BREAKTHROUGH EDUCATION

By Henry S. Tenedero

Change even if for the better, is always met by resistance. While your intentions
are good and you are brimming with enthusiasm. Others, learners, or parents may not
understand you at all.
In cases like this, the best thing to do is to introduce learning and teaching styles that
changes slowly and gradually. Take note too, of your student’s reaction and feelings
toward the brand new you and the new version of your lessons. Bear in mind that water
cuts by the riverbed not by the brute force but by continuously and consistently flowing
through it. Here is a guide to help teachers prepare for class after having been exposed to
the theories of multiple intelligences and learning styles.

THE SUBCONSCIOUS WISHES OF STUDENTS

Students came to class not just to learn. To them, a school is a place that opens up a
world of experiences and endless possibilities.
To make learning more special for students, each teacher must keep in mind what
students want to be treated inside the classroom.
The following are the possible needs and expectations of your students. A teacher must
be resolved to provide for each.
1. Belonging – it is important for students to feel that they belong.
2. Respect – the student should be valued for whatever difference of opinion, race,
color, or creed.
3. Appreciation – it is a basic human desire to be appreciated.
4. Safety – students should learn in a non-threatening atmosphere. This way they can
freely contribute their ideas during class discussion.
5. Success – students love to feel successful in their contribution to the school. Small
successes should duly recognized and as important as big ones.
6. Interaction – part of everyday school life is to meet new friends and build positive
relationships.

STUDENT AS AUDIENCE MEMBERS

Your students have not only different learning styles but varied personalities too. They
will, therefore react to you, as speaker or lecturer in different ways. Some may show
interest others may demonstrate indifferences or even cynicism. Don’t be disappointed if
you feel that your jokes are falling flat or if your students are unresponsive to your
efforts. You’re not ineffective it’s just a matter of knowing your audience.
The following are the basic type and possible attitudes of students as audience
members.
 1. The Jailbird more often than not has his arms crossed in front of him. He feels
obligated to be there, and would rather be elsewhere. You can draw this person
out, possibly over time. Be patient.
2. The Traveller has a generally cool mood. His mind tends to take off from any
points of personal interests. Be gentle in recalling this person’s attention to the
lesson at hand.
3. The Graduate frowns and rolls his eyes with a look of superiority. He is a deadly
serious, deadpan type. Be clear and precise. Don’t expect and don’t ask him to do
anything frivolous.
4. The Learner smiles a lot and demonstrates enthusiasm. He likes you, or the lesson,
or both. Be thankful!

When faced with something new and different, an internal struggle takes place in your
students. These are between themselves and other audience members; between
themselves and the presenter; between themselves and the lesson materials, or between
themselves and the learning environments.
You can calm and ease such tensions through light probing questions such as “Is there
any word or phrase that’s not clear? Can you hear me over there at the back?” the
possible tension easing questions and remarks are endless. You may address them to the
class in general, to one particular student in front of the class, or to a student on a one-on-
one basis.

BUILDING UP YOURSELF IMAGE

Your over-all impact boils down to how well you present the “new you” to your
students. To make them feel your sincerity and to encourage them to give learning and
teaching styles a try the following “I” exercises to psyche yourself up.

I Know – I have reviewed my lesson plan for today. I know what technique I will try out,
and I know how to go about it.
I Believe – What and how I am going to teach the lesson is both important for the welfare
of my students.
I Can – I have the knowledge. I have the skills. If I make a mistake, I can sorry and try
again.

Learning and teaching can be tiring too. Stress can hit you or your students act at any
time during the school day. When you feel it creeping up on you, or when you sense it
creeping up on your students, take a break. Recharge yourself and your class with
“energizers” such as deep breathing, yawning, pausing, and visualization.