If this serves as the definition of helicopter teaching, then yes, I am a proud helicopter teacher. Equating a students inability to think on their own with their request for a clear write up of teacher expectations is ridiculous. To the contrary, providing students with a clear rubric allows them the freedom I really take off with an assignment as opposed to spending their time trying to figure out what *I* want. When they understand the guidelines that Ive asked them to work within they can move on and do absolutely anything within that structure that challenges and pleases them without having to focus on getting an A (which, with scholarships, athletic participation, funding, and whatever else on the line is something we cant expect out students not to worry about) and the work is always more successful. I worked under an instructor who took pride in not having rubrics or assignments, and the students spent all of their time trying to figure out the grading system. They were, understandably, anxious and their projects were hesitant and insincere. Also, I disagree with the backing of discussion boeards. Complaining about having to put the extra time in sounds like lazy teaching. Online discussion boards are a wonderful way for more introverted students to be able to participate in classroom discussions in a way that is more comfortable for them. Ive had a number of students (who could never form an on the spot response in class) really surprise me with insightful online comments when given the time to process their response. Not to mention the additional articles and videos they post and the depth thats added to some of the discussions. When the guy that wrote this article talked about not understanding the term learning objective (how about you read an online article? a little professional development never hurt anyone) I completely give up on him. The fact that so many college professors, experts in their field, have no training in how to teach their subject makes me crazy enough. Outright refusal to explore contemporary teaching methods and mocking teachers who are honing their craft to better meet student needs is unforgivable. Give someone who is an expert a teaching role without any training in education is like assuming that the strongest athlete naturally is going to be the best coach. Communicating a thing that is natural to you to people who may not be coming from the same place is a (wonderful) challenge and it really irks me to see educators who *talk at* their student but have no desire to *teach them*. Charles Russell, sorry my response got so long. I have a lot of feelings about teaching. I like being an artist but I *love* being a teacher. Id love to continue the conversation. Any thoughts teachers/students/friends?
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 17:03:33 +0000
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