students had to say, valued their opinions, and also took time to share pieces of his own life with us. In doing this he was not only an authority figure, but someone who we felt we knew and respected as a person. I did not enjoy studying Spanish as a high school student. The majority of my teachers did not discuss Spanish beyond just the language itself. It was not until I began college and began traveling that my interest began. I think it is important that I share this with my students so that they understand my struggles. I also want them to be able to approach a Spanish class from various different angles, and not just see it as a one dimensional class consisting only of grammar and vocabulary. I think fostering this type of exchage with students will help to foster the "community of learners" model.

In addition, Subjects Matter speaks about "connecting learning with students lives and and the larger issues around them" (169). This is also very true in a cultural sense. I know that as a Spanish teacher I will have the opportunity to discuss culture. As an Anthropology major, I am looking most forward to this aspect of teaching. I would like students to be able to experience latin culture in some sort of authentic way, by a guest speaker, visit to a foreign country, interaction with exchange students, or some other way. I hope that through this students will also have the opportunity to examine their own culture. This will help them to better understand where we differ and also in what ways we are alike.