First of all, please let me apologize for using the front cover of the famous Leo Tolstoy' novel. However, the catching title has gotten my attention as the dilemma of war and peace has ever existed across times and cultures. While Tolstoy's novel story happened during the first world war, we teachers live different scenarios between happiness and sorrow, or war and peace in our daily life classrooms. Every day, a teacher I have to decide where my negotiating point will go. For that, there are many factors I need to consider and assess before emitting a judgment that may impact my students in one way or another, whom at the end of the day may say "the class with Mr/Mrs. Was fun"!
While many educators may not agree with the following statement, I could affirm that every teacher at some point would have thought to have and count with the approval of the students. It is an inner desire of acceptance and "peace" treaty linked to classroom management, student achievement, and student's happiness. Whom's teacher would deny that his/her class would be among the favorite of their students?
While it is an ideal scenario, reality confirms that not always "happy students" will be surrounding you and supporting what you do. First, modern values in our young generations define different criteria students decide if your classroom is enjoyable or not. For instance, about seventeen years ago, I walk into my new music appreciation class with a videotape of "The sound of music." To my surprise, only a handful of students were interested in this beautiful film. That day, I did not enjoy the class, on the contrary, I had several classroom management issues including sending a student to the principal's office. I quickly learned that teachers must also be negotiators. So, here is where I try to find a balance between what my students see as valuable and what is valuable for them. In most cases, they miss the real values that Christian education can offer. During this process, I have carefully measured what the decisions I am willing to take or not to keep my students "on my side are."
As professionals, it is unethical to compromise academic standards, Bible principles, and moral values to keep our students happy. On the other hand, teachers must make an effort to provide the students with experiences and support that help them to be successful in life while enjoying their secondary school years. It is a balance line that teachers must keep and somethings this line has to be delimited for good reasons that surely students will not understand at the moment. My final thought is, while is fair to pursue memorable experiences for the students, it is always under the premise that no Biblical, moral or academic achievement will be compromised. Teachers are to make of their classes, memorable experiences that value today and last for the rest of the student's life.
David Nino
While many educators may not agree with the following statement, I could affirm that every teacher at some point would have thought to have and count with the approval of the students. It is an inner desire of acceptance and "peace" treaty linked to classroom management, student achievement, and student's happiness. Whom's teacher would deny that his/her class would be among the favorite of their students?
While it is an ideal scenario, reality confirms that not always "happy students" will be surrounding you and supporting what you do. First, modern values in our young generations define different criteria students decide if your classroom is enjoyable or not. For instance, about seventeen years ago, I walk into my new music appreciation class with a videotape of "The sound of music." To my surprise, only a handful of students were interested in this beautiful film. That day, I did not enjoy the class, on the contrary, I had several classroom management issues including sending a student to the principal's office. I quickly learned that teachers must also be negotiators. So, here is where I try to find a balance between what my students see as valuable and what is valuable for them. In most cases, they miss the real values that Christian education can offer. During this process, I have carefully measured what the decisions I am willing to take or not to keep my students "on my side are."
As professionals, it is unethical to compromise academic standards, Bible principles, and moral values to keep our students happy. On the other hand, teachers must make an effort to provide the students with experiences and support that help them to be successful in life while enjoying their secondary school years. It is a balance line that teachers must keep and somethings this line has to be delimited for good reasons that surely students will not understand at the moment. My final thought is, while is fair to pursue memorable experiences for the students, it is always under the premise that no Biblical, moral or academic achievement will be compromised. Teachers are to make of their classes, memorable experiences that value today and last for the rest of the student's life.
David Nino