Above is a link to a lovely presentation from a presenter and educator I have used in various classes before, the late Rita Pierson.
Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like". A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.
This is a mantra I have always tried to follow in my own teaching and learning philosophy and was something I was commended for in my own Post Graduate assessments at University which pleased me. Learners need to feel a sense of connection and trust with their lecturers. And crucially, in my opinion, have a voice that is allowed to be heard. That is one of the areas of your group's learning which I feel is getting better and better all the time, which of course helps develop confidence.
Now, I feel that I must make a small disclaimer here. This is the second talk I have placed on our blog and sadly both amazing communicators and teachers have now passed away. This isn't a theme I am following, it is merely tragic coincidence.
I feel her obituary tells us a great deal about her amazing life.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=165784768
I look forward to your comments on her talk. The tone is different from Randy Pausch, the delivery is different, but the sentiments and points made draw similar parallels.
What did you like / dislike about Rita’s presentation style?
All the best,
Mark
Wow! Rita was a passionate educator indeed. Teaching was her vocation and it seems she learnt from the best, her mum. She is clear, audible,eloquent,well informed(good quotes). She uses her hands to express herself which I thought showed her passion for education and what it resembles in our lives or should. She gives life lessons eg "its ok to apologise, understand to be understood". What i noticed and liked about Rita and Randy Pausch was they spoke to the past, present and future person. Which is awesome as it helps you look back to your childhood and dissect it to find out what went wrong or right, move on to your present and future and hopefully do the same. No negatives from me. Thanks Mark for this.
ReplyDeleteFantastic critique Simbi, very nicely crafted and thoughtful words indeed. Yes, I agree with your comments wholeheartedly and I’m certain that all her students learned a great deal from her positive teaching style. We should always remember the import of creativity, choice and having fun when we learn. That’s permissible too of course! Thank you again and I look forward to more comments on this presentation and the Randy Pausch thread. All the best, Mark
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